13th Feb 2009 07:56
AQUARIUS PLATINUM LIMITEDASX, LSE & JSE13 February 2009ASX / RNS / JSE ANNOUNCEMENT
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN, INTO OR
FROM THE UNITED STATES, CANADA OR JAPAN
Aquarius Platinum Limited
Possible Offer for Ridge Mining PLC
Aquarius Platinum Limited ("Aquarius") notes the announcement by Ridge Mining PLC ("Ridge") and confirms that it is in discussions regarding a possible all share offer by Aquarius for Ridge.
Pursuant to Rule 2.4(c) of The Takeover Code Aquarius reserves the right not to make an offer for Ridge and Aquarius also reserves the right to vary the form and/or mix of consideration offered.
In accordance with Rule 2.10 of the UK Takeover Code, Aquarius confirms that it has 327,095,634 ordinary shares each with US$0.05 par value in issue (ISIN BMG0440M1284).
A further announcement will be made when appropriate.
For further information please contact:
In the UK and South AfricaNick BiasTel: +41 (0)79 888 1642In Australia
Willi Boehm (Company Secretary)
Tel: +61 (0) 8 9367 5211
Dealing Disclosure Requirements
This announcement does not constitute an announcement of a firm intention to make an offer under Rule 2.5 of the UK Takeover Code and there can be no certainty that any offer to acquire Ridge shares will ultimately be made.
Under the provisions of Rule 8.3 of the UK Takeover Code, if any person is, or becomes, "interested" (directly or indirectly) in 1% or more of any class of "relevant securities" of Aquarius or of Ridge, all "dealings" in any "relevant securities" of that company (including by means of an option in respect of, or a derivative referenced to, any such "relevant securities") must be publicly disclosed by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the London business day following the date of the relevant transaction. This requirement will continue until the date on which the offer becomes, or is declared, unconditional as to acceptances, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn or on which the "offer period" otherwise ends. If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire an "interest" in "relevant securities" of Aquarius or Ridge, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.
Under the provisions of Rule 8.1 of the UK Takeover Code, all "dealings" in "relevant securities" of Aquarius or of Ridge by Aquarius or Ridge, or by any of their respective "associates", must be disclosed by no later than 12.00 noon (London time) on the London business day following the date of the relevant transaction.
A disclosure table, giving details of the companies in whose "relevant securities" "dealings" should be disclosed, and the number of such securities in issue, can be found on the Takeover Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk .
"Interests in securities" arise, in summary, when a person has long economic exposure, whether conditional or absolute, to changes in the price of securities. In particular, a person will be treated as having an "interest" by virtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by virtue of any option in respect of, or derivative referenced to, securities.
Terms in quotation marks are defined in the UK Takeover Code, which can also be found on the Panel's website. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are required to disclose a "dealing" under Rule 8, you should consult the Panel.
This announcement does not constitute or form a part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States. The securities mentioned herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"). The securities may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will be no public offer of securities in the United States
vendorRelated Shares:
AQP.L