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Reverse Takeover is 'Transformational' Deal for eXpansys - July 6, 2010
MANCHESTER, England, July 6, 2010-- eXpansys plc (the "Company"), the online consumer electronics
retailer, announces the proposed acquisitions of DSNS and PJ Media. The
Company has also undertaken a major restructuring of its affairs and board
composition and now intends to build a global online technology superstore.
Highlights:
- Acquisition of DSNS and PJ Media, two businesses controlled
by Peter Jones CBE, the enterprise entrepreneur and eXpansys's major
shareholder
- Total transaction value of GBP49 million
- Placing of further new shares with UK institutions, at 5.6p
per share, to raise GBP30m
- Bob Wigley, chairman of Yell plc and formerly Chairman of
Merrill Lynch EMEA, will join the board as non-executive Chairman
- Peter Jones CBE will join the Board as non-executive Deputy
Chairman
As a result of the placing, Peter Jones' stake in the Company
will reduce to 43% (formerly 75%) creating a sensible free float whilst
maintaining a material interest in the business. The transaction qualifies as
a reverse takeover of eXpansys and will be subject to the approval of
shareholders at an EGM on 23 July.
Data Select Network Solutions Limited ("DSNS") is a privately
owned profitable business with relationships with a large number of the UK's
major mobile telecommunication network operators and MVNOs, and focuses on
the sale and distribution of SIM cards and retail solutions. PJ Media is
another privately owned profitable business with the principal activities of
web design, implementation and online marketing services to enterprises
seeking to enhance their web-based offerings. Following the Acquisitions, the
directors intend to capitalise upon the prospective opportunities available
to the enlarged group and aim to develop eXpansys as a leading global online
consumer technology retailer.
eXpansys Chief Executive Anthony Catterson, said: "This is a
transformational moment for eXpansys. I am delighted that we have been able
to attract such high calibre individuals onto the board, and have also
received the support of blue-chip institutions who have joined the share
register. This deal opens up a number of significant strategic opportunities
for the Company that we fully intend to exploit."
Bob Wigley, Chairman, said: "eXpansys represents a high growth
opportunity built on a world class technology platform. eXpansys has the
potential to be an international market leader. Anthony is putting together
an excellent management team and, with the injection of DSNS and PJ Media, a
coherent strategy for today's fast growing online market."
Peter Jones, Deputy Chairman, said: "I invested in the Company
last year because I saw its potential. This deal is a major step in unlocking
that potential. We expect to create over time a real powerhouse, both in
terms of its investment potential and its ability to serve consumer
technology products to customers right around the world."
For further information:
Nick Miles/Ben Simons - M: Communications - +44(0)207-920-2330
Source: eXpansys
For further information or to obtain full press release contact: Nick Miles/Ben Simons - M: Communications - +44(0)207-920-2330
Reverse Takeover is 'Transformational' Deal for eXpansys - July 6, 2010
MANCHESTER, England, July 6, 2010-- eXpansys plc (the "Company"), the online consumer electronics
retailer, announces the proposed acquisitions of DSNS and PJ Media. The
Company has also undertaken a major restructuring of its affairs and board
composition and now intends to build a global online technology superstore.
Highlights:
- Acquisition of DSNS and PJ Media, two businesses controlled
by Peter Jones CBE, the enterprise entrepreneur and eXpansys's major
shareholder
- Total transaction value of GBP49 million
- Placing of further new shares with UK institutions, at 5.6p
per share, to raise GBP30m
- Bob Wigley, chairman of Yell plc and formerly Chairman of
Merrill Lynch EMEA, will join the board as non-executive Chairman
- Peter Jones CBE will join the Board as non-executive Deputy
Chairman
As a result of the placing, Peter Jones' stake in the Company
will reduce to 43% (formerly 75%) creating a sensible free float whilst
maintaining a material interest in the business. The transaction qualifies as
a reverse takeover of eXpansys and will be subject to the approval of
shareholders at an EGM on 23 July.
Data Select Network Solutions Limited ("DSNS") is a privately
owned profitable business with relationships with a large number of the UK's
major mobile telecommunication network operators and MVNOs, and focuses on
the sale and distribution of SIM cards and retail solutions. PJ Media is
another privately owned profitable business with the principal activities of
web design, implementation and online marketing services to enterprises
seeking to enhance their web-based offerings. Following the Acquisitions, the
directors intend to capitalise upon the prospective opportunities available
to the enlarged group and aim to develop eXpansys as a leading global online
consumer technology retailer.
eXpansys Chief Executive Anthony Catterson, said: "This is a
transformational moment for eXpansys. I am delighted that we have been able
to attract such high calibre individuals onto the board, and have also
received the support of blue-chip institutions who have joined the share
register. This deal opens up a number of significant strategic opportunities
for the Company that we fully intend to exploit."
Bob Wigley, Chairman, said: "eXpansys represents a high growth
opportunity built on a world class technology platform. eXpansys has the
potential to be an international market leader. Anthony is putting together
an excellent management team and, with the injection of DSNS and PJ Media, a
coherent strategy for today's fast growing online market."
Peter Jones, Deputy Chairman, said: "I invested in the Company
last year because I saw its potential. This deal is a major step in unlocking
that potential. We expect to create over time a real powerhouse, both in
terms of its investment potential and its ability to serve consumer
technology products to customers right around the world."
For further information:
Nick Miles/Ben Simons - M: Communications - +44(0)207-920-2330
Source: eXpansys
For further information or to obtain full press release contact: Nick Miles/Ben Simons - M: Communications - +44(0)207-920-2330