TIDMESCH
RNS Number : 2800E
Exeter Acquisition Limited
08 February 2018
Part I
Not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in
part, directly or indirectly, in, into or from any jurisdiction
where to do so would constitute a violation of the relevant laws or
regulations of such jurisdiction.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8 FEBRUARY 2018
This announcement contains inside information
Recommended Cash Offer for
Escher Group Holdings plc ("Escher") by
Exeter Acquisition Limited ("Hanover BidCo")
(an investment vehicle ultimately wholly-owned by Hanover Active
Equity Fund LP)
Summary
-- The Boards of Hanover BidCo and Escher are pleased to
announce that they have reached agreement on the terms of a
recommended cash offer to be made by Hanover BidCo for the entire
issued and to be issued share capital of Escher. Hanover BidCo is
an investment vehicle ultimately wholly-owned by Hanover Active
Equity Fund LP. As at the date of this announcement Hanover
ShareholderCo owns 4,803,114 Escher Shares, representing 25.53 per
cent. of the Issued Share Capital of Escher.
-- Under the terms of the Offer, each Escher Shareholder will be
entitled to receive 185 pence in cash per Escher Share.
-- The Offer values the entire issued share capital of Escher at
approximately GBP34.80 million and GBP35.32 million on a fully
diluted basis (assuming that all rights in respect of the
in-the-money options under the Escher Share Scheme are exercised on
the basis set out in this announcement) and represents:
- a premium of 32.14 per cent. over the closing middle market
price of 140 pence per Escher Share on 12 December 2017, being the
Business Day prior to Hanover BidCo's approach to the Escher
Directors regarding the Offer; and
- a premium of 23.33 per cent. over the closing middle market
price of 150 pence per Escher Share on 7 February 2018, being the
Business Day prior to the release of this announcement.
-- The Offer is conditional upon, amongst other things, Hanover
BidCo receiving valid acceptances (which have not been withdrawn)
in respect of and/or having otherwise acquired or agreed to acquire
Escher Shares which constitute more than 50 per cent. of the voting
rights attached to the Escher Shares.
-- The Escher Directors, who have been so advised by Panmure
Gordon, consider the terms of the Offer to be fair and reasonable.
In providing its advice to the Escher Directors, Panmure Gordon has
taken into account the commercial assessments of the Escher Board.
Panmure Gordon is providing independent financial advice to the
Escher Directors for the purposes of Rule 3 of the Irish Takeover
Rules.
-- Accordingly, the Escher Directors intend to unanimously
recommend that the Escher Shareholders accept the Offer.
-- Hanover BidCo has received irrevocable undertakings to accept
or procure acceptance of the Offer from those Escher Directors who
hold Escher Shares, in respect of a total of 1,790,320 Escher
Shares, representing approximately 9.52 per cent. of the Issued
Share Capital of Escher.
-- In addition, Hanover BidCo has received irrevocable
undertakings to accept or procure acceptance of the Offer from
certain Escher Shareholders, in respect of a total of 1,943,669
Escher Shares representing approximately 10.33 per cent. of the
Issued Share Capital of Escher.
-- Furthermore, Hanover ShareholderCo has signed an irrevocable
undertaking to accept or procure acceptance of the Offer in respect
of its holding of 4,803,114 Escher Shares, representing 25.53 per
cent. of the Issued Share Capital of Escher.
-- In aggregate, Hanover BidCo has received irrevocable
undertakings in respect of a total of 8,537,103 Escher Shares,
representing approximately 45.38 per cent. of the Issued Share
Capital of Escher.
Commenting on the Offer, Matthew Peacock, founding partner of
Hanover Investors and a director of Hanover BidCo said:
"We are delighted to be announcing this recommended cash offer
for Escher. Our proposal provides Escher Shareholders with an
opportunity to realise a significant premium over the value of
their shares prior to Hanover's interest in the business, and will
allow Escher to grow outside of the constraints of the public
market"
Commenting on the Offer Nick Winks, Chairman of Escher,
commented:
"This cash offer with its substantial premium is a good outcome
for our shareholders - given the uncertainty inherent in our
customers' spending patterns and traditional one-off licence based
business model, as well as the need to invest further in the
business. The board is unanimous in recommending this offer as good
for shareholders and employees"
Commenting on the Offer Liam Church, CEO of Escher,
commented:
"The acquisition is being made by a strategic shareholder who
has got to know the business over almost a year. Hanover has stated
that they intend to continue to invest in Escher, particularly in
its Riposte(R) platform, so that the group remains a market
leading, global software business, with best in class
technology.
"We have made substantial progress since the restructuring we
began in 2016. The business now has a platform for sustainable
growth as a private company. The management team, backed by
Hanover, will be able to focus solely on growing the business,
providing greater stability and significant opportunities for our
employees."
This summary should be read in conjunction with the full text of
the following announcement including the Appendices. The Conditions
and certain further terms of the Offer are set out in Appendix I to
this announcement. Appendix II contains bases and sources of
certain information contained within this announcement. Appendix
III contains details of the irrevocable undertakings given to
Hanover BidCo. Appendix IV contains the definitions of certain
terms used in this announcement.
This announcement is being made pursuant to Rule 2.5 of the
Irish Takeover Rules.
Enquiries:
Hanover Active Equity Fund LP
Matthew Peacock Tel: +44 (0) 20 7766 8400
Tom Russell
Fred Lundqvist
N+1 Singer (Financial adviser to Hanover BidCo)
Mark Taylor Tel: +44 (0) 20 7496 3000
Lauren Kettle
Escher Group Holdings plc
Liam Church Tel: +353 (0) 1 254 5400
Nick Winks
Clem Garvey
Panmure Gordon (Financial adviser, Rule 3 adviser, nominated
adviser and broker to Escher)
Andrew Godber/Alina Vaskina/Karri Tel: +44 (0) 20 7886 2500
Vuori/ Ryan McCarthy (Corporate
Finance)
Erik Anderson (Corporate
Broking)
Instinctif Partners (PR adviser to Escher)
Adrian Duffield Tel: +44 (0) 20 7457 2020
Chris Birt
Responsibility statement
The Hanover BidCo Directors and the Hanover HoldCo Directors
accept responsibility for the information contained in this
Announcement relating to Hanover BidCo, the Hanover BidCo Group and
the Hanover BidCo Directors and members of their immediate
families, related trusts and persons connected with them. To the
best of the knowledge and belief of the Hanover BidCo Directors and
the Hanover HoldCo Directors (who have taken all reasonable care to
ensure such is the case), the information contained in this
Announcement for which they accept responsibility is in accordance
with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the
import of such information.
The Escher Directors accept responsibility for the information
contained in this Announcement relating to Escher, the Escher Group
and the Escher Directors and members of their immediate families,
related trusts and persons connected with them. To the best of the
knowledge and belief of the Escher Directors (who have taken all
reasonable care to ensure such is the case), the information
contained in this Announcement for which they accept responsibility
is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely
to affect the import of such information.
Further information
This announcement is not intended to and does not constitute, or
form part of, any offer to sell or subscribe for or an invitation
to purchase or subscribe for any securities or the solicitation of
any vote or approval in any jurisdiction pursuant to the Offer or
otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of
securities of Escher in any jurisdiction in contravention of
applicable law. This announcement does not constitute a prospectus
or equivalent document.
Any acceptance or other response to the Offer should only be
made on the basis of the information contained in the Offer
Document (which will contain the full terms and conditions of the
Offer) and the Form of Acceptance. Escher Shareholders are advised
to read the formal documentation in relation to the Offer carefully
once it has been dispatched.
Please be aware that addresses, electronic addresses and certain
other information provided by Escher Shareholders, persons with
information rights and other relevant persons in connection with
the receipt of communications from Escher may be provided to
Hanover BidCo during the Offer Period as required under Section 3
of Appendix 1 of the Irish Takeover Rules.
N+1 Singer, which is authorised and regulated in the United
Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority, is acting exclusively
as financial adviser to Hanover BidCo and no-one else in connection
with the Offer and will not be responsible to anyone other than
Hanover BidCo for providing the protections afforded to clients of
N+1 Singer, nor for providing advice in relation to the Offer or
any matters referred to in this announcement.
Panmure Gordon, which is authorised and regulated in the United
Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority, is acting exclusively
as financial adviser to Escher and no-one else in connection with
the Offer and will not be responsible to anyone other than Escher
for providing the protections afforded to clients of Panmure
Gordon, nor for providing advice in relation to the Offer or any
matters referred to in this announcement.
Overseas jurisdictions
The availability of the Offer in, and the release, publication
or distribution of this announcement in or into, jurisdictions
other than Ireland may be restricted by law. Therefore persons into
whose possession this announcement comes who are not resident in
Ireland should inform themselves about, and observe, any applicable
restrictions. Escher Shareholders who are in any doubt regarding
such matters should consult an appropriate independent adviser in
the relevant jurisdiction without delay. Any failure to comply with
such restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws
of any such jurisdiction.
This announcement has been prepared for the purposes of
complying with Irish law and the Irish Takeover Rules and the
information disclosed may not be the same as that which would have
been disclosed if this announcement had been prepared in accordance
with the laws of jurisdictions outside Ireland.
US shareholders
The Offer will be for the securities of a corporation organised
under the laws of Ireland and is subject to the procedure and
disclosure requirements of the United Kingdom and Ireland, which
are different from those of the United States. The Offer will be
made in the United States pursuant to the applicable provisions of
Section 14(e) of, and Regulation 14E under, the US Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), and otherwise in
accordance with the requirements of the Irish Takeover Rules.
Accordingly, the Offer will be subject to disclosure and other
procedural requirements, including with respect to withdrawal
rights, the offer timetable, settlement procedures and timing of
payments that are different from those applicable under US domestic
tender offer procedures and laws. Neither the US Securities and
Exchange Commission nor any US state securities commission has
approved or disapproved the Offer or passed upon the adequacy or
completeness of this announcement. It may be difficult for US
holders of Escher Shares to enforce their rights under any claim
arising out of the US federal securities laws, since Hanover BidCo
and Escher are located outside of the United States, and their
officers and directors are resident outside of the United
States.
