Source: http://docplayer.net/18770814-Foresight-vct-plc-registered-in-england-and-wales-under-number-03421340-merger-prospectus.html
Timestamp: 2018-11-19 03:56:12
Document Index: 250105337

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 10', 'ART 1', 'ART 2', 'ART 3', 'ART 4', 'ART 5', 'ART 6', 'ART 7', 'ART 8', 'ART 9', 'ART 10', 'art 10', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 6', 'art 6']

FORESIGHT VCT PLC. (Registered in England and Wales under number ) MERGER PROSPECTUS - PDF
FORESIGHT VCT PLC. (Registered in England and Wales under number ) MERGER PROSPECTUS
Download "FORESIGHT VCT PLC. (Registered in England and Wales under number 03421340) MERGER PROSPECTUS"
1 THIS DOCUMENT IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT ABOUT WHAT ACTION YOU SHOULD TAKE, YOU ARE RECOMMENDED TO SEEK YOUR OWN FINANCIAL ADVICE IMMEDIATELY FROM YOUR STOCKBROKER, BANK MANAGER, SOLICITOR, ACCOUNTANT OR OTHER INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER AUTHORISED UNDER THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS ACT 2000 ( FSMA ). This document constitutes a prospectus dated 13 November 2015 (the Prospectus ) issued by Foresight VCT plc (the Company ), prepared in accordance with the Prospectus Rules made under Section 84 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA ) in accordance with FSMA. You are advised to read the Prospectus in full. The Company, the Directors and the Proposed Director (whose names are set out on page 36) accept responsibility for the information contained in the Prospectus. To the best of the knowledge of the Company, the Directors and the Proposed Director (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case) the information contained in the Prospectus is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information. FORESIGHT VCT PLC (Registered in England and Wales under number ) MERGER PROSPECTUS relating to the issue of up to 62 million Consideration Shares in connection with the acquisition of the assets and liabilities of Foresight 2 VCT plc Sponsored by BDO LLP The existing Shares issued by the Company are listed on the premium segment of the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and traded on the London Stock Exchange s market for listed securities. Application will be made to the UK Listing Authority for all of the Consideration Shares to be issued as described in this document to be listed on the premium segment of the Official List and will be made to the London Stock Exchange for the Consideration Shares to be admitted to trading on its market for listed securities. It is expected that Admission to the Official List will become effective and that dealings in the Consideration Shares will commence three Business Days following allotment. The Consideration Shares will be made up of Ordinary Shares, Planned Exit Shares and Infrastructure Shares and shall confer on their holders the rights set out in the Articles. The Merger will not affect the rights conferred on the Company s existing Shares. In connection with the Merger, BDO LLP ( BDO ) is acting for the Company as its sponsor and for no-one else and will not (subject to the responsibilities and liabilities imposed by FSMA or the regulatory regime established thereunder) be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to customers of BDO nor for providing advice in relation to the Merger. BDO is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the FCA. RW Blears LLP, which is regulated in the United Kingdom by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, is acting as arranger and legal adviser to the Company and no-one else and will not be responsible to any other person for providing advice in connection with any matters referred to in this document. The attention of Shareholders and shareholders in Foresight 2 VCT plc ( F2 ) who are resident in, or citizens of, territories outside the United Kingdom is drawn to the information under the heading Overseas Shareholders in paragraph 4 of Part 10 of this document. In particular, the Consideration Shares to be issued pursuant to the Scheme have not and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act 1933 or the United States Investment Company Act The Merger is conditional, inter alia, upon the approval of the Shareholders of the Company at the general meeting of the Company to be held on 10 December Copies of this Prospectus (and any supplementary prospectus published by the Company) will be available free of charge from the offices of Foresight Group LLP at The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG and the Company s sponsor BDO LLP at 55 Baker Street, London W1U 7EU. YOUR ATTENTION IS DRAWN TO THE RISK FACTORS ON PAGES 13 TO 15.
