4th Dec 2013 13:05
REDEFINE INTERNATIONAL P.L.C.
("Redefine International" or the "Company")
(Registered number 010534V)
LSE share code: RDI
JSE share code: RPL
ISIN: IM00B8BV8G91
REDEFINE INTERNATIONAL BECOMES UK'S NEWEST REIT
Redefine International is pleased to confirm that, further to yesterday's announcement, it has today converted to UK Real Estate Investment Trust ("REIT") status and has therefore become the UK's newest REIT.
Based on the Company's closing share price on 3 December 2013 and including 98,090,863 new ordinary shares to be issued on Friday 6 December 2013, Redefine International's expected market capitalisation of circa £580 million will make it the UK's 13th largest REIT by size. As at 31 August 2013, and as reported in its full year results on 29 October 2013, the Company's total assets were £1.06 billion.
In its previous structure as an externally managed listed company, Redefine International had already delivered a strong track record of providing investors with access to long-term, sustainable and predictable income backed by its investment in a real estate portfolio which is well diversified both geographically and by sector. As a newly created UK-REIT, which is internally managed, Redefine International therefore expects to:
· benefit shareholders' potential returns, as UK-REIT qualifying assets will be largely exempt from corporation tax in the UK on both rental profits and chargeable gains;
· be available to a broader investor base than was previously possible, as some investors were unable to invest because of the previous structure; and
· receive annual cost savings from no longer having to pay an external manager.
The Company's highly income-generative portfolio is focused on five key sectors:
· Stable income - predominantly comprising offices, many of which are let to UK Government tenants;
· UK retail - regionally dominant shopping centres and convenience retail parks;
· Hotels - branded limited service hotels located in London;
· Europe - office and retail assets, predominantly situated in Germany; and
· A 13.7% shareholding in Cromwell, one of Australia's leading REITs.
The Company also looks at selective redevelopment and active asset management initiatives where there are opportunities to support income and, ultimately, capital growth.
As a newly established UK-REIT, Redefine International will bring its highly income-focused opportunity to the international investment community which is seeking yield in this low growth, low inflation environment. Furthermore, with a dual listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Company will provide South African investors with access to the solid and economically secure first world property markets of the UK, Northern and Western Europe, including Germany and Switzerland, as well as Australia.
Greg Clarke, Chairman of Redefine International, added:
"This is an exciting time for Redefine International. Becoming the UK's newest REIT, with a simplified structure, should enhance both the liquidity of our shares and the Company's ability to distribute optimal returns for shareholders. Against an improving outlook for real estate across our key markets and with a solid and diversified portfolio which already offers considerable opportunity to add value, we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm."
Commenting, Mike Watters, Chief Executive of Redefine International, said:
"We are very pleased to have concluded the structural elements of becoming a REIT and look forward with enthusiasm to using our property skills and insight to deliver superior income returns for our shareholders."
For further information:
Redefine International P.L.C. | |
Michael Watters, Stephen Oakenfull | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7811 0100 |
Investec Bank plc Joint UK Sponsor and Joint Corporate Broker |
|
David Anderson, Jeremy Ellis, Chris Sim | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7597 5970 |
Peel Hunt Joint UK Sponsor and Joint Corporate Broker | |
Capel Irwin, Hugh Preston | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7418 8900 |
Java Capital JSE Sponsor and South African Corporate Adviser | Tel: +27 (0) 11 283 0042 |
FTI Consulting UK Public Relations Adviser | |
Stephanie Highett, Dido Laurimore
Marketing Concepts SA Public Relations Adviser Jaclyn Lovell | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7831 3113
Tel: + 27 (0) 11 783 0700 |
Notes to editors:
· Redefine International has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
· Income profits and capital gains of the qualifying property rental business of the REIT are exempt from UK corporation tax
· The unique tax advantages offered by REITs can translate into superior yields for investors seeking higher returns with relative stability
· A UK REIT must distribute 90% or more of its tax-exempt income profits, typically through dividends
Related Shares:
RDI.L