Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One, Periscope Analytics

Brian Freitas

Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One

Event-Driven

On 20 September, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ausnet-services" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10293:1" rel="noopener">Ausnet Services (AST AU)</a> announced that it had received an unsolicited, indicative, non-binding and conditional proposal from the infrastructure affiliate of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/brookfield-asset-manage-cl-a-0483cfb5-71a5-4931-af80-901e5f30aace" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:23741:1" rel="noopener">Brookfield Asset Management (BAM US)</a> to acquire all the shares in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ausnet-services" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10293:1" rel="noopener">Ausnet Services (AST AU)</a> via a Scheme of Arrangement at an indicative price of A$2.50/share in cash.<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ausnet-services" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10293:1" rel="noopener">Ausnet Services (AST AU)</a> finished the day 19.2% higher at A$2.36 on volumes that were nearly 3 times the ADV.In a surprising development, earlier today, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/apa-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18658:1" rel="noopener">APA Group (APA AU)</a> announced that it has made a non-binding indicative proposal to acquire all the shares in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ausnet-services" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10293:1" rel="noopener">Ausnet Services (AST AU)</a> via a Scheme of Arrangement at an indicative price of A$2.60/share in cash and scrip.What makes this even more surprising is that <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/apa-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18658:1" rel="noopener">APA Group (APA AU)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ausnet-services" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10293:1" rel="noopener">Ausnet Services (AST AU)</a> were in discussions earlier. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ausnet-services" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10293:1" rel="noopener">Ausnet Services (AST AU)</a> knew that a revised offer from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/apa-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18658:1" rel="noopener">APA Group (APA AU)</a> was forthcoming, yet went ahead and gave Brookfield an 8 week period of exclusivity for due diligence.<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/apa-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18658:1" rel="noopener">APA Group (APA AU)</a> has clearly laid out why its proposal is superior to the proposal from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/brookfield-asset-manage-cl-a-0483cfb5-71a5-4931-af80-901e5f30aace" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:23741:1" rel="noopener">Brookfield Asset Management (BAM US)</a> and this could get interesting with a possibility of even higher bids coming in for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ausnet-services" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10293:1" rel="noopener">Ausnet Services (AST AU)</a>.<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ausnet-services" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10293:1" rel="noopener">Ausnet Services (AST AU)</a> is a member of the S&amp;P/ASX 100, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/s-p-asx-200" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22901:1" rel="noopener">S&amp;P/ASX 200 (AS51 INDEX)</a> and S&amp;P/ASX 300 Indices. Once the stock is delisted, it will be replaced in the indices with the highest ranking stocks that are not part of the index. With the wave of ongoing M&amp;A activity, there will be a lot of additions to the indices in the next few months.

On 20 September, Ausnet Services (AST AU) announced that it had received an unsolicited, indicative, non-binding and conditional proposal from the infrastructure affiliate of Brookfield Asset Management (BAM US) to acquire all the shares in Ausnet Services (AST AU) via a Scheme of Arrangement at an indicative price of A$2.50/share in cash.Ausnet Services (AST AU) finished the day 19.2% higher at A$2.36 on volumes that were nearly 3 times the ADV.In a surprising development, earlier today, APA Group (APA AU) announced that it has made a non-binding indicative proposal to acquire all the shares in Ausnet Services (AST AU) via a Scheme of Arrangement at an indicative price of A$2.60/share in cash and scrip.What makes this even more surprising is that APA Group (APA AU) and Ausnet Services (AST AU) were in discussions earlier. Ausnet Services (AST AU) knew that a revised offer from APA Group (APA AU) was forthcoming, yet went ahead and gave Brookfield an 8 week period of exclusivity for due diligence.APA Group (APA AU) has clearly laid out why its proposal is superior to the proposal from Brookfield Asset Management (BAM US) and this could get interesting with a possibility of even higher bids coming in for Ausnet Services (AST AU).Ausnet Services (AST AU) is a member of the S&amp;P/ASX 100, S&amp;P/ASX 200 (AS51 INDEX) and S&amp;P/ASX 300 Indices. Once the stock is delisted, it will be replaced in the indices with the highest ranking stocks that are not part of the index. With the wave of ongoing M&amp;A activity, there will be a lot of additions to the indices in the next few months.

AusNet (AST AU): Bidding War Between Brookfield & APA Brewing?

