(29-07-2012, 10:51 PM)Liubei Wrote: So ST Engg will put a full stop here....??? Not taking further action?
It'd appear so...
In the 1st place, I was wondering why they embarked on a Scheme Offer instead of immediately buying over Eltek's 50.05% stake and then doing a General Offer + mopping up shares in the open market. They'd have immdiately gotten majority control even if they don't succeed in privatising NeraTel.
Perhaps they didn't want to go thro' the hassle + it's either a 100% or nothing kind of offer. If that's so, then it'd appear that STEng may not have been very keen on NeraTel in the 1st place ie. ok to have but not of strategic importance to have it or another way to look at it - Take it or Leave it...
When I was doing my studies on NeraTel, one thing that struck me was that 4 faces had appeared on their IPO prospectus (1999) till now. These are,
Mr Ang Seong Kang Samuel - CEO
Directors
Mr Lau Ping Sum
Mr S Chandra Das
Mr Sitoh Yih Pin
For those who are familiar with Singapore political scene, the names of the 3 directors ought to look familiar.
My guess is, the offer by STEng may be to a large extent due to their political network of contacts. It may also explain STEng somewhat half-hearted (my perception) attempt.
In the meantime, what's happening next?
From Eltek Q212
presentations pg 20,
Eltek will take a more active role in the development of the
company, while considering its strategic options
I guess Eltek will continue to try to divest their stake in NeraTel as it no longer fits their strategic focus (on Power Electronics).
At the same time, on pg 21, there're facing some claims from Ceragon that appeared to have arisen from this failure to divest NeraTel. Not much info is available at the moment and I have no idea if it'll impact NeraTel as it's likely related to their agreements signed on Jan-11 (sell Nera Norway to Ceragon ; sell Nera brand + MENA rights to NeraTel).
In the meantime, NeraTel share price and volume seems to have gone into hibernation and will likely awake on new developments or closer to year end...