PGGW rights issue supported

Peter McIntyre
Peter McIntyre
Brokers are urging PGG Wrightson (PGGW) shareholders to participate in its rights issue, saying the company should enjoy better times now many of the listed rural servicing company's problems appear behind it.

Trading in rights has been busy, with between 2.8 million and 15.7 million traded each day at prices between 10c and 17c.

The underwritten issue, which opened on November 26 and closes on Monday, will raise $180.7 million in new capital.

PGGW has also received additional good news with China-based Agria Corporation, which has taken a 12% stake, having a class action lawsuit against it dismissed by the Southern District Court of New York in the United States.

Craigs Investment Partners broker Peter McIntyre said, with Agria expected to take its holding to 19.9%, PGGW successfully refinancing $200 million of debt and short and medium-term business pros-pects looking bright, shareholders should take up their entitlements, if they could.

"Our view is it would be more beneficial to shareholders if they can afford to take up the rights because we see inherent value in the stock."

Shareholders were entitled to subscribe for nine new shares for every existing eight shares they held at an issue price of 45c each.

Mr McIntyre said shareholders had not had a lot of time to consider whether to subscribe, but he believed some difficult years were behind PGGW, especially its debt issues, which made the stock more attractive.

"A lot of debt issues have been put aside and we should see good, long-term growth strategy, particularly with its seed division."

 

Add a Comment