Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>Recently, I surmised FIRB would approve <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sociedad-quimica-y-minera-de-chile-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27977:1" rel="noopener">Sociedad Quimica y Minera (SQM US)</a>/Hancock's bid for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/azure-minerals-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:16538:1" rel="noopener">Azure (AZS AU)</a>; but ding <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hanwha-ocean-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12531:1" rel="noopener">Hanwha Ocean (042660 KS)</a>'s <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/austal-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14420:1" rel="noopener">Austal (ASB AU)</a> tilt. I'm batting 50%. </li>
<li>Whereas FIRB <a href="https://announcements.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20240430/pdf/0631wdsf6wd6kn.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gave the green light</a> for Azure this week; reportedly (no official ASX announcement as yet), the Aussie government is "not concerned" with Hanwha's acquisition. Austal gained 3% yesterday.</li>
<li>Even Austal didn't high hopes of securing Aussie approval. Presumably the US government is similarly onboard. This development also signals an expanding AUKUS security pact. </li>
</ul>


Recently, I surmised FIRB would approve Sociedad Quimica y Minera (SQM US)/Hancock's bid for Azure (AZS AU); but ding Hanwha Ocean (042660 KS)'s Austal (ASB AU) tilt. I'm batting 50%. 
Whereas FIRB gave the green light for Azure this week; reportedly (no official ASX announcement as yet), the Aussie government is "not concerned" with Hanwha's acquisition. Austal gained 3% yesterday.
Even Austal didn't high hopes of securing Aussie approval. Presumably the US government is similarly onboard. This development also signals an expanding AUKUS security pact. 


The Bigger Picture As Aussie Government "Approves' Hanwha Ocean's Austal Bid

IPOs and Catalysts/Events, Global Equity Research Ltd

Arun George

IPOs and Catalysts/Events

Uncompromised, Independent, Conflict-Free Research

Global Equity Research Ltd

Global Equity Research was started in 2017 by a group of experienced research professionals. It was founded on a passionate belief in the importance and the need for uncompromised, independent, conflict-free research. We aim to provide differentiated and actionable primary and bottom up fundamental research.

<ul>
<li>On 2 April, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/austal-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14420:1" rel="noopener">Austal Ltd (ASB AU)</a> rejected a non-binding proposal from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hanwha-ocean-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12531:1" rel="noopener">Hanwha Ocean (042660 KS)</a> at A$2.825 due to concerns about obtaining Australian and US regulatory approvals. </li>
<li>The Board’s claims are on shaky grounds. On 1 May, the AFR reported that Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles had no concerns with Hanwha’s privatisation bid. </li>
<li>The Board’s rejection is a clumsy attempt to negotiate better terms, such as a bump, ticking fees, or significant break fees. At the last close, the gross spread was 21.8%. </li>
</ul>


On 2 April, Austal Ltd (ASB AU) rejected a non-binding proposal from Hanwha Ocean (042660 KS) at A$2.825 due to concerns about obtaining Australian and US regulatory approvals. 
The Board’s claims are on shaky grounds. On 1 May, the AFR reported that Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles had no concerns with Hanwha’s privatisation bid. 
The Board’s rejection is a clumsy attempt to negotiate better terms, such as a bump, ticking fees, or significant break fees. At the last close, the gross spread was 21.8%. 


Austal (ASB AU): Spurned Suitor, Hanwha Ocean, Gets a Vote of Confidence

Korea / Special Sits, Pairs, Index Rebalancing, Clepsydra Capital

Sanghyun Park

Korea / Special Sits, Pairs, Index Rebalancing

Clepsydra Capital

Investigate special situations, pairs, and index rebalancing trades in Korea.

<ul>
<li>Hanwha received counsel indicating foreign regulators won't oppose Austal's acquisition. They admit it's restricted to AUKUS countries but argue Korea's ties ease opposition.</li>
<li>Hence, Hanwha Ocean is dropping some heavy hints that even though Austal has turned down the acquisition offer for now, there's still a chance the deal could go through.</li>
<li>The pivotal factor lies in whether Hanwha Ocean can secure approval from the AUKUS countries. Should they succeed, it is anticipated that Austal would be inclined to accept the deal.</li>
</ul>


Hanwha received counsel indicating foreign regulators won't oppose Austal's acquisition. They admit it's restricted to AUKUS countries but argue Korea's ties ease opposition.
Hence, Hanwha Ocean is dropping some heavy hints that even though Austal has turned down the acquisition offer for now, there's still a chance the deal could go through.
The pivotal factor lies in whether Hanwha Ocean can secure approval from the AUKUS countries. Should they succeed, it is anticipated that Austal would be inclined to accept the deal.