The receipt of cash pursuant to the Offer by a US holder of
Escher Shares may be a taxable transaction for US federal income
tax purposes and under applicable US state and local, as well as
foreign and other, tax laws. Each US shareholder of Escher is urged
to consult with his, her or its independent professional adviser
regarding any acceptance of the Offer including, without
limitation, to consider the tax consequences associated with such
holder's acceptance of the Offer.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, in accordance with,
and to the extent permitted by, the Irish Takeover Rules and normal
market practice in Ireland and the UK and Rule 14e-5 under the
Exchange Act, Hanover BidCo or its nominees or brokers (acting as
agents) or their respective affiliates may from time to time make
certain purchases of, or arrangements to purchase, Escher Shares
outside the United States, other than pursuant to the Offer, before
or during the period in which the Offer remains open for
acceptance. These purchases may occur either in the open market at
prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices.
Such purchases, or arrangements to purchase, will comply with all
applicable UK and Irish laws and regulations, including the Irish
Takeover Rules, the AIM Rules, and Rule 14e-5 under the Exchange
Act to the extent applicable. Any information about any such
purchases will be disclosed in accordance with applicable UK and
Irish laws and regulations, on the Regulatory News Service on the
London Stock Exchange website, www.londonstockexchange.com. To the
extent that such information is made public in the United Kingdom
and Ireland, this information will also be publicly disclosed in
the United States.
Disclosure requirements
Under Rule 8.3(a) of the Irish Takeover Rules, any person who
is, or becomes, interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant
securities of the offeree company during an offer period must make
a Dealing Disclosure if the person deals in any relevant securities
of the offeree company. A Dealing Disclosure must contain details
of the dealing concerned and of the person's interests and short
positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities
of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) the offeror company
save to the extent that these details have previously been
disclosed under Rule 8. A Dealing Disclosure by a person to whom
Rule 8.3(a) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 pm (London
time) on the business day following the date of the relevant
dealing.
If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or
understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire or control an
interest in relevant securities of an offeree company or a
securities exchange offeror, they will be deemed to be a single
person for the purposes of Rule 8.3.
Details of the offeree and offeror companies in respect of whose
relevant securities Dealing Disclosures must be made can be found
in the Disclosure Table on the Irish Takeover Panel's website at
www.irishtakeoverpanel.ie, including details of the number of
relevant securities in issue, when the Offer Period commenced and
when any offeror was first identified. You should contact the Irish
Takeover Panel at www.irishtakeoverpanel.ie or on +353 (0)1 678
9020 if you are in any doubt as to whether you are required to make
a Dealing Disclosure.
Forward-looking statements
This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements,
including statements regarding Hanover BidCo's and Escher's plans,
objectives and expected performance. Such statements relate to
events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future
and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. There are
a number of factors which could cause actual results and
developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied
by such forward looking statements, including, among others, the
enactment of legislation or regulation that may impose costs or
restrict activities; the re-negotiation of contracts or licences;
fluctuations in demand and pricing in the industry in which Escher
is active; fluctuations in exchange controls; changes in government
policy and taxations; industrial disputes; war and terrorism. These
forward-looking statements speak only as at the date of this
announcement.
Rule 2.10 disclosure
In accordance with Rule 2.10 of the Irish Takeover Rules, Escher
confirms that, as at the date of this announcement, it has
18,810,422 ordinary shares of EUR0.005 each in issue. Escher Shares
trade on AIM under the ISIN reference IE00B6SKRB38.
Publication of this announcement
A copy of this announcement will be available subject to certain
restrictions relating to persons resident in Restricted
Jurisdictions on www.hanoverinvestors.com and www.eschergroup.com
by no later than 12 noon on the Business Day following the date of
this announcement.
The contents of Hanover Investors' website and Escher's website
are not incorporated into and do not form part of this
announcement.
Inside information and Market Abuse Regulation (Regulation
596/2014) ("MAR")
Certain Escher Shareholders were, with the consent of the Irish
Takeover Panel, formally brought inside in order to discuss giving
irrevocable commitments or letters of intent to accept or procure
acceptance of the Offer. That inside information is set out in this
announcement. Therefore, those persons that received inside
information relating to the Offer in a market sounding are no
longer considered to be in possession of inside information
relating to Escher and its securities; however under MAR such
persons are required to form their own opinion as to whether or not
they are cleansed.
Part II
Not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in
part, directly or indirectly, in, into or from any jurisdiction
where to do so would constitute a violation of the relevant laws or
regulations of such jurisdiction.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8 FEBRUARY 2018
This announcement contains inside information
Recommended Cash Offer for
Escher Group Holdings plc ("Escher")
by
Exeter Acquisition Limited ("Hanover BidCo")
(an investment vehicle ultimately wholly-owned by Hanover Active
Equity Fund LP)
1. Introduction
The Boards of Hanover BidCo and Escher are pleased to announce
that they have reached agreement on the terms of a recommended
offer to be made by Hanover BidCo for the entire issued and to be
issued share capital of Escher. Hanover BidCo is an investment
vehicle ultimately wholly-owned by Hanover Active Equity Fund LP.
As at the date of this announcement Hanover ShareholderCo owns
4,803,114 Escher Shares, representing 25.53 per cent. of the Issued
Share Capital of Escher.
Under the terms of the Offer, each Escher Shareholder will be
entitled to receive 185 pence in cash per Escher Share.
2. Summary of Terms
The Offer will be subject to the conditions and further terms
set out in Appendix I to this announcement and to be set out in the
Offer Document and will be made on the following basis:
for each Escher Share 185 pence in cash
The Offer values the entire issued share capital of Escher at
approximately GBP34.80 million and GBP35.32 million on a fully
diluted basis (assuming that all rights in respect of the
in-the-money options under the Escher Share Scheme are exercised on
the basis set out in this announcement) and represents:
- a premium of 32.14 per cent. over the closing middle market
price of 140 pence per Escher Share on 12 December 2017, being the
Business Day prior to Hanover BidCo's approach to the Escher
Directors regarding the Offer; and
- a premium of 23.33 per cent. over the closing middle market
price of 150 pence per Escher Share on 7 February 2018, being the
Business Day prior to the release of this announcement.
The Offer is to be effected by way of an offer under the Irish
Takeover Rules. Hanover BidCo reserves the right, with the consent
of Escher and the Irish Takeover Panel to elect to implement the
acquisition of the Escher Shares by way of a Scheme of Arrangement
under Chapter 1 of Part 9 of the Irish Companies Act. In such
event, the Scheme of Arrangement will be implemented on the same
terms (subject to appropriate amendments), so far as applicable, as
those which would apply to the Offer.
3. Background to the reasons for the Offer
Hanover BidCo recognises Escher as a market-leading, global
software business with best in class technology, strong customer
relationships and an excellent team. However, it is evident that
the uncertain timing of significant licence wins generates a level
of volatility in revenues and profitability which is unsuited to
the public market. In addition, Hanover BidCo considers the costs
and management resource required to maintain a public market
listing is outsized relative to Escher's size and
profitability.
Hanover BidCo believes that Escher will be much better
positioned for growth as a private company, outside of the
constraints of the public market.
The Cash Offer represents an opportunity for Escher Shareholders
to realise their holding in Escher in cash for a premium of 32.14
per cent. to the closing middle market price of 140 pence on 12
December 2017 (being the Business Day prior to the Hanover BidCo
approach to the Escher Directors regarding the Offer). Hanover
BidCo believes its Offer also provides certainty, in cash, for
Escher Shareholders today and also gives them an opportunity to
exit now, rather than to wait for Escher's financial performance to
be reflected in its share price and bear the risks of that
alternative not being achieved.
4. Recommendation
The Escher Board, which has been so advised by Panmure Gordon,
considers the terms of the Offer to be fair and reasonable. In
providing its advice, Panmure Gordon has taken into account the
commercial assessments of the Escher Board.
The Escher Directors intend to recommend unanimously that all
Escher Shareholders accept the Offer. Liam Church and Fionnuala
Higgins, being those Escher Directors who hold Escher Shares, have
undertaken to accept or procure acceptance of the Offer in respect
of their own beneficial holdings in Escher of 1,790,320 Escher
Shares in aggregate, representing approximately 9.52 per cent. of
the Issued Share Capital of Escher.
5. Background to and reasons for recommendation
Escher is a premier provider of point-of-service software to the
postal sector. Riposte(R), its core product, remains a reference
for this sector across the globe, giving customers a scalable
platform to digitise the processing of complex transactions in
omni-channel environments.
Escher's strategy remains focused on broadening its software
range and enhancing its customer offering by investing in its
existing software portfolio and new software ranges.
Escher's growth is dependent on converting its pipeline of sales
opportunities. As detailed in its trading update on 14 November
2017, and its year-end update on 12 January 2018, the timing of
revenue from licence sales remains difficult to predict
accurately.
The Escher Directors continue to manage Escher's fixed-cost base
in order to remain profitable, even in the absence of major one-off
licence sales. In the year to 31 December 2017, exceptional costs
of the order of $300,000 were incurred in order to complete
restructuring commenced in 2016. Additional costs were incurred in
the exploration of routes to new markets for its technology
platforms. The Escher Directors believe that meaningful progress in
technological development and sustainable growth in revenues may
only be achieved through additional investment, which will absorb
much of Escher's free cash flow in the short to medium term.
Whilst the Escher Directors continue to believe in the prospects
for the business and the attractiveness of its product offering, it
is the Escher Directors' belief that the Offer represents an
acceptable and certain valuation given the Escher Group's recent
share price performance.
The Escher Directors have also considered the interests of the
current shareholder base of Escher and consider that, given the low
level of free float, the Offer therefore provides Escher
Shareholders with an opportunity to realise their investment which
would not otherwise be available to them given the relatively
illiquid market for Escher's shares. Accordingly, the Escher
Directors intend to recommend unanimously the Offer to Escher
Shareholders.