2 CONTENTS PAGE SUMMARY 3 RISK FACTORS 13 EXPECTED TIMETABLES 16 DEFINITIONS 17 PART 1 MERGER OF THE COMPANY AND F2 21 PART 2 THE SCHEME 23 PART 3 INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY 31 PART 4 MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF THE COMPANY 46 PART 5 FINANCIAL INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY AND F2 53 PART 6 INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO OF THE COMPANY AND F2 57 PART 7 PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION 66 PART 8 TAX POSITION OF SHAREHOLDERS 70 PART 9 TAX POSITION OF THE COMPANY 72 PART 10 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 74 CORPORATE INFORMATION 77 2
3 SUMMARY Summaries are made up of disclosure requirements known as Elements. These Elements are numbered in Sections A to E (A1 E7). This summary contains all the Elements required to be included in a summary for this type of securities being issued pursuant to the prospectus issued by Foresight VCT plc (the Company ) (the Prospectus ) and the Company which is a closed-ended investment fund. Because some Elements are not required to be addressed, there may be gaps in the numbering sequence of the Elements. Even though an Element may be required to be inserted in this summary because of the type of securities and Company, it is possible that no relevant information can be given regarding the Element. In this case, a short description of the Element is included in the summary and noted as being not applicable. A Introduction and warnings A1 Warning This summary should be read as an introduction to the Prospectus. Any decision to invest in the securities should be based on consideration of the Prospectus as a whole by the investor. Where a claim relating to the information contained in this Prospectus is brought before a court, the plaintiff investor might, under the national legislation of the Member states, have to bear the costs of translating the Prospectus before the legal proceedings are initiated. Civil liability attaches to those persons who have tabled the summary including any translation thereof, but only if the summary is misleading, inaccurate or inconsistent when read together with other parts of the Prospectus or it does not provide, when read together with other parts of the Prospectus, key information in order to aid investors when considering whether to invest in such securities. A2 Consent to the subsequent resale or final placement Not applicable. The Company and the Directors do not consent to any final placement or subsequent resale of the securities which are the subject of the Prospectus. / the offer period and terms and conditions attached to consent B Issuer B1 Legal and commercial name Foresight VCT plc (the Company ) B2 Domicile / Legal form / Legislation / Country of incorporation The Company is a public limited liability company which is registered in England and Wales with registered number The principal legislation under which the Company operates is the Companies Act 2006 (the Act ) and the regulations made thereunder. B5 Group description Not applicable. The Company is not part of a group. B6 Material Shareholders / Different voting rights / Control All Shareholders have the same voting rights in respect of the existing share capital of the Company. As at 12 November 2015 (being the latest practicable date prior to the publication of this document), the Company is not aware of any person who, directly or indirectly, has or will have an interest in the capital of the Company or voting rights which is notifiable under UK law (under which, pursuant to the Act and the Listing Rules and Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the FCA, a holding of 3% or more will be notified to the Company). 3
4 B7 Selected financial information and statement of any significant changes Certain historical information of the Company is set out below: Audited year end to 31 December 2014 Audited year end to 31 December 2013 Audited year end to 31 December 2012 Net Assets 63,455,000 51,404,000 52,309,000 (whole Company) Ordinary Shares Fund Net Assets 44,208,000 31,131,000 30,411,000 Net asset value 99.4p 101.0p 111.3p per Ordinary Share Dividends paid 10.0p 5.0p 7.5p per Ordinary Share Planned Exit Shares fund Net Assets 3,943,000 5,044,000 6,144,000 Net asset value 65.0p 82.5p 100.0p per Planned Exit Share Dividends paid 7.5p 5.0p 5.0p per Planned Exit Share Infrastructure Shares fund Net Assets 15,304,000 15,229,000 15,754,000 Net asset 92.4p 91.5p 94.6p value per Infrastructure Share Dividends 2.5p 2.5p 0p paid per Infrastructure Share The following unaudited Net Asset Value per Share as at 30 June 2015 based on the Company s unaudited interim report at that date were published by the Company on 28 August 2015: Ordinary Share Planned Exit Shares Infrastructure Shares 91.7p 52.4p 92.0p There has been no significant change to the issuer s financial condition and operating results between 30 June 2015 and the date of this document. 4
5 B8 Key pro forma financial information The Enlarged Company is expected to have net assets of approximately 117 million (assuming the Merger had been completed based on the NAVs of the Companies as at 30 June 2015 and estimated Merger Costs of 450,000). The Enlarged Company would have had a return on ordinary activities before tax for the year ended 31 December 2014 of approximately 5,124,000 after deducting the estimated Merger Costs of 450,000, assuming the Company and F2 were one Enlarged Company. This pro forma financial information has been prepared for illustrative purposes only and, because of its nature, addresses a hypothetical situation and, therefore, does not represent the Company s actual financial position or results. B9 Profit forecast Not applicable. There are no profit forecasts in the Prospectus. B10 Qualifications in the audit report Not applicable. There were no qualifications in the audit report for three years ended 31 December B11 B34 Insufficient working capital Investment objective and policy, including investment restrictions Not applicable. The Company is of the opinion that the working capital available is sufficient for the Company s present requirements, being at least twelve months from the date of this document. Ordinary Shares fund The investment objective of the Ordinary Shares fund is to provide private investors with attractive returns from a portfolio of investments in fast-growing predominantly unquoted companies in the United Kingdom. It is the intention to optimise tax-free income available to investors from a combination of dividends and interest received on investments and the distribution of capital gains arising from trade sales or flotation. Planned