Become a Member
  • Track your favourite stocks
  • Create & monitor portfolios
  • Daily portfolio value
Sign Up
Quickpicks
Add shares to your
quickpicks to
display them here!

Corporate update

27th Jun 2012 18:15

RNS Number : 3094G
NBNK Investments PLC
27 June 2012
 



NBNK Investments plc

 

('NBNK' or the 'Company')

 

 

Corporate update

 

 

Following its renewed offer to Lloyds Banking Group ('LBG') for the acquisition of the Verde asset package, the Company announces that it was unable to find a way forward on the transaction that would have been in the best interests of NBNK's shareholders and that is acceptable to LBG.

 

Accordingly, the Company today announces that all discussions which could have led to an acquisition of banking assets constituting a reverse transaction under the AIM Rules have now terminated. Consequently, trading in the Company's shares will be restored as the Company is no longer in contemplation of a reverse takeover.

 

NBNK has had strong and patient support from its investors. It prepared three offers for retail banking assets which it considered to be compelling both financially and operationally. The Company undertook a level of due diligence on each proposal that was essential to ensure that the offers would have created long term value for its shareholders.

 

The Directors of NBNK have concluded that there are no other UK banking assets available for sale that would meet the Company's objectives and, consequently, they expect to commence steps to wind-up the Company. This is consistent with the prospectus issued at the time of admission to AIM in August 2010, which states that if the Company was unable to fulfil its strategic mandate then it will be wound-up and any remaining cash would be returned to shareholders. As part of this process the Company will seek cancellation from AIM.

 

Whilst a significant proportion of the Company's initial capital has been expended, particularly during the elongated Verde bidding process, it is envisaged that the cash returned to shareholders will be nearly 40% of that initial capital.

 

Commenting on the cessation of bidding activities, NBNK's Chief Executive, Gary Hoffman, said: "We are disappointed that the door has now been closed on this opportunity, with the result that we will be unable to deliver our vision of banking, bringing a vibrant new challenger to the high street, devoted to providing the level of service that customers want and deserve."

 

"We would have provided more local decision making, flexible opening hours, new modern systems and a guarantee of no short term bonuses - everything we believe that people want."

 

 

- Ends -

 

 

For further information contact:

 

Pelham Bell Pottinger

James Henderson

Olly Scott

 

+44 20 7861 3232

 

 

Cenkos Securities plc (Nominated adviser and broker)

Ian Soanes

Ivonne Cantu

 

+44 20 7397 8900

 

 

 

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
END
 
 
STRBRGDLGBDBGDR

Related Shares:

NBNK.L
FTSE 100 Latest
Value8,602.92
Change-2.06