What's Additionally Being Heard on Hanwha's Austal Deal from Korea's Local Scene

<ul>
<li>Perth-Based shipbuilder <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/austal-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14420:1" rel="noopener">Austal Ltd (ASB AU)</a> has <a href="https://announcements.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20240402/pdf/0621t3mv6bqzvs.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirmed</a> a A$2.825/share non-binding indicative proposal, by way of a Scheme, from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hanwha-ocean-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12531:1" rel="noopener">Hanwha Ocean (042660 KS)</a>. That's a 28.4% premium to last close.</li>
<li>Austal designs and builds defence vessels for the Australian and US navies. Austal believes Hanwha is unlikely to secure necessary approvals from the Australian and US governments. </li>
<li>Hanwha considers this view to be baseless, that it is a credible buyer, and its capabilities and investment are aligned with government objectives in Australia, the US and South Korea.</li>
</ul>


Perth-Based shipbuilder Austal Ltd (ASB AU) has confirmed a A$2.825/share non-binding indicative proposal, by way of a Scheme, from Hanwha Ocean (042660 KS). That's a 28.4% premium to last close.
Austal designs and builds defence vessels for the Australian and US navies. Austal believes Hanwha is unlikely to secure necessary approvals from the Australian and US governments. 
Hanwha considers this view to be baseless, that it is a credible buyer, and its capabilities and investment are aligned with government objectives in Australia, the US and South Korea.


Austal (ASB AU): Hanwha's NBIO Is A Non-Starter

<ul>
<li>I tally 49 - mostly firm, mostly Asia-Pac - transactions currently being discussed and analysed on Smartkarma. Inside is a timetable of upcoming key events for each deal.</li>
<li>Three new deals discussed this week on Smartkarma: <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/samson-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2767:1" rel="noopener">Samson Holding (531 HK)</a>'s Scheme, and VTOs for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/advanced-info-service-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:947:1" rel="noopener">Advanced Info Service (ADVANC TB)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/thaicom-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18019:1" rel="noopener">Thaicom Pcl (THCOM TB)</a>.</li>
<li>Key updates took place on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/capitol-health-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14504:1" rel="noopener">Capitol Health (CAJ AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alumina-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:939:1" rel="noopener">Alumina (AWC AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ansarada-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:30718:1" rel="noopener">Ansarada (AND AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-traditional-chinese-medicine" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:351:1" rel="noopener">TCM (570 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/cpmc-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10427:1" rel="noopener">CPMC  (906 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/fancl-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15862:1" rel="noopener">Fancl (4921 JP)</a>,and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hollysys-automation-technologies" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26078:1" rel="noopener">Hollysys Automation Technologies (HOLI US)</a>.</li>
</ul>


I tally 49 - mostly firm, mostly Asia-Pac - transactions currently being discussed and analysed on Smartkarma. Inside is a timetable of upcoming key events for each deal.
Three new deals discussed this week on Smartkarma: Samson Holding (531 HK)'s Scheme, and VTOs for Advanced Info Service (ADVANC TB) and Thaicom Pcl (THCOM TB).
Key updates took place on Capitol Health (CAJ AU), Alumina (AWC AU), Ansarada (AND AU), TCM (570 HK), CPMC  (906 HK), Fancl (4921 JP),and Hollysys Automation Technologies (HOLI US).


(Mostly) Asia-Pac M&A: AIS/Thaicom, Capitol Health, Alumina, Ansarada, TCM, CPMC, Fancl, Hollysys

Australia

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited is a technology company specializing in electro-optic design and development for the space and defense markets.  The Company develops satellite laser ranging and tracking systems along with laser based sighting and surveillance systems.

Service Stream Limited is a specialized fixed, wireless and broadband telecommunications service provider. The Company acquires property, plans, approves, designs, constructs, installs, commissions, and provides ongoing maintenance forwireless communications facilities. The Company also provides installation, construction and maintenance services for the telecom industry.

GWA Group Ltd. manufactures building fittings for households and commercial premises.  The Company designs, manufactures, imports and distributes domestic and commercial bathroom, kitchen and laundry products; manufactures and imports hot water and ducted heating and cooling systems; and designs, manufactures, imports and distributes door hardware and fittings and garage doors and openers.

Monadelphous Group Limited provides engineering and construction services to the resources and petrochemical industries. The Company provides mining and processing industry maintenance, mining equipment refurbishment, project management, construction, and airport ground handling services. Monadelphous Group serves customers in Australia.

Quickstep Holdings Limited manufactures a wide range of advanced composite materials.

HighCom Limited provides body armor and personal protective equipment. The Company designs, develops, tests, manufactures, and distributes hard and soft armor products such as helmets, plates, shields, carriers, and related accessories. HighCom serves customers worldwide.

Lycopodium Limited is an engineering consulting firm. The Company, through its subsidiaries, provides consulting engineering services to both the mining and manufacturing industries as well as provides specialist services to the minerals resource industry. Lycopodium serves customers worldwide.

SRG Global Limited operates as a construction services company. The Company constructs skyscrapers, bridges, dams, structures, transport infrastructures, and oil and gas projects, as well as offers drilling support, civil engineering, and industrial maintenance services. SRG Global serves customers worldwide.