Exit Shares fund The investment objective of the Planned Exit Shares fund is to combine greater security of capital than is normal within a VCT with the enhancement of investor returns created by the VCT tax benefits income tax relief of 30% of the amount invested, and taxfree distribution of income and capital gains. The key objective of the Planned Exit Shares fund is to distribute 110p per share issued through a combination of tax-free income, buy-backs and tender offers before the sixth anniversary of the closing date of the Planned Exit Share offer falling in the tax year 2016/2017. Infrastructure Shares fund The investment objective of the Infrastructure Shares fund is to invest in companies which own and operate essential assets and services which enjoy long-term contracts with strong counterparties or government concessions. To ensure VCT qualification, Foresight, the Company s manager, will focus on companies where the provision of services is the primary activity and which generate long-term contractual revenues, thereby facilitating the payment of regular predictable dividends to investors. Investment Policy The Company will target unquoted companies which it believes will achieve the objective of producing attractive returns for Shareholders. 5
6 The Company invests in a range of securities including, but not limited to, ordinary and preference shares, loan stocks, convertible securities, and other interest-bearing instruments as well as cash. Unquoted investments will usually be structured as a combination of ordinary shares and loan stock, while AIM investments are primarily held in ordinary shares. Pending investment in unquoted or AIM listed securities, cash is primarily held in interest bearing money market open-ended investment companies (OEICs) as well as a range of nonqualifying companies. Non-Qualifying Investments may include holdings in money-market instruments, short-dated bonds, unit trusts, OEICs, structured products, guarantees to banks or third parties providing loans or other investment into investee companies and other assets where Foresight believes that the risk/return profile is consistent with the overall investment objectives of the portfolio. Investments are primarily made in companies which are substantially based in the UK, although many will trade overseas. The companies in which investments are made must have no more than 7 million of gross assets at the time of investment (or 15 million depending on when the funds being invested were raised) to be classed as a VCT qualifying holding. The Company aims to be significantly invested in growth businesses subject always to the quality of investment opportunities and the timing of realisations. Any uninvested funds are held in cash, interest bearing securities and a range of non-qualifying investments. It is intended that the significant majority (no less than 70%) of funds raised by the Company will be held in VCT qualifying investments. Risk is spread by investing in a number of different businesses within different industry sectors using a mixture of securities. The maximum amount invested in any one company, including any guarantees to banks or third parties providing loans or other investment into investee companies is limited to 15% of the portfolio at the time of investment. Investments are selected in the expectation that value will be enhanced by the application of private equity disciplines, including an active management style for unquoted companies, through the placement of an investor director onto investee company boards. The Company has a borrowing limit of an amount not exceeding an amount equal to the adjusted capital and reserves (being the aggregate of the amount paid up on the issued share capital of the Company and the amount standing to the credit of its reserves). Whilst the Company does not currently borrow, its policy permits it to do so. B35 Borrowing limits The Company s Articles permit borrowing but the Board s current policy is not to use borrowing. The Company has no borrowings to date. B36 Regulatory status The Company is subject to the Act and the regulations made thereunder and in the UK generally; its shares are listed on the premium segment of the Official List and, as a qualifying VCT, it is subject to regulation by HMRC in order to retain such status. The Company acts as its own alternative investment fund manager for the purposes of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive B37 Typical investor A typical investor in the Company will be a UK higher-rate income tax payer, over 18 years of age and with an investment range of between 3,000 and 200,000 who is capable of understanding and is comfortable with the risks of VCT investment. B38 Investments of 20% or more in a single company Not applicable. The Company does not and will not hold any investments which represent more than 20% of its gross assets in a single company or group. 6
7 B39 Investments of 40% or more in a single company Not applicable. The Company does not and will not hold any investments which represent more than 40% of its gross assets in a single company or group. B40 Service providers Foresight Group CI Limited acts as manager to the Company and receives an annual fee comprised of: 2% of the NAV attributable to the Ordinary Shares (adjusted to reflect quoted investments at mid-market prices); 1% of the NAV attributable to the Planned Exit Shares (adjusted to reflect quoted investments at mid-market prices); 1% of the NAV attributable to the Infrastructure Shares; and 100,000 fixed annual fee, payable quarterly in advance. Foresight Group LLP is entitled to the following performance fees: an entitlement to subscribe at par for such number of Ordinary Shares as represents 15% of the aggregate of each (revenue or capital) distribution paid to the holders of Ordinary Shares. Ordinary Shares will only issued if the Total Return per Ordinary Share amounts to at least 180.4p (rebased to reflect the share restructuring which took place on 1 March 2011). 