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.

Event-Driven

Hollysys Automation Technologies / Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>Six months after announcing a binding proposal, Ascendent has <a href="https://app.quotemedia.com/data/downloadFiling?webmasterId=101533&amp;ref=318426662&amp;type=PDF&amp;symbol=HOLI&amp;cdn=3467fa76f096a159d60e77540b09d977&amp;companyName=Hollysys+Automation+Technologies+Ltd.&amp;formType=SC+13D%2FA&amp;dateFiled=2024-07-01" target="_blank" rel="noopener">obtained</a> all the Chinese regulatory approvals for its US$26.50 <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> offer. </li>
<li>The gross spread was wide due to the information vacuum, which has resulted in various conspiracy theories and rumours circulating.</li>
<li>The two remaining conditions required for close are the maximum dissenting cap (should be waived) and minimum net cash condition (satisfied). At the last close, the gross spread was 22.5%.</li>
</ul>


Six months after announcing a binding proposal, Ascendent has obtained all the Chinese regulatory approvals for its US$26.50 Hollysys Automation Technologies (HOLI US) offer. 
The gross spread was wide due to the information vacuum, which has resulted in various conspiracy theories and rumours circulating.
The two remaining conditions required for close are the maximum dissenting cap (should be waived) and minimum net cash condition (satisfied). At the last close, the gross spread was 22.5%.


Hollysys (HOLI US): Ascendent Finally Obtains Regulatory Approvals

<ul>
<li>I have received several questions from readers on Ascendent’s binding proposal for <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> in the context of the current gross spread of 12.1%. </li>
<li>The questions primarily concerned the Capital Forum article, NSR approvals, timelines, auditor resignation and deal break risks. </li>
<li>Most of the questions concerned regulatory approval risk. The delay in closing is mainly procedural (government red tape) rather than an indication that regulators will block the deal. </li>
</ul>


I have received several questions from readers on Ascendent’s binding proposal for Hollysys Automation Technologies (HOLI US) in the context of the current gross spread of 12.1%. 
The questions primarily concerned the Capital Forum article, NSR approvals, timelines, auditor resignation and deal break risks. 
Most of the questions concerned regulatory approval risk. The delay in closing is mainly procedural (government red tape) rather than an indication that regulators will block the deal. 


Hollysys (HOLI US): Further Thoughts on the Widening Spread

<ul>
<li>A weekly summary of key developments across ECM and Event-Driven names tracked by us across Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, India and Chinese ADRs.</li>
<li>ECM developments: <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kokusai-electric-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:40152:1" rel="noopener">Kokusai Electric (6525 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/j-t-global-express-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:36819:1" rel="noopener">J&amp;T Global Express (1519 HK)</a> lock-ups. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hd-hyundai-marine-solution-co" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:41002:1" rel="noopener">HD Hyundai Marine Solution (443060 KS)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/zeekr-intelligent-technology-holding" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:36785:1" rel="noopener">ZEEKR (ZK US)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sichuan-baicha-baidao-industrial-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:40029:1" rel="noopener">Sichuan Baicha Baidao Industrial (2555 HK)</a> IPOs.</li>
<li>Event-Driven developments: <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>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shinko-electric-industries" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15066:1" rel="noopener">Shinko Electric Industries (6967 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/inageya-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13994:1" rel="noopener">Inageya Co Ltd (8182 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hang-lung-properties-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:49:1" rel="noopener">Hang Lung Properties (101 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tietto-minerals-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28006:1" rel="noopener">Tietto Minerals Ltd (TIE AU)</a>. </li>
</ul>


A weekly summary of key developments across ECM and Event-Driven names tracked by us across Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, India and Chinese ADRs.
ECM developments: Kokusai Electric (6525 JP) and J&amp;T Global Express (1519 HK) lock-ups. HD Hyundai Marine Solution (443060 KS), ZEEKR (ZK US) and Sichuan Baicha Baidao Industrial (2555 HK) IPOs.
Event-Driven developments: Hollysys Automation Technologies (HOLI US), Shinko Electric Industries (6967 JP), Inageya Co Ltd (8182 JP), Hang Lung Properties (101 HK), Tietto Minerals Ltd (TIE AU). 


