The board room of Hub Power Company (Hubco) – the country’s largest independent power producer – is likely to see a change of directors with international shareholders offloading stakes and local giants grabbing it.
Another major foreign shareholder, the National Power International Holdings BV has decided to sell its entire stake, with total shareholding of 17.44% in the company.
Dawood Group and Allied Bank Limited will be the major buyers with their proposed acquisition breakup of 171 million shares and 31 million shares, respectively, at an indicative price of Rs31 per share – this is subject to regulatory approvals, according to an InvestCap research note.
The total value would stand at $68.8 million when calculated at Rs91 exchange rate, adds the note. After disposition of its shareholdings, the final straw of foreign holding will be gone from the company.
Xenel Industries of Saudi Arabia sold its all holdings of 140 million shares back in October 2011 at a price of Rs37 per share, which converted into $60 million outflows.
The proposed sell-off would be more like a change of hands from a foreign investor to local groups, therefore, there should be little or no fear of increased pressure as far as company’s stock is concerned, as local groups would also likely keep it as strategic long-term investments, says the note.
Hubco’s free float – the number of shares available in the stock market – is as high as 80% in the market. The company is listed on Luxemburg Stock Exchange through global depository receipts other than local bourses.
The management of the company and the main composition of the directors on Hubco’s board are expected to be transferred to Dawood Group, Fauji Foundation and the Ibrahim Group of Allied Bank, as these shareholders make up to 43.1% of the shareholdings.
The election of the board of directors is scheduled in September 2012. Dawood Group and Ibrahim Group are one of the top business groups in the country with presence in many industries. Dawood Group has businesses in fertilizers, chemicals, power, foods, insurance and gas distribution while Allied Bank (Ibrahim Group) has the experience of running fibre and leasing businesses coupled with high acumen in the commercial banking, with Allied Bank being one of the top five banks in the country.
The new management is expected to be even better as the new groups already possesses a very successful track record in various forms of business, adds the note.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 27th, 2012.
COMMENTS (3)
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It is a business proposition and they will make money, which is their right. forgot new investment --they will try to make most from returns that is it. see the share prices move now they have already gained 10 percent in 2 days of the deal keep it up sell the share on strength and try your luck else where??
Sad, if we would have treated these foreign investors professionally, who brought $ 1.2 billion into Pakistan than more investors would have come but if you remember a British CEO was harrased by Nawaz Sharif government since BB had signed the contracts with Hubco. Enimity between PPP & PML (N) destroyed Pakistan & game continues till today. We need Kalabagh Dam since hydel power generated from dams cost us $ 1 KW whereas power generated by oil is $ 10 KW. Sadly nobody is discussing about dams instead more & more statements are issued by both parties. If Iran is bombed than the oil prices will shoot to $ 200 per barrel which means electricity rates will go up by 100%. Will we afford it?
It is expected from both local groups named Dawood Group and Allied Bank (Ibrahim Group) to make the difference by enhancing output of power direly needed in Pakistan on the basis of their vast experience in multiple fields.