2% of the NAV attributable to the Ordinary Shares (adjusted to reflect quoted investments at mid-market prices). The Total Return for the purposes of this performance fee shall mean the aggregate of (i) the then NAV of Ordinary Shares and (ii) an amount equal to 19.4p (rebased to reflect the above mentioned restructuring)(these being the distributions as at 16 January 2007 per old Foresight VCT plc C share) and (iii) all distributions following that date per Ordinary Share; an entitlement to the next 15p of distributions per Planned Exit Share once the holders of the Planned Exit Shares have received 110p of distributions per each Planned Exit Share, and thereafter to 20% of all further distributions per Planned Exit Share. This entitlement can be satisfied at the discretion of the Board wholly or partly in cash or by the issue of a number of Planned Exit Shares which, on issue, will have an aggregate NAV (using the most recently published NAV per Planned Exit Share) equal to the amount to be satisfied through the issue of such shares. once the holders of Infrastructure Shares have received 100p of distributions per Infrastructure Share, an entitlement to an amount equal in value to 15% of distributions made to the holders of Infrastructure Shares. This entitlement can be satisfied at the discretion of the Board wholly or partly in cash and wholly or partly by the issue of a number of Infrastructure Shares which, on issue, will have an aggregate NAV (using the most recently published NAV per Infrastructure Share) equal to the amount to be satisfied through the issue of such shares. It has been agreed that, conditional on completion of the Merger, that the existing performance incentive arrangements in respect of the Ordinary Shares fund be terminated. The Directors have agreed to enter into discussions with Foresight following the Merger with a view to agreeing suitable incentive arrangements to apply to the Enlarged Company s Ordinary Shares fund going forward. 7
8 B41 Regulatory status of Foresight Group LLP and Foresight Group CI Limited Foresight Group LLP is registered in England and Wales as a limited liability partnership with registered number OC Foresight Group LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, with registration number Foresight Group CI Limited is a private company registered in Guernsey with number Foresight Group CI Limited is licensed by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. B42 Calculation of NAV The Company s NAV is calculated every quarter and published on an appropriate regulatory information service. If for any reason valuations are suspended, shareholders will be notified in a similar manner. B43 B44 B45 B46 C C1 Umbrella collective investment scheme Absence of financial statements Investment portfolio Not applicable. The Company is not part of an umbrella collective investment scheme. Not applicable. The Company has commenced operations and published financial statements. The Company invests in a portfolio of UK and European companies. Investments are structured as part loan and part equity in order to generate income and capital growth over the medium to long term. A summary of the Company s portfolio is set out below. NAV per Share at 30 June 2015* Number of investments as at 30 June 2015 Carrying value of investments as at 30 June 2015 Ordinary Shares 91.7p 17 26,396,664 Planned Exit Shares 52.4p 3 2,242,472 Infrastructure 92.0p 12 15,128,894 Shares *(based on the Company s unaudited interim report as at 30 June 2015). Most recent NAV per Ordinary Share, Planned Exit Share and Infrastructure Share Description and class of securities and authority As at 30 June 2015 (based on the Company s unaudited interim report as at that date) the unaudited NAV for the Company s shares was as follows: Ordinary Share 91.7p Planned Exit Share 52.4p Infrastructure Share 92.0p Securities The securities being offered pursuant to the Merger are Ordinary Shares of 1p each (ISIN number GB00B68K3716), Planned Exit Shares of 1p each (ISIN number: GB00B61K7Y37) and Infrastructure Shares of 1p each (ISIN number GB00B45M5X62) (together Consideration Shares ). C2 Currency The Company s share capital currently comprises: Ordinary Shares of 1 penny each (GBP) Planned Exit Shares of 1 penny each (GBP) Infrastructure Shares of 1 penny each (GBP) 8
9 C3 Shares in issue As at the date of this document the following shares in the Company are in issue, all of which are fully paid up: 59,033,587 Ordinary Shares 6,025,610 Planned Exit Shares 16,547,046 Infrastructure Shares The maximum number of Consideration Shares to be issued pursuant to the Merger is, in aggregate, approximately 51,180,941. C4 Description of the rights attaching to the securities The Consideration Shares will have the following rights: C5 Income & Capital Voting Redemption Ordinary Shares Holders of Ordinary Shares shall each receive a portion of the distributed income and capital derived from the assets attributable to the Ordinary Shares in accordance with the Articles and pro rata to the number of such shares which they hold. Planned Exit Shares Holders of Planned Exit Shares shall each receive a portion of the distributed income and capital derived from the assets attributable to the Planned Exit Shares in accordance with the Articles and pro rata to the number of such shares which they hold. Infrastructure Shares Restrictions on transfer Holders of Infrastructure Shares shall each receive a portion of the distributed income and capital derived from the assets attributable to the Infrastructure Shares in accordance with the Articles and pro rata to the number of such shares which they hold. 1 vote on a show of hands and 1 vote per share on a poll 1 vote on a show of hands and 1 vote per share on a poll 1 vote on a show of hands and 1 vote per share on a poll Non-redeemable Non-redeemable Non-redeemable The Consideration Shares will be listed on the premium segment of the Official List and, as a result, will be freely transferable. C6 Admission Application will be made to the UKLA for the Consideration Shares to be admitted to the premium segment of the Official List of the UKLA. Application will also be made to the London Stock Exchange for such shares to be admitted to trading on its main market for listed securities. It is anticipated that dealings in the Consideration Shares will commence three Business Days following allotment. C7 Dividend policy The Board s policy is to whenever possible to maintain a steady flow of tax-free dividends, generated from income or capital profits realised on the sale of investments. The level of dividends is not guaranteed. 9
