TIDM7DIG
RNS Number : 3512P
Songtradr, Inc
08 February 2023
NOT FOR RELEASE , PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION , IN WHOLE OR IN
PART , DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY , IN , INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION
WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR
REGULATIONS OF THAT JURISDICTION .
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED
UNDER THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION NO . 596/2014 (AS INCORPORATED
INTO UK LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018
AS AMED BY VIRTUE OF THE MARKET ABUSE (AMMENT) (EU EXIT)
REGULATIONS 2019) . UPON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT VIA A
REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE , THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW
CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN .
For immediate release
8 February 2023
RECOMMED CASH OFFER
for
7DIGITAL GROUP PLC
by
SONGTRADR, INC .
to be effected by means of a Court-sanctioned Scheme of
Arrangement
under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006
Summary and Highlights
-- The Boards of 7digital Group plc ("7digital " or the
"Company"), the service provider of B2B end-to-end digital music
solutions, and Songtradr, Inc. ("Songtradr") are pleased to
announce that they have reached agreement on the terms and
conditions of a recommended all cash offer to be made by Songtradr
for the entire issued, and to be issued, ordinary share capital of
7digital (the "Offer"). It is intended that the Offer will be
implemented by way of a Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement
between 7digital and its shareholders under Part 26 of the
Companies Act (the "Scheme") (or if Songtradr so elects, with the
consent of the Panel and under the terms of the Co-operation
Agreement, by way of a Takeover Offer).
-- Under the terms of the Offer , each Scheme Shareholder on the
register of members at the Scheme Record Time will be entitled to
receive:
for each Scheme Share: 0.695 pence in cash
-- The Offer P rice per Scheme Share represents a premium of approximately:
-- 114 per cent. to the Closing Price of 0.325 pence per
7digital Share on 7 February 2023 (being the last Business Day
prior to the commencement of the Offer Period);
-- 124 per cent. to the volume-weighted average price of 0.310
pence per 7digital Share for the one-month period ended on and
including 7 February 2023 (being the last Business Day prior to the
commencement of the Offer Period);
-- 105 per cent. to the volume-weighted average price of 0.340
pence per 7digital Share for the three-month period ended on and
including 7 February 2023 (being the last Business Day prior to the
commencement of the Offer Period); and
-- 95 per cent. to the volume-weighted average price of 0.357
pence per 7digital Share for the six-month period ended on and
including 7 February 2023 (being the last Business Day prior to the
commencement of the Offer Period).
-- The Offer Price values 7digital's entire issued, and to be
issued, ordinary share capital at approximately GBP19.40 million on
a fully diluted basis.
-- If, on or after the date of this announcement and prior to
the Offer becoming Effective, any dividend and/or other
distribution and/or other return of capital is announced, declared,
made or paid or becomes payable in respect of the 7digital Shares,
Songtradr reserves the right to reduce the consideration payable
under the terms of the Offer for the 7digital Shares by an amount
up to the aggregate amount of such dividend and/or distribution
and/or other return of capital, in which case any reference in this
announcement to the consideration payable under the terms of the
Offer will be deemed to be a reference to the consideration as so
reduced. In such circumstances, 7digital Shareholders would be
entitled to retain any such dividend, distribution or other return
of capital.
Recommendation
-- The 7digital Directors, who have been so advised by Strand
Hanson Limited ("Strand Hanson"), 7digital's financial adviser, as
to the financial terms of the Offer , consider the terms of the
Offer to be fair and reasonable. In providing its advice to the
7digital Directors, Strand Hanson has taken into account the
commercial assessments of the 7digital Directors. Strand Hanson is
providing independent financial advice to the 7digital Directors
for the purposes of Rule 3 of the Takeover Code.
-- Accordingly, the 7digital Directors intend to recommend
unanimously that, in the case of the Court Meeting, the Scheme
Shareholders and, in the case of the General Meeting, 7digital
Shareholders vote or procure votes in favour of the resolutions
relating to the Offer at the Meetings to be convened in due
course.
-- Those 7digital Directors who hold 7digital Shares have
irrevocably undertaken to vote (or, where applicable, procure
voting) in favour of the resolutions at the Meetings in respect of
their own beneficial holdings totalling 1,190,557,434 7digital
Shares (representing, in aggregate, approximately 43.74 per cent.
of the existing issued ordinary share capital of 7digital) as at 7
February 2023, being the last Business Day prior to the date of
this announcement.
Background to and reasons for the Offer
Songtradr is one of the world's largest B2B music licensing
companies, delivering music solutions to music rights holders as
well as brands, agencies, digital platforms and content creators.
The Songtradr platform is a B2B music licensing marketplace and its
technology is designed to connect music rights holders such as
artists, labels, and publishers with brands, advertisers, video
games, digital platforms and content creators.