Macmahon Holdings Limited is a civil engineering and contract mining company. The Company offers contract engineering services for areas including roadwork, mining, ports, dams, railways, airports and bridges. The Company also provides mining services which include drilling and blasting, crushing, support, mine refurbishment, and equipment reconditioning.

Emeco Holdings Limited provides commercial equipment rental services. The Company rents earthmoving equipment to the mining industries in Australia and Indonesia.

National Presto Industries, Inc. is a diversified manufacturing company. The Company manufactures defense products, housewares/small appliances, and absorbent products. Nationals products include precision mechanical and electro-mechanical products for the U.S. Department of Defense, pressure cookers and canners, and private label diapers.

AECC Aero Science and Technology Co. Ltd. manufactures and distributes aircraft products. The Company produces aircraft engines, cartridge receivers, compressor blades, and other products. AECC Aero Science and Technology also produces bearings, metal forging parts, textile machines, medical equipment, and other products.

Sichuan Chengfa Aero Scinc & Tech (600391 CH)

Xi'an Tian He Defense Technology Company Limited directs and controls continuous wave radar and photoelectric detection technologies, develops, manufactures and sells control systems. The Company's main products include terminal air defense command and control system products.

Beijing Andawell Science & Technology Co., Ltd. manufactures airborne equipment. The Company develops and manufactures aircraft seats, kitchen and lavatory systems, aircraft interiors, airborne electronics, and other products. Beijing Andawell Science & Technology also provides airborne equipment maintenance, testing equipment development, and material trade services.

Beijing Watertek Information Technology Co., Ltd. provides embedded systems for defense and military testing products and technical services, information security products and embedded smart mobile devices embedded industry.

Beijing Watertek Information T (300324 CH)

Hunan Boyun New Materials Company Limited researches, manufactures, and markets powder metallurgy friction materials, carbon and carbon composite materials, nano materials and products, and other related equipment.  The Company also operates goods and technology import and export business.

Astronics Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets specialized lighting, control systems, and electronics for the cockpit, cabin, and exteriors of military, commercial jet, and general aviation aircraft.

Avon Protection PLC designs and specialized protection and defense products. The Company researches, develops, and manufactures ballistic and respiratory protection products such as mask systems, powered and supplied air systems, filters, spares, and accessories. Avon Protection serves customers worldwide.

Jiangxi Xinyu Guoke Technology Co., Ltd. operates as a military products manufacturing company. The Company develops and sells sounding rockets, meteorological rockets, launchers, radar equipment, meteorological instrumentation products, and other products. Jiangxi Xinyu Guoke Technology also offers importing and exporting services.

Cohort plc, through its subsidiaries, provides various products and services for the defense and security, transport, offshore energy, and other commercial markets in the United Kingdom, the Asia Pacific, North and South America, and other EC countries. The company?s services and solutions include electronic warfare operational support, secure communication systems, secure networks, test systems, and data management. It also offers electronic and surveillance technology for electronic warfare and intelligence systems, communications, UAVs, force protection, and special projects; and technical support, consultancy, and managed services in the areas of complex systems and training support, as well as regulatory, information, and communication. In addition, the company provides research, development, manufacturing, training, and support services for complex systems. Further, it offers systems engineering, software, and electronic engineering services and solutions, including design and manufacture services to government and industry. Cohort plc was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Reading, the United Kingdom.

Austal Limited is an emerging global defence prime contractor. The Group supplies vessel platforms such as the Littoral Combat Ship and the Joint High Speed Vessel to the United States Navy, an extensive range of patrol and auxiliary vessels to defence forces around the world, and installs and maintains military communications, radar and command and control systems.

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Austal Ltd (ASB AU)

The Bigger Picture As Aussie Government "Approves' Hanwha Ocean's Austal Bid

Reportedly, Hanwha has been informed that the US, for which Austal builds ships for the US Navy, supports Austal being owned by the South Koreans....

David Blennerhassett

Austal (ASB AU): Spurned Suitor, Hanwha Ocean, Gets a Vote of Confidence

The Board’s rejection is based on shaky grounds and may be an attempt to negotiate better terms, such as a bump, ticking fees, or significant break...

Arun George

What's Additionally Being Heard on Hanwha's Austal Deal from Korea's Local Scene

This post summarizes the additional news circulating in Korea's local scene on Hanwha Ocean's Austal acquisition deal, apart from what Reuters...

Sanghyun Park

Austal (ASB AU): Hanwha's NBIO Is A Non-Starter

Austal is probably off-limits to a foreign takeover. I think Hanwha's proposal is non-starter. Shares are up 10% as I type, but 14% adrift of...

David Blennerhassett

(Mostly) Asia-Pac M&A: AIS/Thaicom, Capitol Health, Alumina, Ansarada, TCM, CPMC, Fancl, Hollysys

This insight provides a summary of gross/annualised spreads (on deals discussed on Smartkarma) across Asia-Pacific as at the last trading date, and...

David Blennerhassett

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