10 D D2 Key information on the key risks specific to the Company Risks The Company There can be no assurances that the Enlarged Company will meet its objectives, identify suitable investment opportunities or be able to diversify its portfolio. The past performance of Foresight, the funds managed or advised by Foresight, the Company and F2 is no guide to future performance of the Enlarged Company and the value of the Shares. The Shares may fall as well as rise in value. The Scheme may not be approved by the shareholders of F2. If the Scheme is not approved then the Merger will not go ahead. There can be no guarantee that the Enlarged Company will retain its status as a VCT, the loss of which could lead to adverse tax consequences. Additional changes to the VCT Rules, effective from Royal Assent to the 2015 Finance Act, restrict the age of companies into which VCTs can invest and prohibit VCTs from funding the acquisition of businesses. A lifetime risk-finance investment limit for ordinary investee companies of 12 million has also been introduced. These changes mean there will be fewer companies available to the Enlarged Company to invest in and commensurately greater competition for deals. The tax rules, or their interpretation, in relation to an investment in the Company and/or the rates of tax may change during the life of the Company and may apply retrospectively which could affect tax reliefs obtained by Shareholders and the VCT status of the Company. Investments in unquoted companies, by their nature, involve a higher degree of risk than investments in larger blue chip companies and their securities are not readily marketable and therefore may be difficult to realise. Although the Company may receive customary venture capital rights in connection with its investments, as a minority investor it will not be in a position to protect its interests fully. The Company s investments may be difficult, and take time, to realise. There may also be constraints imposed on the realisation of investments in order to maintain the VCT tax status of the Enlarged Company which may restrict the Enlarged Company s ability to obtain maximum value from its investments. 10
11 D3 E E1 E2a E3 E4 E5 Key information on the key risks specific to the securities Merger net proceeds and expenses Reasons for the Merger Terms and conditions of the Merger Description of any interest that is material to the issue Name of persons selling securities The Merger Completion of the Scheme is dependent on a number of conditions precedent being fulfilled, including the approval of Shareholders both in the Company and F2. Whilst the Board has identified a number of potential benefits of the Enlarged Company, there is no certainty that these benefits will lead to improved prospects for the Enlarged Company. If the Scheme is not approved by the shareholders of F2, the Merger will not go ahead and the full benefits of the Enlarged Company will not be realised. Shareholders may be adversely affected by the performance of the investments, whether acquired from F2 or made by the Company. Shareholders may be adversely affected by a change in the VCT status of the Company if a number of the investments acquired from F2, or the investments of the Company, are, or become, unable to meet VCT requirements. The Company and F2 are invested in a number of the same companies and where the aggregation of these shareholding pursuant to the Merger means that the Enlarged Company would hold more than 50% of the share capital of that investee company, it will be necessary for the Enlarged Company to dispose of some or all of its investment within 12 months and such disposals may not be achievable on favourable commercial terms and could result in a diminution in the value of Shares in the Enlarged Company. Offer If effected, the Merger will result in an Enlarged Company with total net assets of approximately 117 million (after expected Merger costs of approximately 450,000). The Merger will not, however, result in any new money being raised by the Company. The Board considers that the Merger will bring a number of benefits to all of the groups of shareholders through: a reduction in annual running costs per Share for the Enlarged Company compared to the aggregate annual running costs of the separate companies; enhanced prospects for the maintenance of regular and significant future dividend payments to Ordinary Shareholders; and the ability to sustain a future programme of new and follow on investments in an enlarged Ordinary Share Portfolio including a significantly wider spread. The Merger, the implementation of which is conditional on the passing of resolutions at the General Meeting, will be effected by: (1) F2 being placed into members voluntary liquidation pursuant to a scheme of reconstruction under section 110 of the IA 1986; and (2) all of the assets and liabilities of F2 being transferred to the Company in consideration for the issue of Consideration Shares (which will be issued directly by the Company to shareholders of F2). Not applicable. There are no interests that are material to the issue. Not applicable. No entity is selling securities in the Company. 11
12 E6 E7 Amount and percentage of immediate dilution Expenses charged to the investor If 51,180,941 Consideration Shares are issued in aggregate under the Merger, the existing 81,713,243 Shares will represent 61.5% of the Enlarged Company s issued share capital. None of the existing Shares in the Enlarged Company will suffer NAV dilution, however, as the number of Consideration Shares to be issued to the shareholders in F2 is to be based on the relative net assets of the Companies. Not applicable. No expenses are charged to the investor by the Company. 12
13 RISK FACTORS Shareholders and prospective Shareholders should consider carefully the following risk factors in addition to the other information presented in this document as a whole. If any of the risks described below were to materialise, there could be a material effect on the Company s businesses, financial condition or results of operations. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones the Company, the Board or Shareholders will face. Additional risks not currently known to the Company or the Board, or that the Company or the Board currently believe are not material, may also adversely affect the Company s businesses, financial condition and results of operations. The value of Shares could decline due to any of these risk factors, and Shareholders could lose part or all of their investment. Shareholders who are in any doubt about what to do should consult their independent financial adviser. The attention of Shareholders is drawn to the following risks: Scheme related risk factors Completion of the Scheme is dependent upon a number of conditions precedent being fulfilled, including the approval of Shareholders and F2 Shareholders. Whilst the Board has identified a number of potential benefits of the Merger for the Enlarged Company, there is no certainty that these benefits will lead to improved prospects for the Enlarged Company. The Scheme is conditional on approval by the Shareholders of F2 at a general meeting and notice of dissent not being received from shareholders holding more than 10% in nominal value of the issued share capital of F2, neither of which can be guaranteed. If the Merger is not approved or does not for any reason proceed to completion, the benefits described in