6. Information on the Hanover Fund and Hanover BidCo
The Hanover Fund
Hanover AEF General Partner LP (the "General Partner") is the
general partner of Hanover Active Equity Fund LP (the "Hanover
Fund"). The Hanover Fund is a Cayman Islands exempted limited
partnership formed to invest in small-cap public companies and
private equity situations, primarily in the UK, and currently has a
total of approximately GBP85 million in committed capital.
Hanover Investors Management (Cayman) Limited (the "Manager")
has been appointed by the General Partner as the manager of the
Hanover Fund and in turn Hanover Investors Management LLP ("Hanover
Investors") provides certain investment advisory services to the
Manager in respect of the Hanover Fund.
Hanover Investors was registered on 7 January 2005 and is
authorised and regulated by the FCA. Matthew Peacock is the
founding partner of Hanover Investors.
Hanover BidCo
Hanover BidCo is a newly incorporated company formed at the
direction of Hanover Investors (on behalf of the Hanover Fund) for
the purposes of implementing the Offer. Hanover BidCo is currently
indirectly owned 100 per cent. by the Hanover Fund.
Hanover BidCo is a private limited company incorporated in
Ireland on 18 December 2017 under the Irish Companies Act with
registered number 617563. It has its registered office at Ten
Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, D02 T380, Ireland.
The Directors of Hanover BidCo are Matthew Peacock, Fredrik
Lundqvist and Tom Russell.
Save for activities in connection with the implementation and
financing of the Offer, Hanover BidCo has not carried on any
business prior to the date of this announcement.
7. Information on Escher
Escher is a world leading provider of outsourced
point-of-service software for use in the worldwide postal, retail
and government sectors.
Escher's core product remains the Riposte(R) platform, which
processes complex transactions in omni-channel environments. Escher
supplies solutions to benefit postal operators and government
agencies; both their employees and customers. It has developed and
deployed point-of-sale solutions including mobile, loyalty and
24-hour service post offices. Escher provides solutions and
services to over 35 customers on a global basis, servicing
approximately 1 billion citizens worldwide.
Headquartered in Dublin, Escher also operates from offices in
the US, Singapore and South Africa.
For the year ended 31 December 2016, Escher reported revenue of
US$22.41 million and profit before tax of US$2.38 million. As at 31
December 2016, Escher had gross assets of US$49.28 million and net
current assets of US$5.66 million.
For the six months ended 30 June 2017, Escher reported unaudited
revenue of US$9.39 million and a loss before tax of US$27,000. As
at 30 June 2017, Escher had gross assets of US$48.74 million and
net current assets of US$5.68 million.
8. Interests in Escher Shares and irrevocable undertakings
8.1 Hanover ShareholderCo
As at the date of this announcement, Hanover ShareholderCo owns
4,803,114 Escher Shares, representing 25.53 per cent. of the Issued
Share Capital of Escher and no other entity in the Hanover BidCo
Group holds Escher Shares. Hanover BidCo has received an
irrevocable undertaking from Hanover ShareholderCo to accept or
procure acceptance of the Offer in respect of its holding of Escher
Shares.
8.2 Escher Directors
Irrevocable undertakings to accept or procure acceptance of the
Offer have been received from Liam Church and Fionnuala Higgins,
being those Escher Directors who hold Escher Shares, in respect of
1,790,320 Escher Shares in aggregate, which represent approximately
9.52 per cent. of the Issued Share Capital of Escher.
8.3 Other Escher Shareholders
Irrevocable undertakings to accept or procure acceptance of the
Offer have been received from John Quinn, Bernard Somers and
Bacchantes Limited in respect of 587,827, 745,840 and 610,002
Escher Shares, respectively, which in aggregate represent
approximately 10.33 per cent. of the Issued Share Capital of
Escher.
In aggregate, Hanover BidCo has therefore received irrevocable
undertakings in respect of a total of 8,537,103 Escher Shares,
representing approximately 45.38 per cent. of the Issued Share
Capital of Escher.
Further details regarding the irrevocable undertakings are set
out in Appendix III of this announcement.
9. Management, employees and locations
Hanover BidCo attaches great importance to the value created and
built up by Escher Group employees and senior management in recent
years and believes they will continue to play an important role in
the future of the business. It also recognises the value in Escher
Group's brands, including its Riposte(R) platform, and intends that
these brands shall remain following implementation of the
Offer.
Hanover BidCo intends to carry out a strategic and operational
review of the Escher Group following completion of the Offer.
Hanover Investors intends to continue the Escher Group's policy of
managing its fixed cost base with a view to remaining profitable,
but does not expect significant changes to the Escher Group's
locations of business or to redeploy any of its fixed assets as a
result of its review.
Hanover BidCo's intention is to grow the Escher business and
although the review may result in some headcount reductions to
specific functions, it does not anticipate any reductions will be
significant.
Hanover BidCo does not expect to make any material changes to
the conditions of employment of Escher Group employees or
management or their location of employment. Hanover BidCo confirms
that, following implementation of the Offer, the existing
contractual and statutory employment rights, including in relation
to pensions, of all Escher employees will be honoured.
On or shortly after the date the Offer becomes or is declared
wholly unconditional it is proposed that the non-executive
Directors will resign from the board of Escher and will be replaced
by directors appointed by Hanover BidCo.
In accordance with Rule 16.2 of the Irish Takeover Rules,
Hanover BidCo confirms that no incentivisation arrangements are
proposed for Escher's management.
The Escher Directors welcome Hanover BidCo's approach and
intentions regarding the future of the Escher Group's employees and
places of business, and the value that Hanover BidCo attaches to
the skills and experience of the Escher Group's management and
employees. The Escher Directors welcome the approach that Hanover
BidCo is intending to take to ensuring that the distinctive ethos
of Escher's brands is maintained.
The Escher Directors welcome the statement that there are
unlikely to be significant reductions in headcount and that there
is no intention to make any material changes to the conditions of
employment of the employees. It is also noted that Hanover BidCo
expects Escher Group to continue to operate, principally as it does
today, from its existing locations and places of business.
10. Escher Share Scheme
The Offer will extend to any Escher Shares issued or
unconditionally allotted, and any Treasury Shares unconditionally
sold or transferred by Escher, in each case, prior to the date on
which the Offer closes (or such earlier date as Hanover BidCo may,
subject to the Irish Takeover Rules, decide) as a result of the
exercise of options granted under the Escher Share Scheme.
Under the Escher Share Scheme, there are currently 221,336
options vested and in the money. It has been agreed that the Offer
to the participants with vested options of the Escher Share Scheme
will be made on a net cash settlement basis. Options that are
vested and have a strike price in euros will convert into pound
sterling at the prevailing sterling / euro exchange rate at the
time of posting of the Offer Document.
Under the Escher Share Scheme, the chief financial officer of
Escher has a tranche of 60,000 options that have met all the
vesting criteria and are expected to vest during the course of the
Offer Period on 1 April 2018. As agreed with Hanover BidCo and
pursuant to the existing terms of the Escher Share Scheme, Escher's
Remuneration Committee is intending to include these 60,000 options
within the terms of the Offer. No other employees or members of the
management team have options vesting during the Offer Period.
In total, there will be 281,336 options vested by the time of
the Offer becoming unconditional which will be subject to the
Offer. The participants of the Escher Share Scheme can expect to
receive from Hanover BidCo a more detailed proposal of how they can
exercise their vested options in due course and Escher option
holders may wish to await receipt of these details before taking
any action with regards to their options.
11. Profit Forecast
In the trading update dated 14 November 2017, Escher made the
following statement in relation to its financial targets for the
twelve months to 31 December 2017:
"...Group revenues are now expected to be approximately US$18m
for the year to 31 December 2017 with licence revenues, which have
a high margin, materially lower than expectations" and "The
adjusted EBITDA(1) , excluding exceptional items, is expected to be
approximately US$2.7m for the year to 31 December 2017".
1. Operating profit before, depreciation, amortisation,
share-based payments and exceptional items.
In the year end trading update dated 12 January 2018, Escher
made the following statement in relation to its financial targets
for the twelve months to 31 December 2017:
"Group revenue is expected to be marginally ahead of the figure
published in the Trading Update on 14 November 2017 and adjusted
EBITDA(2) is expected to be in the order of $2.8m".
2. Operating profit before, depreciation, amortisation,
share-based payments and exceptional items.
The above statements constitute a profit forecast for the
purposes of the Irish Takeover Rules (the "Profit Forecast") and a
confirmation of that Profit Forecast respectively. The Profit
Forecast relates to the period ending 31 December 2017 and relates
to the Group's adjusted EBITDA. The Escher Directors confirm that
the Profit Forecast remains valid and confirm that the Profit
Forecast has been properly compiled on the basis of the assumptions
stated below and that the basis of accounting used is consistent
with Escher's accounting policies. The Profit Forecast does not
take into account any impact of the Offer.
The Escher Directors prepared the Profit Forecast on the basis
of the following assumptions, any of which could turn out to be
incorrect and therefore affect whether the Profit Forecast is
achieved:
11.1 there will be no material change in legislation or
regulatory requirements impacting on the Escher Group's operations
or its accounting policies;
11.2 there will be no material litigation or regulatory
investigations, or material unexpected developments in any existing
litigation or regulatory investigation, in relation to any of
Escher's operations, products or services; and
11.3 no significant errors, omissions, misstatements or
incorrect estimations will be identified by the auditors in the
course of their normal annual audit which might materially impact
the Profit Forecast, either positively or negatively.
12. Further details of the Offer
The Escher Shares will be acquired under the Offer fully paid
and free from all liens, equitable interests, charges,
encumbrances, options, rights of pre-emption and any other third
party rights or interests of any nature whatsoever with all rights
attaching thereto, including the right to receive and retain all
dividends and other distributions and returns of value declared,
paid or made after the Offer becomes or is declared unconditional
in all respects.