Weekly Deals Digest (21 Apr) - Hollysys, Shinko, Inageya, Hang Lung, Kokusai, HD Hyundai Marine

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

<ul>
<li>On the 8th February 2024, 85% of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hollysys-automation-technologies" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26078:1" rel="noopener">Hollysys Automation (HOLI US</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hollysys-automation-technologies" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26078:1" rel="noopener">)</a> shareholders present and via proxy, <a href="https://app.quotemedia.com/data/downloadFiling?webmasterId=101533&amp;ref=318042742&amp;type=PDF&amp;symbol=HOLI&amp;cdn=6d522b9b90b026dc73ccdc7b55e77ef2&amp;companyName=Hollysys+Automation+Technologies+Ltd.&amp;formType=6-K&amp;dateFiled=2024-02-08" target="_blank" rel="noopener">voted</a> for Ascendent Capital's Offer. After three-plus years, the end was finally in sight.</li>
<li>Then crickets. The merger was to complete in the 1Q. On the 15th April, HOLI released an accountant resignation notice. No word on dissenters or regulatory approvals. Shares sold off. </li>
<li>
The accountant resignation is a nothing burger. HOLI should lift their game and provide more transparency on the outstanding merger conditions. Still, the spread is attractive. This is a buy. </li>
</ul>


On the 8th February 2024, 85% of Hollysys Automation (HOLI US) shareholders present and via proxy, voted for Ascendent Capital's Offer. After three-plus years, the end was finally in sight.
Then crickets. The merger was to complete in the 1Q. On the 15th April, HOLI released an accountant resignation notice. No word on dissenters or regulatory approvals. Shares sold off. 

The accountant resignation is a nothing burger. HOLI should lift their game and provide more transparency on the outstanding merger conditions. Still, the spread is attractive. This is a buy. 


<ul>
<li>On 15 April, <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> issued a <a href="https://app.quotemedia.com/data/downloadFiling?webmasterId=101533&amp;ref=318235388&amp;type=PDF&amp;symbol=HOLI&amp;cdn=8f7c9a3e128d3526709fdad9f029dff5&amp;companyName=Hollysys+Automation+Technologies+Ltd.&amp;formType=6-K&amp;dateFiled=2024-04-15" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6-K filing</a> stating that Ascendent remains in the process of obtaining regulatory approvals. </li>
<li>The gross spread has widened to 8% as the closing date has slipped from the end of March guidance, and an updated timeline is lacking. </li>
<li>A delay in securing regulatory approvals is not uncommon. However, regulatory approvals should be forthcoming as the transaction involves Chinese entities (including a SASAC entity) acquiring a Chinese-focused company. </li>
</ul>


On 15 April, Hollysys Automation Technologies (HOLI US) issued a 6-K filing stating that Ascendent remains in the process of obtaining regulatory approvals. 
The gross spread has widened to 8% as the closing date has slipped from the end of March guidance, and an updated timeline is lacking. 
A delay in securing regulatory approvals is not uncommon. However, regulatory approvals should be forthcoming as the transaction involves Chinese entities (including a SASAC entity) acquiring a Chinese-focused company. 


Hollysys (HOLI US): Keep Calm as Closing Date Slips

United States

CTS Corporation designs and manufactures electronic components and sensors to original equipment manufacturers in the automotive, communications, medical, defense and aerospace, industrial and computer markets.

PC Connection, Inc. is a direct marketer of personal computers and related peripherals, software, accessories, and networking products. The Company sells to small and medium-sized businesses. PC Connection carries high turnover products in inventory, and in addition provides customer service and technical support.

Benchmark Electronics, Inc. provides contract electronics manufacturing and design services.  The Company serves original equipment manufacturers of medical devices, industrial control equipment, testing and instrumentation products, and telecommunications equipment.  Benchmark also offers product design, printed circuit board layout, prototyping and test development services.

Knowles Corporation designs and manufactures advanced acoustic components. The Company produces components for hearing aids and surface mount microphones for cell phones and consumer electronics. Knowles offers its products around the world.

Arlo Technologies, Inc. provides software solutions. The Company offers cloud-based platform with a variety of connected devices such as security cameras. Arlo Technologies serves customers in the United States.

TTM Technologies, Inc. is an independent provider of time-critical, one-stop manufacturing services for printed circuit boards.  The circuit boards serve as a foundation for electronic products such as routers, switches, servers, memory modules, and cellular base stations. The Company's customers include original equipment manufacturers and electronic manufacturing services companies.

ePlus inc. provides IT hardware, software and services. The Company offers IT solutions for data center, cloud computing, security, managed and professional services, lease financing, proprietary software, and other related products. ePlus focuses on serving the middle market and larger commercial enterprises as well as state and local governments.