this document will not be realised but many of the costs of the Merger will still be borne by the Companies. Enlarged Company risk factors The Company and F2, particularly in the Infrastructure Share Portfolios, have investments in a number of the same companies and where the aggregation of these shareholding pursuant to the Merger means that the Enlarged Company would hold more than 50% of the share capital of that investee company, it will be necessary for the Enlarged Company to dispose of some or all of its investment within the 12 months following the Effective Date otherwise such investments will cease to be qualifying investments under the VCT Rules. The timing constraint on such disposals may mean, in a worst case scenario, they are not achievable on favourable commercial terms and this could result in a diminution in the value of Shares in the Enlarged Company. Additional changes to the VCT Rules, effective from Royal Assent to the 2015 Finance Act, restrict the investments which can be made by VCTs. Companies whose first commercial sale was more than seven years ago are no longer eligible for VCT investment save where they received a risk finance investment in their first seven years of trading or where the invested amount is greater than 50% of the average of the company s turnover for the previous five years and the company is entering a new product or geographical market. The prohibition on employing VCT money on the purchase of shares was also extended to include business acquisitions structured as purchases of assets or goodwill. Non-qualifying investments by VCTs will be restricted to a narrower range of investment categories intended to facilitate liquidity management. Furthermore, the lifetime limit of risk financed investment was reduced to 12 million for ordinary companies ( 20 million for knowledge intensive companies). These changes will restrict the pipeline of potential investee companies available to the Enlarged Company, the structure of those investments and the size of potential follow on investments. Some existing investee companies in the portfolios of the Company and those to be acquired from F2 may be unable to receive further VCT investment or the amount of such follow on investment may be restricted. The Enlarged Company is likely to face greater competition for a smaller number of available investments going forward as a result of these legislative changes. General VCT risk factors The value of Shares and the income from them can fluctuate and investors may not get back the amount they invested. In addition, there is no certainty that the market price of the Shares will fully reflect the underlying Net Asset Value or that Shareholders will be able to realise their shareholding or that dividends will be paid. Investment in the Company should be seen as a long-term investment. The past performance of the Company, F2 or of other funds managed 13
14 by Foresight, the manager to the Companies, is not necessarily an indication of the future performance of the Enlarged Company. The Net Asset Value of the Shares will reflect the values and performance of the underlying assets in the respective portfolios. The value of the investments and income derived from them can rise and fall. Realisation of investments in unquoted, AIM and ISDX-traded or ISDX-quoted companies can be difficult and may take considerable time. There may also be constraints imposed on the realisation of investments in order to maintain the VCT status of the companies which may restrict the Company s ability to obtain maximum value from its investments or to achieve the intended timing of distributions. To be qualifying holdings, VCT funds must be invested in smaller companies with gross assets of not more than 15 million prior to the investment ( 16 million post investment). In addition, to be qualifying holdings, VCT funds must be invested in companies which have no more than 250 full time (equivalent) employees and do not obtain more than 5 million of investment from VCTs, companies under the corporate venturing scheme and individuals claiming relief under the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme and/or Enterprise Investment Scheme in any rolling 12 month period. There can be no guarantee that suitable investment opportunities will be identified in order to meet the Company s objectives. Although the Company may receive conventional venture capital rights in connection with its investments, as a minority investor it will not be in a position to fully protect its interests. Investment in smaller and unquoted, AIM and ISDX-traded or ISDXquoted companies involves a higher degree of risk than investment in larger companies and those traded on the main market of the London Stock Exchange. Smaller companies generally may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be more dependent on their management or key individuals than larger companies. Markets for smaller companies securities may be less regulated and are often less liquid, and this may cause difficulties in valuing and disposing of equity investments in such companies. Although the existing Shares issued by the Company have been (and it is expected that the Consideration Shares will be) admitted to the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and traded on the London Stock Exchange s market for listed securities, it is unlikely that there will be a liquid market as there is a limited secondary market for VCT shares and investors may find it difficult to realise their investments. The market price of the Shares may not fully reflect, and will tend to be at a discount to, their underlying net asset value. Such a discount may be exacerbated by the availability of income tax relief on the issue of new VCT shares. If the Company lacks sufficient cash reserves to purchase its own Shares and during prohibited periods when the Company is unable to purchase its own Shares the market price of Shares may not fully reflect, and will tend to be at a discount to, their underlying net asset value. Shareholders should not rely upon any share buyback policy to offer any certainty of selling their shares at prices that reflect the underlying NAV. The information, including tax rules, contained in this document is based on existing legislation. The tax rules or their interpretation in relation to an investment in the Company and/or the rates of tax, or other statutory provisions to which the Company is subject, may change during the life of the Company and such changes could be retrospective. While it is the intention of the Directors that the Company will be managed so as to continue to qualify as a venture capital trust, there can be no guarantee that this