If any dividend or other distribution or return of value is
proposed, declared, made, paid or becomes payable by Escher in
respect of Escher Shares on or after the date of this announcement
and prior to the Offer becoming or being declared unconditional in
all respects, Hanover BidCo will have the right to reduce the value
of the consideration payable for each Escher Share by up to the
amount per Escher Share of such dividend, distribution or return of
value except where the Escher Share is or will be acquired pursuant
to the Offer on a basis which entitles Hanover BidCo to receive the
dividend, distribution or return of value and to retain it.
If any such dividend, distribution or return of value is paid or
made after the date of this announcement and Hanover BidCo
exercises its rights described above, any reference in this
announcement to the consideration payable under the Offer shall be
deemed to be a reference to the consideration as so reduced. Any
exercise by Hanover BidCo of its rights referred to in this
paragraph shall be the subject of an announcement and, for the
avoidance of doubt, shall not be regarded as constituting any
revision or variation of the terms of the Offer.
13. Compulsory acquisition, cancellation of admission to trading
on AIM and re- registration as a private limited company
If Hanover BidCo acquires, whether through acceptances under the
Offer or otherwise, 80 per cent. or more of the Escher Shares to
which the Offer relates and the Offer becomes or is declared
unconditional in all respects, Hanover BidCo will exercise its
rights pursuant to the provisions of section 457 of the Irish
Companies Act to acquire compulsorily the remaining Escher
Shares.
If the Offer becomes or is declared unconditional in all
respects and Hanover BidCo has acquired or agreed to acquire Escher
Shares which, together with any Escher Shares already owned by the
Hanover BidCo Group, represent 75 per cent. or more of the voting
rights attaching to the Escher Shares then Hanover BidCo may decide
to procure the making of an application by Escher to the London
Stock Exchange for the cancellation of the admission to trading of
Escher Shares on AIM and to re-register Escher as a private company
as soon as it is appropriate to do so under the provisions of the
Irish Companies Act.
It is anticipated that any cancellation of admission to trading
on AIM would take effect no earlier than twenty Business Days after
Hanover BidCo has acquired or agreed to acquire 75 per cent. of the
voting rights attaching to the Escher Shares. Cancellation of
admission to trading on AIM would significantly reduce the
liquidity and marketability of all Escher Shares not assented to
the Offer at that time.
14. Offer-related arrangement
14.1 Confidentiality Agreement
Hanover Investors and Escher entered into a mutual
non-disclosure agreement on 22 December 2017 (as supplemented on 2
February 2018), pursuant to which Hanover Investors and Escher have
undertaken to keep confidential information relating to the other
party and not to disclose it to third parties (other than permitted
recipients) unless required by applicable law or regulation (the
"Confidentiality Agreement"). These confidentiality obligations
will remain in force until the earlier of (a) the completion of a
business transaction between Hanover Investors and Escher; and (b)
a period of 12 months following the issue of a notice in writing by
either party to the Confidentiality Agreement that negotiations in
relation to a business transaction between Hanover Investors and
Escher have terminated. The Confidentiality Agreement also contains
certain non-solicit restrictions on Escher in the context of the
Offer.
14.2 Expenses Reimbursement Agreement
Escher has entered into the Expenses Reimbursement Agreement
dated 8 February 2018 with Hanover Fund, the terms of which have
been approved by the Panel. Under the Expenses Reimbursement
Agreement, Escher has agreed to pay to Hanover Fund in certain
circumstances an amount equal to all documented, specific,
quantifiable third party costs and expenses incurred by Hanover
BidCo, or on its behalf, for the purposes of, in preparation for,
or in connection with the Offer, including, but not limited to,
exploratory work carried out in contemplation of and in connection
with the Offer, legal, financial and commercial due diligence and
engaging advisers to assist in the process. The liability of Escher
to pay these amounts shall arise only after the date of this
Announcement and is limited to a maximum amount equal to 1 per
cent. of the total value attributable to the entire issued and to
be issued share capital of Escher under the Offer (excluding, for
the avoidance of doubt, any treasury shares and any interest in
Escher Shares held by Hanover BidCo or any person Acting in Concert
with Hanover BidCo) as ascribed by the terms of the Offer as set
out in this Announcement. The amount payable by Escher to Hanover
Fund under such provisions of the Expenses Reimbursement Agreement
will exclude (a) any amounts in respect of VAT incurred by Hanover
BidCo attributable to such third party costs other than
Irrecoverable VAT incurred by Hanover BidCo and (b) any amounts
paid or payable by Hanover in connection with any financing.
The circumstances in which such payment will be made are if:
(a) following the publication of this announcement Escher's Board:
(i) declines to include that recommendation of the Offer in the Offer Document;
(ii) any one or more of them withdraws or adversely modifies its
recommendation of the Offer; or
(iii) recommends (or clearly indicates or announces an intention
to recommend) any Escher Alternative Proposal ;
(b) following the publication of this announcement all of the
following occur in sequential order:
(i) an Escher Alternative Proposal is publicly disclosed or any
person shall have publicly announced an intention (whether or not
conditional) to make an Escher Alternative Proposal;
(ii) the Offer subsequently lapses or (with the consent of
Escher) is withdrawn or does not become effective; and
(iii) the Escher Alternative Proposal becomes effective or
unconditional within nine (9) months of the disclosure or
announcement of such Escher Alternative Proposal.
Panmure Gordon, financial advisers to Escher, along with the
Escher Directors, have each confirmed in writing to the Panel that
in their respective opinions, in the context of the Note to Rule
21.2 of the Takeover Rules and the Offer, the Expenses
Reimbursement Agreement is in the best interests of Escher and
Escher Shareholders.
15. Financing of the Offer
The cash consideration due under the Offer will be funded from
existing cash resources of the Hanover Fund, made available to
Hanover BidCo, further details of which will be set out in the
Offer Document.
N+1 Singer, financial adviser to Hanover BidCo, is satisfied
that sufficient resources are available to Hanover BidCo to satisfy
in full the cash consideration payable under the terms of the
Offer.
16. Disclosure of interests in Escher Shares
Save for the shareholding and irrevocable undertakings referred
to in section 8 above, as at close of business on 7 February 2018,
being the last practicable Business Day prior to this announcement,
neither Hanover BidCo, Hanover Investors, the Hanover Fund, nor any
of the directors or members (as applicable) of Hanover BidCo,
Hanover Investors or the Hanover Fund nor, so far as Hanover BidCo,
Hanover Investors, the Hanover Fund and the directors of Hanover
BidCo, Hanover Investors and the Hanover Fund are aware, any person
acting, or deemed to be acting, in concert with Hanover BidCo for
the purposes of the Offer has:
16.1 any interest, or right to subscribe for, any relevant securities of Escher;
16.2 any short positions in respect of any securities of Escher
(whether conditional or absolute and whether in the money or
otherwise), including any short position under a derivative, any
agreement to sell or any delivery obligation or right to require
another person to purchase or take delivery of, relevant securities
of Escher;
16.3 borrowed or lent any relevant Escher securities (save for
any borrowed relevant securities which have either been on-lent or
sold);
16.4 procured an irrevocable commitment or letter of intent to
accept or procure acceptance of the Offer or vote in favour of a
scheme of arrangement in respect of any relevant Escher securities;
or
16.5 any arrangement in relation to any relevant Escher securities.
17. Expected timetable
The Offer Document will be sent to Escher Shareholders (other
than those in a Restricted Jurisdiction) as soon as practicable and
in any event within 28 days of this announcement (or such later
date as is agreed between the Irish Takeover Panel and Hanover
BidCo).
18. Documents available on website
Copies of the following documents will be available at
www.hanoverinvestors.com until the end of the Offer:
- the irrevocable undertakings listed in Appendix III to this announcement;
- the Confidentiality Agreement referred to in section 13.1 above;
- the Expenses Reimbursement Agreement referred to in section 13.2 above; and
- this announcement.
19. Market quotations
The following table shows the closing middle market price of
Escher Shares on the following dates, unless otherwise
indicated:
- the first Business Day of each of the six months immediately
before the date of this announcement; and
- 7 February 2018, being the last Business Day before this announcement.
Date Price per Escher
Share (pence)
------------------ -----------------
1 September 2017 210
------------------ -----------------
2 October 2017 205
------------------ -----------------
1 November 2017 177.5
------------------ -----------------
1 December 2017 140
------------------ -----------------
2 January 2018 140
------------------ -----------------
1 February 2018 160
------------------ -----------------
7 February 2018 150
------------------ -----------------
20. General
This announcement does not constitute an offer or an invitation
to purchase any securities.
The Offer will be made subject to the Conditions and on the
terms contained in Appendix I to this announcement and on the
further terms and Conditions to be set out in the Offer Document.
The Offer will be governed by Irish law and subject to the
applicable rules and regulations of the London Stock Exchange, the
Irish Takeover Panel and the FCA.
The person responsible for arranging release of this
announcement on behalf of Hanover BidCo is Fred Lundqvist, Partner
at Hanover Investors.
The Conditions and certain further terms of the Offer are set
out in Appendix I to this announcement. Appendix II contains bases
and sources of certain information contained within this
announcement. Appendix III contains details of the irrevocable
undertakings given to Hanover BidCo. Appendix IV contains the
definitions of certain terms used in this announcement.
This announcement is being made pursuant to Rule 2.5 of the
Irish Takeover Rules.