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

<div>
Yesterday Victorian electricity operator <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ausnet-services" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10293:1" rel="noopener">AusNet Services (AST AU)</a>  <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02423286-3A576179?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> it would open its books to Brookfield after receiving a revised non-binding Offer of A$2.50/share. It is understood Brookfield made a A$2.35/share Offer on the 30 August, followed by $2.45/share, before all parties settled on $2.50/share.
As it turns out, according to <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/apa-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18658:1" rel="noopener">APA Group (APA AU)</a>, APA had approached AusNet with a non-binding proposal of A$2.32 on the 1 September, and that APA had made AusNet aware last Thursday (16 September) it intended to make a revised proposal.
APA sounded out AusNet’s major shareholders prior to its initial approach, and that APA understood Singapore Power was supportive of APA and AusNet engaging in discussions. APA had also discussed the initial proposal directly with State Grid. 
Seems someone didn't get the memo.
<blockquote>
APA is disappointed that AusNet has purported to enter into a period of exclusivity with Brookfield for effectively eight weeks, notwithstanding AusNet’s knowledge of the pending revised, and potentially superior proposal, from APA.
</blockquote>
</div>
<div>
The "superior proposal", <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02423895-2A1324638?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> this morning, is a non-binding indicative Offer by way of a Scheme for A$2.60/share in cash and scrip.
Apart from the higher price, APA's Offer enables AusNet shareholders to participate in the back-end via APA scrip, plus there is no FIRB conditionality.
In addition, APA would only require 4 weeks of due diligence, compared to seven to eight weeks for Brookfield.
For now, APA will have to sit tight until the completion of Brookfield's exclusive due diligence. APA's proposal is conditional on AusNet granting due diligence access by the 28 September. 
</div>
<div>
More below the fold.
</div>


Yesterday Victorian electricity operator AusNet Services (AST AU)  announced it would open its books to Brookfield after receiving a revised non-binding Offer of A$2.50/share. It is understood Brookfield made a A$2.35/share Offer on the 30 August, followed by $2.45/share, before all parties settled on $2.50/share.
As it turns out, according to APA Group (APA AU), APA had approached AusNet with a non-binding proposal of A$2.32 on the 1 September, and that APA had made AusNet aware last Thursday (16 September) it intended to make a revised proposal.
APA sounded out AusNet’s major shareholders prior to its initial approach, and that APA understood Singapore Power was supportive of APA and AusNet engaging in discussions. APA had also discussed the initial proposal directly with State Grid. 
Seems someone didn't get the memo.

APA is disappointed that AusNet has purported to enter into a period of exclusivity with Brookfield for effectively eight weeks, notwithstanding AusNet’s knowledge of the pending revised, and potentially superior proposal, from APA.



The "superior proposal", announced this morning, is a non-binding indicative Offer by way of a Scheme for A$2.60/share in cash and scrip.
Apart from the higher price, APA's Offer enables AusNet shareholders to participate in the back-end via APA scrip, plus there is no FIRB conditionality.
In addition, APA would only require 4 weeks of due diligence, compared to seven to eight weeks for Brookfield.
For now, APA will have to sit tight until the completion of Brookfield's exclusive due diligence. APA's proposal is conditional on AusNet granting due diligence access by the 28 September. 


More below the fold.


AusNet Services (AST AU): Spurned APA Trumps Brookfield's Proposal

S&amp;P Dow Jones Indices will announce changes to the S&amp;P/ASX 100 and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/s-p-asx-200" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22901:1" rel="noopener">S&amp;P/ASX 200 (AS51 INDEX)</a> as part of the December index review on 3 December and the changes will be effective after the close of trading on 17 December.The review period for the rebalance ends on 19 November, so we are exactly two-thirds of the way through the review period.As of the close on 20 September, we see <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pilbara-minerals-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7460:1" rel="noopener">Pilbara Minerals (PLS AU)</a> as a potential inclusion to the S&amp;P/ASX100 and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/link-administration-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:970:1" rel="noopener">Link Administration Holdings (LNK AU)</a> as a potential deletion.For the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/s-p-asx-200" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22901:1" rel="noopener">S&amp;P/ASX 200 (AS51 INDEX)</a>, potential inclusions are <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/imugene-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20276:1" rel="noopener">Imugene Ltd (IMU AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/paladin-energy-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10117:1" rel="noopener">Paladin Energy (PDN AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/amalgamated-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20978:1" rel="noopener">Event Hospitality and Entertainment (EVT AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/liontown-resources-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20488:1" rel="noopener">Liontown Resources (LTR AU)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/arena-reit" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12209:1" rel="noopener">Arena Reit (ARF AU)</a>, while potential deletions are <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kogan-com-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:23575:1" rel="noopener">Kogan.com (KGN AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/redbubble-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24321:1" rel="noopener">Redbubble Ltd (RBL AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/monadelphous-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:553:1" rel="noopener">Monadelphous (MND AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/omni-bridgeway-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8840:1" rel="noopener">Imf Bentham Ltd (OBL AU)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/spark-new-zealand-ltd-3dcc706a-f086-4dd4-882b-2a42a36ccf8d" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26915:1" rel="noopener">Spark New Zealand (SPK AU)</a>.With multiple M&amp;A deal pending, including <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/afterpay-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26940:1" rel="noopener">Afterpay Touch (APT AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sydney-airport" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:19063:1" rel="noopener">Sydney Airport (SYD AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ausnet-services" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10293:1" rel="noopener">Ausnet Services (AST AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/oil-search-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:773:1" rel="noopener">Oil Search Ltd (OSH AU)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/spark-infrastructure-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:595:1" rel="noopener">Spark Infrastructure (SKI AU)</a>, there could be more additions to the index if deals are completed or highly likely to be completed by end November.Short interest on most potential inclusions is quite low, while the short interest on many potential exclusions is quite high.