Rogers Corporation manufactures and markets specialty materials and components for applications in the communications, computer, imaging, consumer, and transportation markets.  The Company's products include elastomers, high frequency circuit materials, flexible circuit materials, molding materials, and composite materials.  Rogers sells its products around the world.

ScanSource, Inc. is a value-added wholesale distributor of specialty technology products to the reseller market.  The Company provides automatic identification and point-of-sale products, as well as telephony and computer telephony integration products. ScanSource distributes its products in the United States and internationally.

OSI Systems, Inc. produces medical monitoring and anesthesia systems; security and inspection systems; and lasers, optics, and optoelectronic components.  The Company's products include blood pressure monitors, anesthesia machines and hemoglobin saturation monitors; systems for inspecting baggage, people, and vehicles; and lasers, lenses, prisms, and microelectronic components.

Topcorn Corporation manufactures and sells measuring equipment and medical equipment primarily for ophthalmologist use. The Company also manufactures industrial products including projectors and optical devices.

KCE Electronics Public Company Limited and its subsidiaries manufacture and export single-layered, multi-layered, and double-sided printed circuit boards (PCBs) under its KCE trademark.  Multi-layered PCBs are used mainly in high technology equipment and high precision instruments.  Double-sided PCBs are used largely in telecommunication and computing equipment.

Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd. manufactures a wide range of glass related products.  The Company's products include fluorescent light tubes, lenses for light-emitting diodes (LEDs), ceramic integrated circuits (IC) packages, bulbs for cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, and precision sheet glass for liquid crystal displays (LCDs).

Chengdu Santai Holding Group Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer and solutions provider in the security industry. The Company's products include QMS, note management systems, DVR, monitoring solutions, face identification, and fingerprint identification.

Wuhu Token Science Co., Ltd. researches, produces and sells vacuum thin film material for flat panel displays.  The Company's products are liquid crystal display conductive film glass, touch-screen conductive film glass, and mobile phone panel material.

Codan Limited develops rugged and electronics solutions for international government, corporate, NGO and consumer markets. The company's line of business includes provision of radio communications, metal detection and tracking solutions.

Shenzhen Topband Co., Ltd. researches, manufactures and markets electronic intelligent controllers for electric household appliances.

Lotte Energy Materials Corporation manufactures and distributes electric foils. The Company produces printed circuit board and lithium ion secondary batteries elecfoil, electrolytic and epoxy copper foil, electrolytic capacitor aluminum foil, and other related products. Lotte Energy Materials also offers energy and glass and window construction services.

Beijing Zhongke Sanhuan High-Tech Co., Ltd. develops and manufactures rare earth permanent magnetic materials and products.  The Company's main product is neodymium iron boron magnetic materials.

Beijing Zhong Ke San Huan Hi Tech (000970 CH)

Amano Corporation manufactures electric time recorders and information systems. The Company also produces time stamps and parking lot traffic and fee collection management systems.  The Company produces environment related systems such as dust collectors, air filters, and gas/water cleaning equipment.

Hollysys Automation Technologies Ltd. manufactures automation and control systems.  The Company produces process, industrial, rail and subway, and nuclear power plant automation equipment.

Hollysys Automation Technologies (HOLI US)

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Hollysys Automation Technologies (HOLI US)

Hollysys (HOLI US): Ascendent Finally Obtains Regulatory Approvals

A SEC 13D/A filing notes that Ascendent has entered a facility agreement with Industrial Bank for US$1.055 billion and is working to complete the...

Arun George

Hollysys (HOLI US): Further Thoughts on the Widening Spread

Readers have asked me several questions about the widening spread. This piece outlines my answers to these questions. It remains a case of when,...

Arun George

Weekly Deals Digest (21 Apr) - Hollysys, Shinko, Inageya, Hang Lung, Kokusai, HD Hyundai Marine

Last week, notable developments occurred in Event-Driven (Hollysys, CF Logistics, Shinko, Inageya, Hang Lung Properties, Tietto ) and ECM (Kokusai,...

Arun George

Hollysys (HOLI US): This Is A Buy

Trading wide at a gross spread of 7.4% to the US$26.50 Offer terms. Take advantage of investor fatigue, and buy HOLI here.

David Blennerhassett

Hollysys (HOLI US): Keep Calm as Closing Date Slips

The spread has widened to 8% due to regulatory approval concerns. Regulatory approval should be forthcoming as the transaction involves Chinese...

Arun George

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