Enquiries:
Hanover Active Equity Fund LP
Matthew Peacock Tel: +44 (0) 20 7766 8400
Tom Russell
Fred Lundqvist
N+1 Singer (Financial adviser to Hanover BidCo)
Mark Taylor Tel: +44 (0) 20 7496 3000
Lauren Kettle
Escher Group Holdings plc
Liam Church Tel: +353 (0) 1 254 5400
Nick Winks
Clem Garvey
Panmure Gordon (Financial adviser, Rule 3 adviser, nominated
adviser and broker to Escher)
Andrew Godber/Alina Vaskina/Karri Tel: +44 (0) 20 7886 2500
Vuori/ Ryan McCarthy (Corporate
Finance)
Erik Anderson (Corporate
Broking)
Instinctif Partners (PR adviser to Escher)
Adrian Duffield Tel: +44 (0) 20 7457 2020
Chris Birt
Responsibility statement
The Hanover BidCo Directors and the Hanover HoldCo Directors
accept responsibility for the information contained in this
Announcement relating to Hanover BidCo, the Hanover BidCo Group and
the Hanover BidCo Directors and members of their immediate
families, related trusts and persons connected with them. To the
best of the knowledge and belief of the Hanover BidCo Directors and
the Hanover HoldCo Directors (who have taken all reasonable care to
ensure such is the case), the information contained in this
Announcement for which they accept responsibility is in accordance
with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the
import of such information.
The Escher Directors accept responsibility for the information
contained in this Announcement relating to Escher, the Escher Group
and the Escher Directors and members of their immediate families,
related trusts and persons connected with them. To the best of the
knowledge and belief of the Escher Directors (who have taken all
reasonable care to ensure such is the case), the information
contained in this Announcement for which they accept responsibility
is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely
to affect the import of such information.
Further information
This announcement is not intended to and does not constitute, or
form part of, any offer to sell or subscribe for or an invitation
to purchase or subscribe for any securities or the solicitation of
any vote or approval in any jurisdiction pursuant to the Offer or
otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of
securities of Escher in any jurisdiction in contravention of
applicable law. This announcement does not constitute a prospectus
or equivalent document.
Any acceptance or other response to the Offer should only be
made on the basis of the information contained in the Offer
Document (which will contain the full terms and conditions of the
Offer) and the Form of Acceptance. Escher Shareholders are advised
to read the formal documentation in relation to the Offer carefully
once it has been dispatched.
Please be aware that addresses, electronic addresses and certain
other information provided by Escher Shareholders, persons with
information rights and other relevant persons in connection with
the receipt of communications from Escher may be provided to
Hanover BidCo during the offer period as required under Section 3
of Appendix 1 of the Irish Takeover Rules.
N+1 Singer, which is authorised and regulated in the United
Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority, is acting exclusively
as financial adviser to Hanover BidCo and no-one else in connection
with the Offer and will not be responsible to anyone other than
Hanover BidCo for providing the protections afforded to clients of
N+1 Singer, nor for providing advice in relation to the Offer or
any matters referred to in this announcement.
Panmure Gordon, which is authorised and regulated in the United
Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority, is acting exclusively
as financial adviser to Escher and no-one else in connection with
the Offer and will not be responsible to anyone other than Escher
for providing the protections afforded to clients of Panmure
Gordon, nor for providing advice in relation to the Offer or any
matters referred to in this announcement.
Overseas jurisdictions
The availability of the Offer in, and the release, publication
or distribution of this announcement in or into, jurisdictions
other than Ireland may be restricted by law. Therefore persons into
whose possession this announcement comes who are not resident in
Ireland should inform themselves about, and observe, any applicable
restrictions. Escher Shareholders who are in any doubt regarding
such matters should consult an appropriate independent adviser in
the relevant jurisdiction without delay. Any failure to comply with
such restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws
of any such jurisdiction.
This announcement has been prepared for the purposes of
complying with Irish law and the Irish Takeover Rules and the
information disclosed may not be the same as that which would have
been disclosed if this announcement had been prepared in accordance
with the laws of jurisdictions outside Ireland.
US shareholders
The Offer will be for the securities of a corporation organised
under the laws of Ireland and is subject to the procedure and
disclosure requirements of the United Kingdom and Ireland, which
are different from those of the United States. The Offer will be
made in the United States pursuant to the applicable provisions of
Section 14(e) of, and Regulation 14E under, the US Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), and otherwise in
accordance with the requirements of the Irish Takeover Rules.
Accordingly, the Offer will be subject to disclosure and other
procedural requirements, including with respect to withdrawal
rights, the offer timetable, settlement procedures and timing of
payments that are different from those applicable under US domestic
tender offer procedures and laws. Neither the US Securities and
Exchange Commission nor any US state securities commission has
approved or disapproved the Offer or passed upon the adequacy or
completeness of this announcement. It may be difficult for US
holders of Escher Shares to enforce their rights under any claim
arising out of the US federal securities laws, since Hanover BidCo
and Escher are located outside of the United States, and their
officers and directors are resident outside of the United
States.
The receipt of cash pursuant to the Offer by a US holder of
Escher Shares may be a taxable transaction for US federal income
tax purposes and under applicable US state and local, as well as
foreign and other, tax laws. Each US shareholder of Escher is urged
to consult with his, her or its independent professional adviser
regarding any acceptance of the Offer including, without
limitation, to consider the tax consequences associated with such
holder's acceptance of the Offer.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, in accordance with,
and to the extent permitted by, the Irish Takeover Rules and normal
market practice in the UK and Ireland and Rule 14e-5 under the
Exchange Act, Hanover BidCo or its nominees or brokers (acting as
agents) or their respective affiliates may from time to time make
certain purchases of, or arrangements to purchase, Escher Shares
outside the United States, other than pursuant to the Offer, before
or during the period in which the Offer remains open for
acceptance. These purchases may occur either in the open market at
prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices.
Such purchases, or arrangements to purchase, will comply with all
applicable UK and Irish laws and regulations, including the Irish
Takeover Rules, the AIM Rules, and Rule 14e-5 under the Exchange
Act to the extent applicable. Any information about any such
purchases will be disclosed in accordance with applicable UK and
Irish laws and regulations, on the Regulatory News Service on the
London Stock Exchange website, www.londonstockexchange.com. To the
extent that such information is made public in the United Kingdom
and Ireland, this information will also be publicly disclosed in
the United States.
Disclosure requirements
Under Rule 8.3(a) of the Irish Takeover Rules, any person who
is, or becomes, interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant
securities of the offeree company must make a Dealing Disclosure if
the person deals in any relevant securities of the offeree company.
A Dealing Disclosure must contain details of the dealing concerned
and of the person's interests and short positions in, and rights to
subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree
company and (ii) the offeror company, save to the extent that these
details have previously been disclosed under Rule 8. A Dealing
Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(a) applies must be made by
no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the business day following
the date of the relevant dealing.
If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or
understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire or control an
interest in relevant securities of an offeree company or a
securities exchange offeror, they will be deemed to be a single
person for the purposes of Rule 8.3.
Details of the offeree and offeror companies in respect of whose
relevant securities Dealing Disclosures must be made can be found
in the Disclosure Table on the Irish Takeover Panel's website at
www.irishtakeoverpanel.ie, including details of the number of
relevant securities in issue, when the offer period commenced and
when any offeror was first identified. You should contact the Irish
Takeover Panel at www.irishtakeoverpanel.ie or on +353 (0)1 678
9020 if you are in any doubt as to whether you are required to make
a Dealing Disclosure.
Forward-looking statements
This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements,
including statements regarding Hanover BidCo's and Escher's plans,
objectives and expected performance. Such statements relate to
events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future
and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. There are
a number of factors which could cause actual results and
developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied
by such forward looking statements, including, among others, the
enactment of legislation or regulation that may impose costs or
restrict activities; the re-negotiation of contracts or licences;
fluctuations in demand and pricing in the industry in which Escher
is active; fluctuations in exchange controls; changes in government
policy and taxations; industrial disputes; war and terrorism. These
forward-looking statements speak only as at the date of this
announcement.
Rule 2.10 disclosure
In accordance with Rule 2.10 of the Irish Takeover Rules, Escher
confirms that, as at the date of this announcement, it has
18,810,422 ordinary shares of EUR0.005 each in issue. Escher Shares
trade on AIM AIM under the ISIN reference IE00B6SKRB38.
Publication of this announcement
A copy of this announcement will be available subject to certain
restrictions relating to persons resident in Restricted
Jurisdictions on www.hanoverinvestors.com and www.eschergroup.com
by no later than 12 noon on the Business Day following the date of
this announcement.
The contents of Hanover Investors' website and Escher's website
are not incorporated into and do not form part of this
announcement.
Inside information and Market Abuse Regulation (Regulation
596/2014) ("MAR")
Certain Escher Shareholders were, with the consent of the Irish
Takeover Panel, formally brought inside in order to discuss giving
irrevocable commitments or letters of intent to accept or procure
acceptance of the Offer. That inside information is set out in this
announcement. Therefore, those persons that received inside
information relating to the Offer in a market sounding are no
longer considered to be in possession of inside information
relating to Escher and its securities; however under MAR such
persons are required to form their own opinion as to whether or not
they are cleansed.
APPIX I
CONDITIONS AND CERTAIN FURTHER TERMS OF THE OFFER
The Offer, which will be made by Hanover BidCo, will comply with
the Irish Takeover Rules. The Offer and any dispute or claim
arising out of, or in connection with, it (whether contractual or
non-contractual in nature) will be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, Irish law and be subject to the jurisdiction of
the courts of Ireland. The Offer will be made on the terms and
conditions set out in the Offer Document.
1. CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER
The Offer will be subject to the following conditions:
(a) valid acceptances being received (and not, where permitted,
withdrawn) by 3.00 p.m. on the first closing date of the Offer (or
such later time(s) and date(s) as Hanover BidCo may, subject to the
rules of the Irish Takeover Rules, decide) in respect of such
number of Escher Shares to which the Offer relates which, together
with all other Escher Shares which Hanover BidCo has acquired or
agreed to acquire (whether pursuant to the Offer or otherwise),
carry in aggregate more than 50 per cent. of the voting rights then
exercisable at general meetings of Escher including (to the extent,
if any, required by the Irish Takeover Panel for this purpose) any
such voting rights attaching to any Escher Shares that may be
unconditionally allotted or issued, whether pursuant to the
exercise of any outstanding conversion or subscription rights or
otherwise, before the Offer becomes or is declared unconditional as
to acceptances. For the purposes of this condition:
(i) the expression "Escher Shares to which the Offer relates"
shall be construed in accordance with Part 9 of the Irish Companies
Act;
(ii) the expression "shares that may be unconditionally allotted
or issued" shall include any Treasury Shares which are
unconditionally transferred or sold by Escher;
(iii) shares which have been unconditionally allotted but not
issued shall be deemed to carry the voting rights which they will
carry on being entered into the register of members of Escher;
and
(iv) valid acceptances shall be deemed to have been received in
respect of Escher Shares which are treated for the purposes of
section 457 of the Irish Companies Act as having been acquired or
contracted to be acquired by Hanover BidCo by virtue of acceptances
of the Offer;
(b) no government or governmental, quasi-governmental,
supranational, statutory, administrative or regulatory body,
authority, court, trade agency, association, institution,
environmental body, Merger Control Authority or any other person or
body in any jurisdiction (each a "Relevant Authority") having
decided to take, instituted, implemented or threatened any action,
proceedings, suit, investigation, enquiry or reference, or made,
proposed or enacted any statute, regulation, order or decision or
taken any other steps and there not continuing to be outstanding
any statute, regulation, order or decision, which would or might
reasonably be expected to (in any case which is material in the
context of the Offer as a whole):
(i) make the Offer or the acquisition of any Escher Shares, or
control of Escher by Hanover BidCo void, illegal or unenforceable
or otherwise restrict, restrain, prohibit, delay or interfere with
the implementation thereof, or impose additional conditions or
obligations with respect thereto, or require amendment thereof or
otherwise challenge or interfere therewith;
(ii) require or prevent the divestiture by any member of the
Escher Group or any company of which 20 per cent. or more of the
voting capital is held by any member of the Escher Group or any
partnership, joint venture, firm or company in which any member of
the Escher Group may be interested (the "wider Escher Group") or by
any member of the Hanover BidCo Group or any company of which 20
per cent. or more of the voting capital is held by the Hanover
BidCo Group or any partnership, joint venture, firm or company in
which any member of the Hanover BidCo Group may be interested (the
"wider Hanover BidCo Group") of all or any portion of their
respective businesses, assets or property or impose any limitation
on the ability of any of them to conduct their respective
businesses or own any of their assets or property;
(iii) impose any limitation on or result in a delay in the
ability of any member of the wider Escher Group or the wider
Hanover BidCo Group to acquire or to hold or to exercise
effectively any rights of ownership of shares or loans or
securities convertible into shares in any member of the wider
Escher Group or of the wider Hanover BidCo Group held or owned by
it or to exercise management control over any member of the wider
Escher Group or of the wider Hanover BidCo Group to an extent which
is material in the context of the wider Escher Group taken as a
whole or, as the case may be, the Hanover BidCo Group taken as a
whole;
(iv) other than pursuant to the implementation of the Offer,
require any member of the wider Hanover BidCo Group or the wider
Escher Group to acquire or offer to acquire any shares or other
securities in any member of the wider Escher Group; or
(v) otherwise materially and adversely affect the assets,
business, profits or prospects of any member of the wider Hanover
BidCo Group or of any member of the wider Escher Group,
and all applicable waiting and other time periods during which
any such Relevant Authority could decide to take, institute,
implement or threaten any such action, proceeding, suit,
investigation, enquiry or reference having expired, lapsed or been
terminated;
(c) all material notifications and filings which are necessary
having been made, all applicable waiting periods (including any
extensions thereof) under any applicable legislation or regulations
of any jurisdiction having expired, lapsed or been terminated, in
each case in respect of the Offer and the acquisition of any Escher
Shares, or of control of Escher, by Hanover BidCo, and all
authorisations, orders, recognitions, grants, consents, licences,
confirmations, clearances, permissions and approvals
("Authorisations") necessary or appropriate in any jurisdiction
for, or in respect of, the Offer and the proposed acquisition of
any Escher Shares, or of control of Escher, by Hanover BidCo and to
carry on the business of any member of the wider Hanover BidCo
Group or of the wider Escher Group having been obtained, in terms
and in a form reasonably satisfactory to Hanover BidCo, from all
appropriate Relevant Authorities and from any persons or bodies
with whom any member of the wider Hanover BidCo Group or the wider
Escher Group has entered into contractual arrangements and all such
Authorisations remaining in full force and effect at the time at
which the Offer becomes unconditional in all respects and Hanover
BidCo having no knowledge of an intention or proposal to revoke,
suspend or modify or not to renew any of the same and all necessary
statutory or regulatory obligations in any jurisdiction having been
complied with;
(d) except as Disclosed, there being no provision of any
arrangement, agreement, licence, permit or other instrument to
which any member of the wider Escher Group is a party or by or to
which any such member or any of their assets is or may be bound,
entitled or be subject to and which, in consequence of the Offer or
the acquisition or proposed acquisition of any Escher Shares, or
control of Escher, by Hanover BidCo or otherwise, would or might
reasonably be expected to, result in (in any case which is material
in the context of the wider Escher Group, taken as a whole):
(i) any monies borrowed by, or other indebtedness actual or
contingent of, any such member of the wider Escher Group being or
becoming repayable or being capable of being declared immediately
or prior to its or their stated maturity or the ability of any such
member to borrow monies or incur any indebtedness being inhibited
or becoming capable of being withdrawn;
(ii) the creation or enforcement of any mortgage, charge or
other security interest over the whole or any part of the business,
property or assets of any such member or any such security
(whenever arising or having arisen) being enforced or becoming
enforceable;
(iii) any such arrangement, agreement, licence or instrument
being terminated or adversely modified or any action being taken of
an adverse nature or any obligation or liability arising
thereunder;
(iv) any assets of any such member being disposed of or charged,
or right arising under which any such asset could be required to be
disposed of or charged, other than in the ordinary course of
business;
(v) the interest or business of any such member of the wider
Escher Group in or with any firm or body or person, or any
agreements or arrangements relating to such interest or business,
being terminated or adversely modified or affected;
(vi) any such member ceasing to be able to carry on business
under any name under which it presently does so;
(vii) the creation of liabilities (actual or contingent) by any
such member other than trade creditors or other liabilities
incurred in the ordinary course of business; or
(viii) the financial or trading position of the wider Escher
Group being prejudiced or adversely affected,
and no event having occurred which, under any provision of any
arrangement, agreement, licence or other instrument to which any
member of the wider Escher Group is a party, or to which any such
member or any of its assets may be bound, entitled or subject,
could result in any of the events or circumstances as are referred
to in paragraphs (i) to (viii) of this condition (d);
(e) except as Disclosed, no member of the wider Escher Group having, since 31 December 2016:
(i) issued, agreed to issue or proposed the issue of additional
shares or securities of any class, or securities convertible into,
or exchangeable for or rights, warrants or options to subscribe for
or acquire, any such shares, securities or convertible securities
(save as between Escher and wholly-owned subsidiaries of Escher and
save for options granted, and for any Escher Shares allotted upon
exercise of options granted under the Escher Share Sche before the
date hereof), or redeemed, purchased or reduced any part of its
share capital;
(ii) sold or transferred or agreed to sell or transfer any Treasury Shares;
(iii) recommended, declared, paid or made or proposed to
recommend, declare, pay or make any bonus, dividend or other
distribution other than to Escher or a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Escher;
(iv) other than pursuant to the Offer (and save as between
Escher and wholly-owned subsidiaries of Escher) agreed, authorised,
proposed or announced its intention to propose any merger or
demerger or acquisition or disposal of assets or shares (other than
in the ordinary course of business) or to any material change in
its share or loan capital in any such case, to an extent which is
material in the context of the wider Escher Group, taken as a
whole;
(v) (save as between Escher and wholly-owned subsidiaries of
Escher) issued, authorised or proposed the issue of any debentures
or, except in the ordinary course of business, incurred any
indebtedness or contingent liability which in any case is material
in the context of the wider Escher Group, taken as a whole;
(vi) (save as between Escher and wholly-owned subsidiaries of
Escher) acquired or disposed of or transferred, mortgaged or
encumbered any asset or any right, title or interest in any asset
(other than in the ordinary course of trading) which in any case is
material in the context of the wider Escher Group, taken as a
whole;
(vii) entered into or varied or announced its intention to enter
into or vary any contract, arrangement or commitment (whether in
respect of capital expenditure or otherwise) which is of a
long-term or unusual nature or involves or could involve an
obligation of an unusual nature or magnitude which in any case is
material in the context of the wider Escher Group, taken as a
whole;
(viii) entered into or proposed or announced its intention to
enter into any reconstruction, amalgamation, transaction or
arrangement (otherwise than in the ordinary course of
business);
(ix) taken any action nor having had any steps taken or legal
proceedings started or threatened against it for its winding-up or
dissolution or for it to enter into any arrangement or composition
for the benefit of its creditors, or for the appointment of a
receiver, administrator, trustee or similar officer of it or any of
its assets (or any analogous proceedings or appointment in any
overseas jurisdiction) which in any case is material in the context
of the wider Escher Group, taken as a whole;
(x) been unable, or admitted in writing that it is unable, to
pay its debts or having stopped or suspended (or threatened to stop
or suspend) payment of its debts generally or ceased or threatened
to cease carrying on all or a substantial part of its business
which in any case is material in the context of the wider Escher
Group, taken as a whole;
(xi) entered into or varied or made any offer to enter into or