Songtradr was founded in 2014 and is backed by certain
institutional investors, family offices, and high net worth
shareholders. Since its inception, Songtradr's mission has been to
change the music industry for good through improvements in
technology, creativity and transparency.
Songtradr's platform provides a comprehensive suite of tools and
services to manage music rights for rights holders and streamlined
music discovery and licensing for B2B music users.
Songtradr has developed its business to serve the evolving needs
of the music industry and to support the growing number of use
cases for music consumption through both organic growth and
strategic mergers and acquisitions.
The proposed acquisition of 7digital is strongly aligned to
Songtradr's product roadmap and vision and will facilitate the
realisation of the following strategic benefits:
-- a platform and extensive music catalogue which, for the
Combined Group, will enhance relationships with existing customers
and accelerate new customer acquisition;
-- a comprehensive music and technology solution for digital
platforms and music rights holders which, for the Combined Group,
delivers both music audio and rights at scale, metadata
enhancement, digital rights management, content tracking and
royalty reporting;
-- accelerated execution of Songtradr's growth strategy,
removing inefficiencies and friction, and simplifying global music
licensing;
-- the continued growth of video games, online applications and
digital platforms is significantly increasing opportunities for the
music industry to monetise rights. Songtradr believes that the
Combined Group will be in an advantageous position to provide
unmatched combined solutions to both sides of the marketplace;
-- as the music and online technology industries continue to
rapidly evolve, the Combined Group will provide a financially
stable platform for 7digital to fulfil its potential, thereby
benefiting both the Company and its employees;
-- the Songtradr Board believes that there is a strong cultural
fit between both companies and that an aligned long-term vision
will benefit both parties; and
-- Songtradr therefore believes that its Offer represents a
meaningful exit opportunity at a significant premium for 7digital
Shareholders in the absence of a strong, liquid secondary market on
AIM.
Information on Songtradr
Songtradr was founded in 2014 by technology entrepreneur, record
producer and songwriter, Paul Wiltshire in Santa Monica,
California. Since its incorporation, Songtradr has grown into an
internationally recognised brand with approximately 300 employees
and offices in the US, UK, Europe, Asia and Australia. Songtradr
has raised over US$100 million from institutional investors, family
offices and high net worth individuals. Songtradr is focused on
solving the current fragmentation and inefficiencies in music
licensing, rights management and music data hygiene while providing
B2B music customers with a one-stop solution for all their music
requirements.
Irrevocable undertakings
-- Songtradr has received irrevocable undertakings to vote , or
procure the vote, in favour of the Scheme at the Court Meeting and
the Special Resolution at the General Meeting (or, in the event
that the Offer is implemented by way of a Takeover Offer, to accept
or procure acceptance of such Takeover Offer) from certain
institutional and other 7digital Shareholders (as set out in
Appendix 3 to this announcement) in respect of, in aggregate,
675,222,222 7digital Shares (representing approximately 24.81 per
cent. of the existing issued ordinary share capital of 7digital) as
at 7 February 2023, being the last Business Day prior to the date
of this announcement.
-- Together with irrevocable undertakings received from the
7digital Directors who hold 7digital Shares, Songtradr has procured
irrevocable undertakings to vote, or procure the vote, in favour of
the Scheme at the Court Meeting and the Special Resolution at the
General Meeting (or, in the event that the Offer is implemented by
way of a Takeover Offer, to accept or procure acceptance of such
Takeover Offer), in respect of, in aggregate, 1,865,779,656
7digital Shares (representing approximately 68.54 per cent. of the
existing issued ordinary share capital of 7digital) as at 7
February 2023, being the last Business Day prior to the date of
this announcement.
Further details of the abovementioned irrevocable undertakings
(including the circumstances in which they cease to be binding) are
set out in Appendix 3 to this announcement.
Timetable and conditions
-- It is intended that the Offer will be implemented by way of a
court--sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the 2006
Act (although Songtradr reserves the right to effect the Offer by
way of a Takeover Offer, subject to the consent of the Panel and
the terms of the Co-operation Agreement).
-- The terms of the Offer will be put to 7digital Shareholders
at the Court Meeting and the General Meeting. The Court Meeting and
the General Meeting are required to enable 7digital Shareholders to
consider and, if thought fit, vote in favour of the Scheme and the
Special Resolution to implement the Scheme. In order to become
Effective, the Scheme must be approved by a majority in number of
Scheme Shareholders, present and voting at the Court Meeting,
whether in person or by proxy, representing 75 per cent. or more in
value of the Scheme Shares voted. In addition, a special resolution
implementing the Scheme must be passed by 7digital Shareholders
representing at least 75 per cent. of the votes cast at the General
Meeting.
-- The Conditions to the Offer are set out in full in Appendix 1
to this announcement along with certain other terms; the full terms
and conditions will also be provided in the Scheme Document.