S&amp;P Dow Jones Indices will announce changes to the S&amp;P/ASX 100 and S&amp;P/ASX 200 (AS51 INDEX) as part of the December index review on 3 December and the changes will be effective after the close of trading on 17 December.The review period for the rebalance ends on 19 November, so we are exactly two-thirds of the way through the review period.As of the close on 20 September, we see Pilbara Minerals (PLS AU) as a potential inclusion to the S&amp;P/ASX100 and Link Administration Holdings (LNK AU) as a potential deletion.For the S&amp;P/ASX 200 (AS51 INDEX), potential inclusions are Imugene Ltd (IMU AU), Paladin Energy (PDN AU), Event Hospitality and Entertainment (EVT AU), Liontown Resources (LTR AU) and Arena Reit (ARF AU), while potential deletions are Kogan.com (KGN AU), Redbubble Ltd (RBL AU), Monadelphous (MND AU), Imf Bentham Ltd (OBL AU) and Spark New Zealand (SPK AU).With multiple M&amp;A deal pending, including Afterpay Touch (APT AU), Sydney Airport (SYD AU), Ausnet Services (AST AU), Oil Search Ltd (OSH AU) and Spark Infrastructure (SKI AU), there could be more additions to the index if deals are completed or highly likely to be completed by end November.Short interest on most potential inclusions is quite low, while the short interest on many potential exclusions is quite high.

ASX100/​200 Index Rebalance Preview: Potential December Changes With Large Impact

Victorian electricity operator <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ausnet-services" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10293:1" rel="noopener">AusNet Services (AST AU)</a> has <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02423286-3A576179?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> it will open its books to Brookfield after receiving a revised non-binding Offer of A$2.50/share, up from A$2.35 initially. The cash consideration will be reduced to the extent of any dividends paid. 
The due diligence is on an exclusive basis. If a firm Offer is tabled, AusNet's board will unanimously recommend the proposal to its shareholders.
A firm bid will be subject to FIRB and shareholder approval. Neither Singapore Power nor China's State Grid  - AusNet's two largest shareholders - have made their intentions known as to the proposal.
<blockquote>
Following careful consideration, and consultation with its advisers, the board of AusNet considers that it is in the best interests of AusNet’s shareholders to engage further with Brookfield on the indicative proposal.
</blockquote>
The Offer price is full. Assuming Singapore Power and the State Grid are supportive, this is a done deal.
More below the fold.

Victorian electricity operator AusNet Services (AST AU) has announced it will open its books to Brookfield after receiving a revised non-binding Offer of A$2.50/share, up from A$2.35 initially. The cash consideration will be reduced to the extent of any dividends paid. 
The due diligence is on an exclusive basis. If a firm Offer is tabled, AusNet's board will unanimously recommend the proposal to its shareholders.
A firm bid will be subject to FIRB and shareholder approval. Neither Singapore Power nor China's State Grid  - AusNet's two largest shareholders - have made their intentions known as to the proposal.

Following careful consideration, and consultation with its advisers, the board of AusNet considers that it is in the best interests of AusNet’s shareholders to engage further with Brookfield on the indicative proposal.

The Offer price is full. Assuming Singapore Power and the State Grid are supportive, this is a done deal.
More below the fold.

AusNet Services (AST AU) Opens Its Books to Brookfield

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.