vary the terms of any service agreement or arrangement with any of
the directors of Escher;
(xii) waived, compromised or settled any claim which is material
in the context of the wider Escher Group; or
(xiii) entered into or made an offer (which remains open for
acceptance) to enter into any agreement, arrangement or commitment
or passed any resolution with respect to any of the transactions or
events referred to in this condition (e);
(f) since 31 December 2016, except as Disclosed:
(i) there having been no adverse change in the business, assets,
financial or trading position or profits or prospects of any member
of the wider Escher Group which in any case is material in the
context of the wider Escher Group, taken as a whole;
(ii) no litigation, arbitration proceedings, prosecution or
other legal proceedings having been instituted, announced or
threatened by or against or remain outstanding against any member
of the wider Escher Group and no enquiry or investigation by or
complaint or reference to any Relevant Authority against or in
respect of any member of the wider Escher Group having been
threatened, announced or instituted or remaining outstanding which
in any case would have a material adverse effect on the wider
Escher Group, taken as a whole; and
(iii) no contingent or other liability having arisen or been
incurred other than in the ordinary course of business which might
reasonably be expected to adversely affect any member of the Escher
Group to an extent which is material in the context of the wider
Escher Group, taken as a whole;
(g) Hanover BidCo not having discovered that, save as Disclosed:
(i) the financial, business or other information concerning the
wider Escher Group which has been disclosed at any time by or on
behalf of any member of the wider Escher Group whether publicly (by
the delivery of an announcement to a Regulatory Information
Service) or to Hanover BidCo or its professional advisers, either
contains a misrepresentation of fact or omits to state a fact
necessary to make the information contained therein not misleading
which in any case is material in the context of the wider Escher
Group, taken as a whole;
(ii) any member of the wider Escher Group is subject to any
liability, contingent or otherwise and which has arisen other than
in the ordinary course of business, which is not disclosed in the
annual report and accounts of Escher for the financial year ended
31 December 2016 or in the unaudited interim accounts for the six
month period to 30 June 2017 and which in any case is material in
the context of the wider Escher Group, taken as a whole;
(iii) any past or present member of the wider Escher Group has
not complied in any respect with all applicable legislation or
regulations of any jurisdiction or any notice or requirement of any
Relevant Authority with regard to the storage, disposal, discharge,
spillage, leak or emission of any waste or hazardous substance or
any substance likely to impair the environment or harm human health
which non-compliance would be likely to give rise to any liability
(whether actual or contingent) on the part of any member of the
wider Escher Group which in any case is material in the context of
the wider Escher Group, taken as a whole;
(iv) there has been a disposal, spillage, emission, discharge or
leak of waste or hazardous substance or any substance likely to
impair the environment or harm human health on, or from, any land
or other asset now or previously owned, occupied or made use of by
any past or present member of the wider Escher Group, or in which
any such member may now or previously have had an interest, which
would be likely to give rise to any liability (whether actual or
contingent) on the part of any member of the wider Escher Group
which in any case is material in the context of the wider Escher
Group, taken as a whole;
(v) there is or is likely to be any obligation or liability
(whether actual or contingent) to make good, repair, reinstate or
clean up any property now or previously owned, occupied or made use
of by any past or present member of the wider Escher Group or in
which any such member may now or previously have had an interest
under any environmental legislation or regulation or notice,
circular or order of any Relevant Authority in any jurisdiction
which in any case is material in the context of the wider Escher
Group, taken as a whole; or
(vi) circumstances exist whereby a person or class of persons
would be reasonably likely to have any claim or claims in respect
of any product or process of manufacture, or materials used
therein, now or previously manufactured, sold or carried out by any
past or present member of the wider Escher Group which claim or
claims would be likely to affect adversely any member of the wider
Escher Group which in any case is material in the context of the
wider Escher Group, taken as a whole.
Hanover BidCo reserves the right to waive, in whole or in part,
all or any of conditions (b) to (g) inclusive. Hanover BidCo also
reserves the right, subject to the consent of the Irish Takeover
Panel, to extend the time allowed under the Irish Takeover Rules
for satisfaction of condition (a) until such time as conditions (b)
to (g) have been satisfied, fulfilled or, to the extent permitted,
waived. If Hanover BidCo is required by the Irish Takeover Panel to
make an offer for Escher Shares under the provisions of Rule 9 of
the Irish Takeover Rules, Hanover BidCo may make such alterations
to the above conditions as are necessary to comply with the
provisions of that Rule.
Hanover BidCo reserves the right, with the consent of Escher and
the Irish Takeover Panel to elect to implement the acquisition of
the Escher Shares by way of a Scheme of Arrangement under Chapter 1
of Part 9 of the Irish Companies Act. In such event, the Scheme of
Arrangement will be implemented on the same terms (subject to
appropriate amendments), so far as applicable, as those which would
apply to the Offer. In particular, condition (a) will not apply and
the Scheme of Arrangement will become effective and binding
following:
(i) approval at the Court Meeting (or any adjournment thereof)
by a majority in number of the Escher Shareholders present and
voting, either in person or by proxy, representing 75 per cent. or
more in value of the Escher Shares held by such holders;
(ii) the resolutions required to approve and implement the
Scheme of Arrangement and to be set out in the notice of General
Meeting of the holders of the Escher Shares being passed by the
requisite majority at such General Meeting; and
(iii) the sanction of the Scheme of Arrangement and an office
copy of the order of the Court sanctioning the Scheme of
Arrangement being delivered for registration to the Registrar of
Companies in Ireland.
The Offer will lapse unless the conditions set out above (other
than condition (a) to the Offer) are fulfilled or (if capable of
waiver) waived or, where appropriate, have been determined by
Hanover BidCo in its reasonable opinion to be or to remain
satisfied by no later than 21 days after the later of the first
closing date of the Offer or the date on which the Offer becomes or
is declared unconditional as to acceptances, or such later date as
Hanover BidCo may, with the consent of the Panel, decide. Hanover
BidCo shall be under no obligation to waive or treat as satisfied
any of conditions (b) to (h) inclusive by a date earlier than the
latest date specified above for the satisfaction thereof
notwithstanding that the other conditions of the Offer may at such
earlier date have been waived or fulfilled or satisfied and that
there are at such earlier date no circumstances indicating that any
of such conditions may not be capable of fulfilment or
satisfaction.
2. FURTHER TERMS OF THE OFFER
(a) The Offer will extend to all Escher Shares unconditionally
allotted or issued on the date on which the Offer is made, and any
further Escher Shares unconditionally allotted or issued, and any
Treasury Shares unconditionally sold or transferred by Escher, in
each case, while the Offer remains open for acceptance.
(b) The Escher Shares will be acquired under the Offer fully
paid and free from all liens, equitable interests, charges,
encumbrances, options, rights of pre-emption and any other third
party rights or interests of any nature whatsoever and together
with all rights attaching thereto, including the right to receive
and retain all dividends and other distributions and returns of
value declared, paid or made after the Offer becomes or is declared
unconditional in all respects.
If any dividend or other distribution or return of value is
proposed, declared, made, paid or becomes payable by Escher in
respect of a Escher Share on or after the date of this announcement
and prior to the Offer becoming or being declared unconditional in
all respects Hanover BidCo will have the right to reduce the value
of the consideration payable for each Escher Share by up to the
amount per Escher Share of such dividend, distribution or return of
value except where the Escher Share is or will be acquired pursuant
to the Offer on a basis which entitles Hanover BidCo to receive the
dividend, distribution or return of value and to retain it.
If any such dividend, distribution or return of value is paid or
made after the date of this announcement and Hanover BidCo
exercises its rights described above, any reference in this
announcement to the consideration payable under the Offer shall be
deemed to be a reference to the consideration as so reduced. Any
exercise by Hanover BidCo of its rights referred to in this
paragraph shall be the subject of an announcement and, for the
avoidance of doubt, shall not be regarded as constituting any
revision or variation of the terms of the Offer.
(c) Under Rule 13.3 of the Irish Takeover Rules, Hanover BidCo
may not invoke a condition to the Offer so as to cause the Offer
not to proceed, to lapse or to be withdrawn unless the
circumstances which give rise to the right to invoke the condition
are of material significance to Hanover BidCo in the context of the
Offer and the offeror has consulted the Irish Takeover Panel and
the Irish Takeover Panel is satisfied that in the prevailing
circumstances it would be reasonable for the offeror to do so. The
conditions contained in paragraphs 1(a) and (b) are not subject to
this provision of the Irish Takeover Rules.
APPIX II
BASES AND SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Save as otherwise set out in this announcement, the following
constitute the bases and sources of information referred to in this
announcement:
1. Financial information relating to Escher has been extracted
from its Annual Report and the unaudited interim report for the six
month period ended 30 June 2017.
2. All information relating to Hanover Investors, the Hanover
Fund and Hanover BidCo has been provided by persons authorised by
the Hanover BidCo Board.
3. References to the value of the Offer of the whole of the
issued and to be issued share capital of Escher assume the number
of Escher Shares currently in issue to be 18,810,422 (including the
7,326 Escher Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM on 9 February
2018).
4. References to the availability to Hanover BidCo of the
necessary resources to implement the Offer also assume that there
are currently "in the money" options outstanding in respect of
281,336 unissued Escher Shares.
5. All share prices quoted for Escher Shares are the closing
middle market price and are derived from the AIM appendix to the
Daily Official List for the particular date(s) concerned.
APPIX III
DETAILS OF IRREVOCABLE UNDERTAKINGS
1. Irrevocable undertakings from the Escher Directors
Each of the Escher Directors who hold Escher Shares has
irrevocably undertaken that he shall (and in relation to any
beneficial holdings of Escher Shares that are registered in the
name of a third party, that he shall procure that such third party
shall):
(a) accept or procure the acceptance of the Offer in accordance
with the terms of the Offer Document in respect of their current
holding of Escher Shares;
(b) accept or procure the acceptance of the Offer in respect of
any Escher Shares acquired by him through the exercise of
options;
(c) not sell or transfer (other than pursuant to the Offer) or
otherwise dispose of or charge all or any of his Escher Shares, nor
enter into any agreement to do so; and
(d) not accept or undertake to accept any other offer in respect
of the Escher Shares held by him or acquired through the exercise
of options, or enter into any agreement to do so.