-- It is expected that the Scheme Document, containing further
information about the Offer and formal notices of the Court Meeting
and General Meeting, together with the associated forms of proxy,
will be posted to 7digital Shareholders as soon as practicable and
in any event within 28 days of this announcement (or such later
time as 7digital, Songtradr and the Panel agree) and the Meetings
are expected to be held shortly thereafter. Subject to certain
restrictions relating to persons resident in Restricted
Jurisdictions, the Scheme Document will also be made available on
Songtradr's website at https://www.songtradr.com/investors /
relating to the Offer, and 7digital's website at
https://www.7digital.com/investors/ relating to the Offer.
-- The Offer is currently expected to complete during the first
quarter of 2023 , subject to the satisfaction or (where applicable)
waiver of the Conditions. An expected timetable of principal events
relating to the Offer will be provided in the Scheme Document.
Commenting on the Offer, Paul Langworthy, CEO of 7digital, said
:
"We are pleased to recommend this Offer to be made by Songtradr
as it is beneficial to both the operations of the Company and our
shareholders. Songtradr's ambition for the business matches our own
and there is strong strategic alignment on how best to drive growth
for the Combined Group, as well as how best to serve the needs of a
growing B2B market. The Offer recognises the underlying value of
the Company, providing all 7digital Shareholders with the
opportunity of a certain cash exit at an attractive premium to the
prevailing market share price. We firmly believe that as part of
the Combined Group, 7digital will have access to the capital,
support and scale it needs to achieve its full potential."
Commenting on the Offer, Paul Wiltshire, CEO of Songtradr, said
:
"Having closely followed 7digital's evolution for a long time,
we are delighted to have reached agreement to combine our
businesses, expanding our position in the B2B music licensing and
technology ecosystem. We are very excited with respect to what our
collective team will be able to achieve in delivering an enhanced
offering for our clients and to help shape the future of music
licensing."
This summary should be read in conjunction with, and is subject
to, the full text of this announcement and the Appendices . The
Offer will be subject to the Conditions and further terms set out
in Appendix 1 to this announcement and to the full terms and
conditions to be set out in the Scheme Document . The sources of
certain financial information contained in this announcement and
bases of calculations are set out in Appendix 2 . Details of the
irrevocable undertakings received by Songtradr are set out in
Appendix 3 . Certain definitions and terms used in this
announcement are set out in Appendix 4 .
Enquiries :
Songtradr
Paul Wiltshire, CEO +1 424 744 8190
Liberum Capital Limited (Financial
Adviser to Songtradr)
Tim Medak
Kate Bannatyne
Cara Murphy +44 (0)20 3100 2000
7digital
Paul Langworthy, CEO c/o +44 (0)20 4582 3500
Strand Hanson Limited (Financial
Adviser and Nominated Adviser to 7digital)
James Dance
Matthew Chandler
Richard Johnson
James Harris +44 (0)20 7409 3494
Gracechurch Group (Financial PR to
7digital)
Harry Chathli
Claire Norbury +44 (0)20 4582 3500
RBG Legal Services Limited, trading as Memery Crystal, is acting
as legal adviser to Songtradr.
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is acting as legal adviser to
7digital.
Further information
Liberum Capital Limited (" Liberum "), which is authorised and
regulated in the UK by the FCA, is acting as financial adviser to
Songtradr and no-one else in connection with the matters described
in this announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other
than Songtradr for providing the protections afforded to clients of
Liberum nor for providing advice in connection with the matters
referred to herein. Neither Liberum nor any of its affiliates owes
or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever
(whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under
statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Liberum
in connection with this announcement, any statement contained
herein, the Offer or otherwise.
Strand Hanson Limited (" Strand Hanson "), which is authorised
and regulated in the UK by the FCA, is acting as nominated adviser
and financial adviser to 7digital and no one else in connection
with the matters described in this announcement and will not be
responsible to anyone other than 7digital for providing the
protections afforded to clients of Strand Hanson nor for providing
advice in connection with the matters referred to herein. Neither
Strand Hanson nor any of its affiliates owes or accepts any duty,
liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect,
whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any
person who is not a client of Strand Hanson in connection with this
announcement, any statement contained herein, the Offer or
otherwise.
This announcement is for information purposes only and is not
intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, an offer,
invitation or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, otherwise
acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any
securities, or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any
jurisdiction, pursuant to the Offer or otherwise, nor shall there
be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities of 7digital in any
jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. The Offer will be
implemented solely by means of the Scheme Document (or, if the
Offer is implemented by way of a Takeover Offer , the Offer
Document), which will contain the full terms and conditions of the
Offer including details of how to vote in respect of the Offer. Any
vote in respect of the Scheme or other response in relation to the
Offer should be made only on the basis of the information contained
in the Scheme Document (or, if the Offer is implemented by way of a
Takeover Offer, the Offer Document). This announcement does not
constitute a prospectus, prospectus equivalent document or an
exempted document.