status will be maintained. A failure to meet the qualifying requirements could result in the loss of tax reliefs previously obtained, resulting in adverse tax consequences for investors, including a requirement to repay the income tax relief obtained, and could also cause the Company to lose its exemption from corporation tax on capital gains. Although each of the Company s (and the Enlarged Company s) existing share classes will be managed separately and benefit from fixed costs being spread across a larger asset base, they will continue, however, to be subject to the overall financial position and performance of the Company (or the Enlarged Company) as a number of accounting, company law and VCT tests are applied at company level. In addition, if in the unlikely event there was a deficit in relation to one share class of the Company (or the Enlarged Company), such deficit would be borne by the other share classes of the Company (or the Enlarged Company) and the underperformance of one share class could impact on the ability to make returns in respect of the other share classes. Shareholders may be adversely affected by the performance of the investments, whether acquired from F2 or made by the Company. The performance of the investments in F2 as well as 14
15 the investments of the Company may restrict the ability of the Company following the merger to distribute any capital and revenue gains achieved on the investments transferred from F2 to the Company (as well as the investments of the Company). Shareholders may be adversely affected by a change in the VCT status of the Company if a number of the investments acquired from F2, or the investments of the Company, are or become unable to meet VCT requirements. Where the Company invests in companies in which other entities managed or advised by Foresight have invested or subsequently invest, conflicts of interest may arise. The Directors will exercise their independent judgement to manage any such conflicts for the benefit of the Company. 15
16 EXPECTED TIMETABLES EXPECTED TIMETABLE FOR THE COMPANY Latest time for the receipt of forms of proxy for the General Meeting a.m. on 8 December 2015 General Meeting a.m. on 10 December 2015 Calculation Date 17 December 2015 Effective Date for the transfer of the assets and liabilities of F2 to the Company and the issue of Consideration Shares pursuant to the Scheme Announcement of the results of the General Meetings and completion of the Scheme 18 December December 2015 Admission and dealings in the Consideration Shares to commence 21 December 2015 CREST accounts credited (where applicable) 22 December 2015 Certificates for Consideration Shares dispatched by 22 January 2016 EXPECTED TIMETABLE FOR FORESIGHT 2 VCT PLC ( F2 ) Date from which it is advised that dealings in F2 Shares should only be for cash settlement and immediate delivery of documents of title Latest time for receipt of forms of proxy for the F2 First General Meeting 8 December a.m. on 8 December 2015 F2 First General Meeting a.m. on 10 December 2015 Latest time for receipt of forms of proxy for the F2 Second General Meeting a.m. on 16 December 2015 Calculation Date 17 December 2015 F2 register of members closed 5.00 p.m. on 17 December 2015 Record Date for F2 Shareholders entitlements under the Scheme 5.00 p.m. on 17 December 2015 Dealings in F2 Shares suspended* 7.30 a.m. on 18 December 2015 F2 Second General Meeting a.m. on 18 December 2015 Effective Date for the transfer of the assets and liabilities of F2 to the Company and the issue of Consideration Shares pursuant to the Scheme** 18 December 2015 Announcements of the results of the Scheme 18 December 2015 Cancellation of the listing of the F2 Shares 8.00 a.m. on 22 January 2016 (* the last trading date for the F2 Shares will, therefore, be 17 December 2015) (** see the timetable for the Company with regard to Admission, CREST accounts being credited and certificates being dispatched) 16
17 DEFINITIONS Admission AIM Articles Board or Directors Boards CA 2006 Calculation Date the date on which the Consideration Shares are listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and admitted to dealing on the LSE s main market for listed securities the Alternative Investment Market, a market operated by the LSE the articles of association of the Company, as amended from time to time the board of directors of the Company (and each a Director ) the Board and the F2 Board the Companies Act 2006, as amended the date on which the number of Consideration Shares to be issued is determined, this being after the close of business on 17 December 2015 Circular the circular to Shareholders dated 13 November 2015 Companies Company or F1 Consideration Shares Due Share of Merger Costs Effective Date Enlarged Company F2 the Company and F2 Foresight VCT plc the Ordinary Consideration and/or Planned Exit Consideration Shares and/or Infrastructure Consideration Shares, as the context dictates, to be issued by the Company to F2 Shareholders in accordance with the Scheme (and each a Consideration Share ) the proportions of the total Merger Costs to be borne by each class of shares respectively in the Company and F2 as set out in paragraph 1 of Part 10 of this document the date on which the Merger will be completed, expected to be 18 December 2015 the Company, following implementation of the Scheme Foresight 2 VCT plc F2 Board the board of directors of F2 F2 Circular the circular to F2 Shareholders dated 13 November 2015 F2 First General Meeting the first general meeting of F2 to be held on 10 December 2015 (and any adjournment thereof) F2 Infrastructure Share Roll-Over Value F2 Infrastructure Shareholders the value of an F2 Infrastructure Share, calculated in accordance with Part 2 of this document holders of F2 Infrastructure Shares (and each an Infrastructure Shareholder ) F2 Infrastructure Shares the infrastructure shares of 1p each in the capital of F2 (ISIN: GB00B5M3H114) (and each an F2 Infrastructure Share ) F2 Infrastructure Shares fund F2 Ordinary Share Roll-Over Value the assets and liabilities attributable to the F2 Infrastructure Shares the value of an F2 Ordinary Share, calculated in accordance with Part 2 of this document 17