Details of the irrevocable undertakings received from the Escher
Directors are as follows:
Name of director Number of shares % of Issued
Share Capital
------------------- ----------------- ---------------
Liam Church 895,160 4.76
------------------- ----------------- ---------------
Fionnuala Higgins 895,160 4.76
------------------- ----------------- ---------------
The irrevocable undertakings from the Escher Directors will
lapse: (i) if the Offer Document is not posted within 28 days of
the date of this announcement (or such later date as is agreed
between the Irish Takeover Panel and Hanover BidCo); (ii) if the
Offer lapses or is withdrawn; or (iii) if applicable, the Scheme of
Arrangement does not become unconditional in all respects or
effective by 31 July 2018. The irrevocable undertakings from the
Escher Directors will otherwise remain binding in all
circumstances.
2. Irrevocable undertakings from certain Escher Shareholders
Each of the Escher Shareholders listed below has given an
irrevocable undertaking that they shall (and in relation to any
beneficial holdings of Escher Shares that are registered in the
name of a third party, that they shall procure that such third
party shall):
(a) accept or procure acceptance of the Offer in accordance with
the terms of the Offer Document in respect of their current holding
of Escher Shares or the Escher Shares which they control;
(b) not sell or transfer (other than pursuant to the Offer) or
otherwise dispose of or charge any of the Escher Shares held by
them or which they control, nor enter into any agreement to do so;
and
(c) not accept or undertake to accept any other offer in respect
of the Escher Shares held by them or which they control, nor enter
into any agreement to do so.
Name of Escher Number of shares % of Issued Date of irrevocable
Shareholder Share Capital undertaking
----------------------- ----------------- --------------- --------------------
7 February
Hanover ShareholderCo 4,803,114 25.53 2018
----------------------- ----------------- --------------- --------------------
5 February
Bernard Somers 745,840 3.97 2018
----------------------- ----------------- --------------- --------------------
5 February
Bacchantes Limited 610,002 3.24 2018
----------------------- ----------------- --------------- --------------------
5 February
John Quinn 587,827 3.13 2018
----------------------- ----------------- --------------- --------------------
The above irrevocable undertakings will cease to be binding only
if: (i) the Offer Document is not posted within 28 days of the date
of this announcement (or such later date as is agreed between the
Irish Takeover Panel and Hanover BidCo); (ii) the Offer lapses or
is withdrawn; (iii) if applicable, the Scheme of Arrangement does
not become unconditional in all respects or effective by 31 October
2018.
The above irrevocable undertakings will otherwise remain binding
in all circumstances.
APPIX IV
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions apply throughout this announcement
unless the context requires otherwise:
"Acting in Concert" shall have the meaning
given to that term in
the Takeover Panel Act
1997 (as amended)
"AIM" AIM, a market operated
by the London Stock Exchange
"Annual Report" the annual report and
audited consolidated
accounts of Escher for
year ended 31 December
2016
"Business Day" a day (other than a Saturday
or Sunday) on which banks
are open for general
business in London
"Cash Offer" the cash offer of 185p
per Escher Share
"Conditions" the conditions to the
implementation of the
Offer which are set out
in Appendix I to this
announcement and to be
set out in the Offer
Document
"Confidentiality Agreement" the mutual non-disclosure
agreement between Hanover
Investors and Escher
entered into on 22 December
2017 (as supplemented
on 2 February 2018),
pursuant to which Hanover
Investors and Escher
have undertaken to keep
confidential information
relating to the other
party and not to disclose
it to third parties (other
than permitted recipients)
unless required by applicable
law or regulation
"CREST" the relevant system of
paperless settlement
of trades and the holding
of uncertified shares
in respect of which Euroclear
UK & Ireland Limited
is the operator
"Dealing Disclosure" an announcement pursuant
to Rule 8 of the Irish
Takeover Rules containing
details of dealings in
interests in relevant
securities of a party
to an offer
"Disclosed" (i) publicly announced
via a Regulatory Information
Service by or on behalf
of Escher prior to the
date of this announcement,
(ii) disclosed in the
Annual Report, (iii)
disclosed in the interim
report of Escher for
the six months ended
30 June 2017, or (iv)
as fairly disclosed in
writing by or on behalf
of Escher to Hanover
BidCo or its professional
advisers prior to the
date of this announcement
"EBITDA" Operating profit before,
depreciation, amortisation,
share-based payments
and exceptional items.
"Effective" the Offer having become
or having been declared
wholly unconditional
in accordance with its
terms
"Escher" or the "Company" Escher Group Holdings
plc, a public limited
company incorporated
in Ireland with registration
number 440863 and having
its registered office
at 111 St Stephens Green,
Dublin 2, D02 RW29
"Escher Alternative Proposal" any bona fide proposal
or bona fide offer made
by any person (other
than a proposal or offer
by Hanover Fund or any
person Acting in Concert
with the Hanover Fund
pursuant to Rule 2.5
of the Takeover Rules)
for (i) the acquisition
of Escher by scheme of
arrangement, takeover
offer or business combination
transaction; (ii) the
acquisition by any person
of 25% or more of the
assets of Escher and
its subsidiaries, taken
as a whole, measured
by either book value
or fair market value
(including equity securities
of Escher's subsidiaries);
(iii) the acquisition
by any person (or the
stockholders of any person)
of 50% or more of the
Escher Shares; or (iv)
any merger, business
combination, consolidation,
share exchange, takeover,
scheme of arrangement,
recapitalisation or similar
transaction involving
Escher as a result of
which the holders of
Escher Shares immediately
prior to such transaction
do not, in the aggregate,
own at least 75% of the
outstanding voting power
of the surviving or resulting
entity in such transaction
immediately after consummation
thereof
"Escher Board" the board of directors
of Escher
"Escher Directors" the directors of Escher
"Escher Group" Escher and its subsidiary
undertakings
"Escher Shareholders" holders of Escher Shares
"Escher Shares" ordinary shares of EUR0.005
each in the capital of
Escher
"Escher Share Scheme" the share option scheme
adopted by the Escher
Directors on 24 November
2011
"Expenses Reimbursement the expenses reimbursement
Agreement" agreement between Escher
and Hanover Fund dated
8 February 2018, the
terms of which have been
approved by the Irish
Takeover Panel
"FCA" the Financial Conduct
Authority
"General Partner" Hanover Active Equity
Fund LP
"Hanover BidCo" Exeter Acquisition Limited,
a private limited company
incorporated in Ireland
with registration number
617563 and having its
registered office at
Ten Earlsfort Terrace,
Dublin 2, D02 T380, Ireland
"Hanover BidCo Board" the board of directors
of Hanover BidCo
"Hanover BidCo Group" Hanover BidCo, its parent
undertakings and any
such parent undertaking's
subsidiary undertakings
"Hanover ShareholderCo" Hanover Shareholdings
Limited, a private limited
company incorporated
in Ireland with registration
number 617564 and having
its registered office
at Ten Earlsfort Terrace,
Dublin 2, D02 T380, Ireland
"Hanover Fund" Hanover Active Equity
Fund LP
"Hanover HoldCo" Escher Acquisition (Holding)
Limited, the sole shareholder
of Hanover BidCo
"Hanover HoldCo Directors" the directors of Hanover
HoldCo
"Hanover Investors" Hanover Investors Management
LLP
"Ireland" Ireland (excluding Northern
Ireland)
"Irish Companies Act" the Companies Act 2014,
all enactments which
are to be read as one
with, or construed or
read together as one
with the Companies Act
2014 and every statutory
modification and re-enactment
thereof for the time
being in force
"Irish Takeover Panel" the Irish Takeover Panel
"Irish Takeover Rules" the Irish Takeover Panel
Act 1997, as amended,
the Irish Takeover Rules,
2013
"Issued Share Capital the issued share capital
of Escher" of Escher on 7 February
2018, being the Business
Day prior to the release
of this announcement
(including the 7,326
Escher Shares to be admitted
to trading on AIM on
9 February 2018)
"London Stock Exchange" London Stock Exchange
plc
"Manager" Hanover Investors Management
(Cayman) Limited
"Merger Control Authority" any national, supra-national
or regional, government
or governmental, quasi-
governmental, statutory,
regulatory or investigative
body or court, in any
jurisdiction, responsible
for the review and/or
approval of mergers,
acquisitions, concentrations,
joint ventures, or any
other similar matter
"N+1 Singer" Nplus1 Singer Advisory
LLP of 1 Bartholomew
Lane, London, EC2N 2AX,
United Kingdom, being
financial advisor to
Hanover BidCo
"Offer" the recommended cash
offer to be made by Hanover
BidCo to acquire all
of the Escher Shares
on the terms and subject
to the conditions to
be set out in a formal
offer document and the
form of acceptance relating
thereto, and where the
context so requires,
any subsequent revision,
variation, extension
or renewal of such offer
"Offer Document" the document to be sent
to Escher Shareholders
on behalf of Hanover
BidCo containing the
terms and conditions
of the Offer
"Offer Period" shall have the meaning
given to that term in
the Takeover Rules
"Panmure Gordon" Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited
of One New Change, London,
EC4M 9AF, United Kingdom,
being financial advisor
to Escher
"Regulatory Information a primary information
Service" provider which has been
approved by the FCA to
disseminate regulated
information
"Remuneration Committee" the remuneration committee
of the Escher Board
"Restricted Jurisdiction" any jurisdiction where
local laws or regulations
may result in a significant
risk of civil, regulatory
or criminal exposure
if information concerning
the Offer is sent or
made available to Escher
Shareholders in that
jurisdiction
"subsidiary" has the meaning given
to it in in section 7
of the Irish Companies
Act
"subsidiary undertaking" has the meaning given
to it in in section 275
of the Irish Companies
Act
"Treasury Shares" shares held as treasury
shares pursuant to section
109 of the Irish Companies
Act
"UK" or "United Kingdom" the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern
Ireland
"US" or "United States" the United States of
America, its territories
and possessions, any
state of the United States
of America, the District
of Columbia, and all
other areas subject to
its jurisdiction
"$" or "Dollar" U.S. dollars, the lawful
currency for the time
being of the United States
"GBP" or "Sterling" pounds sterling, the
lawful currency for the
time being of the UK
and references to "pence"
and "p" shall be construed
accordingly
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
OFFGDGDDCUGBGII
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