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ausnet-services" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10293:1" rel="noopener">Ausnet Services (AST AU)</a> is a diversified Australian energy infrastructure business with over $11 billion of electricity and gas network and connection assets. AusNet revealed a conditional, non-binding indicative offer from Brookfield Asset Management. The indicative offer of A$2.50 per share is a 26% premium to the unaffected price of A$1.98 (17 September). The offer price will be reduced by any dividends declared or paid prior to the scheme taking effect.The Board noted the offer comes after Brookfield first bid $2.35 per share on 30 August and later bumped it to $2.45 per share. Consequently, Brookfield’s latest offer represents a 6.4% bump to its first offer.  The Board has decided to provide Brookfield exclusive due diligence access. If Brookfield puts forward a binding offer, the Board will unanimously recommend the offer in the absence of a superior proposal.  <div class="content-highlight">We think that the indicative offer is attractive both in terms of historical multiples and share prices. We think that Brookfield would not make the offer without some indication that the two major shareholders (Singapore Power and State Grid of China) were open to the offer. The indicative offer is subject to FIRB approval which should not be a hurdle as Brookfield is an established long-term infrastructure investor in Australia. At the last close price of A$2.36, the shares are trading at a 5.9% gross spread to the indicative offer.</div>

Ausnet Services (AST AU) is a diversified Australian energy infrastructure business with over $11 billion of electricity and gas network and connection assets. AusNet revealed a conditional, non-binding indicative offer from Brookfield Asset Management. The indicative offer of A$2.50 per share is a 26% premium to the unaffected price of A$1.98 (17 September). The offer price will be reduced by any dividends declared or paid prior to the scheme taking effect.The Board noted the offer comes after Brookfield first bid $2.35 per share on 30 August and later bumped it to $2.45 per share. Consequently, Brookfield’s latest offer represents a 6.4% bump to its first offer.  The Board has decided to provide Brookfield exclusive due diligence access. If Brookfield puts forward a binding offer, the Board will unanimously recommend the offer in the absence of a superior proposal.  We think that the indicative offer is attractive both in terms of historical multiples and share prices. We think that Brookfield would not make the offer without some indication that the two major shareholders (Singapore Power and State Grid of China) were open to the offer. The indicative offer is subject to FIRB approval which should not be a hurdle as Brookfield is an established long-term infrastructure investor in Australia. At the last close price of A$2.36, the shares are trading at a 5.9% gross spread to the indicative offer.

Australia

Spark Infrastructure Group invests in utility infrastructure assets in Australia.

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Spark Infrastructure (SKI AU)

AusNet (AST AU): Bidding War Between Brookfield & APA Brewing?

Yesterday, Brookfield made an offer for AusNet at A$2.5/share in cash. Today, APA Group made an offer at A$2.6/share in cash + scrip. This could go...

Brian Freitas

AusNet Services (AST AU): Spurned APA Trumps Brookfield's Proposal

Assuming APA is granted DD - after the completion of Brookfield's - this transaction may drag into 2Q22. You have two large players in the mix. I...

David Blennerhassett

ASX100/200 Index Rebalance Preview: Potential December Changes With Large Impact

There could be 1 change to the ASX100 and 5 changes to the ASX200 at the December rebalance. With a long M&A pipeline, there could be additional...

Brian Freitas

AusNet Services (AST AU) Opens Its Books to Brookfield

Assuming an estimated effective date towards the end of March 2022 - today's close is around a gross/annualised return of 5.9%/11.6%. Not bad....

David Blennerhassett

AusNet Receives an Offer from Brookfield

AusNet revealed an indicative offer from Brookfield at A$2.50 cash per share. We think that the indicative offer is attractive both in terms of...

Arun George

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AusNet (AST AU): Bidding War Between Brookfield & APA Brewing?

Yesterday, Brookfield made an offer for AusNet at A$2.5/share in cash. Today, APA Group made an offer at A$2.6/share in cash + scrip. This could go...

Brian Freitas

AusNet Services (AST AU): Spurned APA Trumps Brookfield's Proposal

Assuming APA is granted DD - after the completion of Brookfield's - this transaction may drag into 2Q22. You have two large players in the mix. I...

David Blennerhassett

ASX100/​200 Index Rebalance Preview: Potential December Changes With Large Impact

There could be 1 change to the ASX100 and 5 changes to the ASX200 at the December rebalance. With a long M&A pipeline, there could be additional...

Brian Freitas

AusNet Services (AST AU) Opens Its Books to Brookfield

Assuming an estimated effective date towards the end of March 2022 - today's close is around a gross/annualised return of 5.9%/11.6%. Not bad....

David Blennerhassett

AusNet Receives an Offer from Brookfield

AusNet revealed an indicative offer from Brookfield at A$2.50 cash per share. We think that the indicative offer is attractive both in terms of...

Arun George

ASX100/200 Index Rebalance Preview: Potential December Changes With Large Impact