Delegat's Group Limited (Delegat's) and Oyster Bay Marlborough Vineyards
Limited (Oyster Bay) today settled the long running legal proceedings with
Peter Yealands and Peter Yealands Investments Limited.
These proceedings involved:
- an action by the Yealands interests against Oyster Bay and Delegat's in
respect of PYIL's shareholding in Oyster Bay;
- an action by Oyster Bay against the Yealands Interests to recover Oyster
Bay's costs incurred as a result of the failed partial takeover offer by
Yealands in 2005.
- an action by the Yealands interests against Oyster Bay for compensation in
relation to the failed partial takeover offer by Yealands in 2005.
Under the terms of settlement:
- Delegat's will purchase all of Yealands' shares (433,816) in Oyster Bay
comprising 4.82% of the issued capital of Oyster Bay at a price of $1.80 per
share;
- Delegat's will pay an allowance towards costs of $200,000 to Yealands to
settle the proceedings;
- Yealands will pay $150,000 plus GST to Oyster Bay to settle the takeover
costs. Settlement will take place on 31 July 2010.
Managing Director of Delegat's Group Limited, Jim Delegat, said that in view
of the costs and business disruption which would affect both Delegat's and
Oyster Bay in defending and prosecuting both claims, the terms of the
settlement were commercially and financially compelling. Mr Delegat said:
"The settlement is in the best interests of the shareholders of both
companies. Not only are significant costs avoided as a consequence, but more
importantly the companies could now concentrate on their respective business
without the damaging distraction and disruption of continuing legal
proceedings".
Delegat's presently holds more than 50% of the shares in Oyster Bay. Its
acquisition of the Yealands Oyster Bay holding under the settlement will
increase its shareholding in Oyster Bay to 54.92%. That minor increase is
permitted under the Takeovers Code.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Andre Gaylard
Chief Financial Officer
Delegat's Group Limited
Telephone +64 9 359 7300
End CA:00196742 For:DGL Type:GENERAL Time:2010-06-30:16:04:52