Sovereign Foods (JSE: SOV) announced on Monday, the outcome of the special General Meeting of shareholders held on 9 October 2017.

In August 2017, Sovereign Foods received a firm intention from a special purpose vehicle controlled by Capitalworks (Bidco) to acquire Sovereign Foods by way of a R907 million cash offer to Sovereign shareholders.

Bidco made two separate but concurrent cash offers to acquire the Sovereign shares (excluding treasury shares), by way of a scheme of arrangement (scheme) and a general offer. The offer was priced at R12 cash per Sovereign share, which represents a 33.33% premium to the failed offer from Country Bird Holdings (CBH) last year, which was priced at R9 per Sovereign share.

While it has been incorrectly reported in the media that the offer has been made “in conjunction with Sovereign board and management...” and/or that the offer is a “management buy-out”, this is not the case. The offer has been made solely by Capitalworks, through Bidco, although the Sovereign board and management are supportive of the offer.

On Monday, shareholders holding 89,84% of the total Sovereign shares in issue (including treasury shares), were present in person or represented at the general meeting.  

The scheme was approved with approximately 100% of votes cast at the general meeting. The scheme required at least 75% approval in terms of the Companies Act. 

In terms of the scheme, and subject to obtaining the outstanding regulatory approvals, ownership of Sovereign Foods will pass to Bidco who will acquire 100% of the Sovereign shares in issue (excluding treasury shares). As a result, it is anticipated that Sovereign Foods will be delisted from the JSE later this year. 

“Sovereign Foods is pleased with the voting result of the General Meeting as it is indicative of the overwhelming support by Sovereign shareholders for the offer,” says Chris Coombes, Sovereign Foods CEO.

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