18 F2 Ordinary Shareholders holders of F2 Ordinary Shares (and each a F2 Ordinary Shareholder ) F2 Ordinary Shares the ordinary shares of 1p each in the capital of F2 (ISIN: GB00B03CKY62) (and each an F2 Ordinary Share ) F2 Ordinary Shares fund the assets and liabilities attributable to the F2 Ordinary Shares F2 Planned Exit Share Roll-Over Value F2 Planned Exit Shareholders the value of an F2 Planned Exit Share, calculated in accordance with Part 2 of this document holders of F2 Planned Exit Shares (and each a F2 Planned Exit Shareholder ) F2 Planned Exit Shares the planned exit shares of 1p each in the capital of F2 (ISIN: GB00B61M8H90) (and each an F2 Planned Exit Share ) F2 Planned Exit Shares fund F2 Second General Meeting the assets and liabilities attributable to the F2 Planned Exit Shares the second general meeting of F2 to be held on 18 December 2015 (and any adjournment thereof) F2 Shares means F2 Ordinary Shares and/or F2 Planned Exit Shares and/or F2 Infrastructure Shares as the context dictates F2 Shareholders the shareholders of F2 (and each a F2 Shareholder ) FCA Foresight Foresight Group FSMA General Meeting or Meeting HMRC IA 1986 Independent Valuer Infrastructure Consideration Shares Infrastructure Shareholders Infrastructure Share Portfolios Infrastructure Share Merger Ratio Infrastructure Share Merger Value the Financial Conduct Authority Foresight Group CI Limited, the Companies manager which is licensed by the Guernsey Financial Services commission Foresight Group LLP which is authorised and regulated by the FCA the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended the general meeting of the Company to be held on 10 December 2015 (and any adjournments thereof) convened in accordance with notices enclosed with the Circular; HM Revenue & Customs Insolvency Act 1986, as amended Scott-Moncrieff of Exchange Place 3, Semple Street, Edinburgh EH3 8BL the new Infrastructure Shares to be issued to F2 Infrastructure Shareholders in accordance with the Scheme (and each an Infrastructure Consideration Share ) holders of Infrastructure Shares (and each an Infrastructure Shareholder ) the Infrastructure Shares fund and the F2 Infrastructure Shares fund (and each an Infrastructure Share Portfolio ) the F2 Infrastructure Share Roll-Over Value divided by the Infrastructure Share Merger Value rounded down to four decimal places the value of an Infrastructure Share calculated in accordance with Part 2 of this document 18
19 Infrastructure Shares Infrastructure Shares fund ITA 2007 Liquidators Listing Rules London Stock Exchange or LSE Merger Merger Costs Merger Regulations Merger Values NAV or Net Asset Value Official List Ordinary Consideration Shares Ordinary Shareholders Ordinary Share Portfolios Ordinary Share Merger Ratio Ordinary Share Merger Value Ordinary Shares Ordinary Shares fund Planned Exit Consideration Shares Planned Exit Shareholders the infrastructure shares of 1p each in the capital of the Company (ISIN: GB00B45M5X62) (and each an Infrastructure Share ) the assets and liabilities attributable to the Infrastructure Shares Income Tax Act 2007, as amended William Duncan and Gareth Harris of RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP, Springfield House, 76 Wellington Street, Leeds LS1 2AY in their capacities as joint liquidators of F2 the listing rules of the UKLA London Stock Exchange plc the proposed merger of the Companies to be effected through the Scheme costs of the Merger to borne by the Company and F2, estimated to be 450,000 Venture Capital Trusts (Winding-up and Mergers) (Tax) Regulations 2004 the Ordinary Share Merger Value, the Planned Exit Share Merger Value, the Infrastructure Share Merger Value, the F2 Ordinary Share Roll-Over Value, the F2 Planned Exit Share Roll-Over Value, the F2 Infrastructure Share Roll-Over Value net asset value the official list of the UKLA the new Ordinary Shares to be issued to F2 Ordinary Shareholders in accordance with the Scheme (and each an Ordinary Consideration Share ) holders of Ordinary Shares (and each an Ordinary Shareholder ) the Ordinary Shares fund and the F2 Ordinary Shares fund (and each an Ordinary Share Portfolio ) the F2 Ordinary Share Roll-Over Value divided by the Ordinary Share Merger Value rounded down to four decimal places the value of an Ordinary Share calculated in accordance with Part 2 of this document the ordinary shares of 1p each in the capital of the Company (ISIN: GB00B68K3716) (and each an Ordinary Share ) the assets and liabilities attributable to the Ordinary Shares the new Planned Exit Shares to be issued to F2 Planned Exit Shareholders in accordance with the Scheme (and each a Planned Exit Consideration Share ) holders of Planned Exit Shares (and each a Planned Exit Shareholder ) 19
20 Planned Exit Share Portfolios Planned Exit Share Merger Ratio Planned Exit Share Merger Value Planned Exit Shares Planned Exit Shares fund Proposals Prospectus Record Date Resolutions Scheme the Planned Exit Shares fund and F2 Planned Exit Shares fund (and each a Planned Exit Share Portfolio ) the F2 Planned Exit Share Roll-Over Value divided by the Planned Exit Share Merger Value rounded down to four decimal places the value of an Planned Exit Share calculated in accordance with Part 2 of this document the planned exit shares of 1p each in the capital of the Company (ISIN: GB00B61K7Y37) (and each a Planned Exit Share ) the assets and liabilities attributable to the Planned Exit Shares the proposal to effect the Scheme and pass the Resolutions this document the record date to which F2 Shareholders entitlements will be allocated pursuant to the Scheme, expected to be 5.00 p.m. 17 December 2015 the resolutions to be proposed at the Meetings (and each a Resolution ) the proposed merger of the Company with F2 by means of placing F2 into members voluntary liquidation pursuant to Section 110 of IA 1986 and the acquisition by the Company of all of F2 s assets and liabilities in consideration for Consideration Shares Section 593 Report as defined on page 29 Shareholders Shares Transfer Agreement UK UKLA or UK Listing Authority VCT or venture capital trust VCT Rules holders of Shares (and each a Shareholder ) means Ordinary Shares and/or Planned Exit Shares and/or Infrastructure Shares as the context dictates (and each a Share ) the agreement between the Company and F2 (acting through the Liquidators) for the transfer of all of the assets and liabilities of F2 by the Liquidators to the Company pursuant to the Scheme the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland the UK Listing Authority, being the Financial Conduct Authority acting in its capacity as the competent authority for the purposes of Part 6 of the Financial Services and Market Act 2000 a company satisfying the requirements of Chapter 3 of Part 6 of ITA 2007 for venture capital trusts the legislation, rules and HMRC interpretation and practice regulating the establishment and operation of venture capital trusts 20
Calculated Excellence. investment details
Calculated Excellence investment details 27 year history This document, which is a financial promotion in accordance with Section 21 of the Financial Services Markets Act 2000 (the Act ) and an advertisement