If you are in any doubt about the contents of this announcement
or the action you should take, you are recommended to seek your own
independent financial advice immediately from your stockbroker,
bank manager, solicitor, accountant or independent financial
adviser duly authorised under the Financial Services and Markets
Act 2000 (as amended) if you are resident in the United Kingdom or,
if not, from another appropriately authorised independent financial
adviser .
Overseas Shareholders
The release, publication or distribution of this announcement in
or into jurisdictions other than the UK may be restricted by law
and therefore any persons who are subject to the law of any
jurisdiction other than the UK should inform themselves of, and
observe, any applicable legal or regulatory requirements. Any
failure to comply with such requirements may constitute a violation
of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. To the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law, the companies and persons
involved in the Offer disclaim any responsibility or liability for
the violation of such restrictions by any person. This announcement
has been prepared in accordance and for the purpose of complying
with English law, the Takeover Code, the AIM Rules, the Market
Abuse Regulation and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules
and information disclosed may not be the same as that which would
have been prepared in accordance with the laws of jurisdictions
outside of England.
The availability of the Offer to 7digital Shareholders who are
not resident in and citizens of the UK may be affected by the laws
of the relevant jurisdictions in which they are located or of which
they are citizens. Persons who are not resident in the UK should
inform themselves of, and observe, any applicable legal or
regulatory requirements of their jurisdictions. In particular, the
ability of persons who are not resident in the United Kingdom to
vote their 7digital Shares with respect to the Scheme at the Court
Meeting, or to appoint another person as proxy to vote at the Court
Meeting on their behalf, may be affected by the laws of the
relevant jurisdictions in which they are located. Any failure to
comply with the applicable restrictions may constitute a violation
of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. To the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law, the companies and persons
involved in the Offer disclaim any responsibility or liability for
the violation of such restrictions by any person. Further details
in relation to Overseas Shareholders will be contained in the
Scheme Document.
Unless otherwise determined by Songtradr or required by the
Takeover Code, and permitted by applicable law and regulation, the
Offer will not be made available, directly or indirectly, in, into
or from a Restricted Jurisdiction where to do so would violate the
laws in that jurisdiction and no person may vote in favour of the
Scheme by any such use, means, instrumentality or from within a
Restricted Jurisdiction or any other jurisdiction if to do so would
constitute a violation of the laws of that jurisdiction. Copies of
this announcement and any formal documentation relating to the
Offer are not being, and must not be, directly or indirectly,
mailed or otherwise forwarded, distributed or sent in or into or
from any Restricted Jurisdiction and persons receiving such
documents (including, without limitation, agents, custodians,
nominees and trustees) must not mail or otherwise forward,
distribute or send them in or into or from any Restricted
Jurisdiction. Doing so may render invalid any related purported
vote in respect of the Offer. If the Offer is implemented by way of
a Takeover Offer (unless otherwise permitted by applicable law and
regulation), the Takeover Offer may not be made directly or
indirectly, in or into, or by the use of mails or any means or
instrumentality (including, but not limited to, facsimile, e-mail
or other electronic transmission, telex or telephone) of interstate
or foreign commerce of, or of any facility of a national, state or
other securities exchange of any Restricted Jurisdiction and the
Takeover Offer may not be capable of acceptance by any such use,
means, instrumentality or facilities.
Further details in relation to Overseas Shareholders will be
included in the Scheme Document.
Notice to US investors in 7digital
The Offer relates to the shares of an English company and is to
be made by means of a scheme of arrangement provided for under
English company law. A transaction effected by means of a scheme of
arrangement is not subject to the tender offer or proxy
solicitation rules under the US Exchange Act . Accordingly, the
Offer will be subject to the disclosure requirements and practices
applicable in the UK to schemes of arrangement which differ from
the disclosure requirements of the US tender offer and proxy
solicitation rules. The financial information included in this
announcement has been prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles of the United Kingdom and thus may
not be comparable to financial information of US companies or
companies whose financial statements are prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles in the United
States.
If, in the future, Songtradr exercises its right to implement
the Offer by way of a Takeover Offer , which is to be made into the
United States, such Takeover Offer will be made in compliance with
the applicable US laws and regulations.
It may be difficult for US holders of 7digital Shares to enforce
their rights and any claim arising out of the US federal laws,
since 7digital is located in a non-US jurisdiction, and some or all
of 7digital's officers and directors may be residents of a non-US
jurisdiction. US holders of 7digital Shares may not be able to sue
a non-US company or its officers or directors in a non-US court for
violations of the US securities laws. Further, it may be difficult
to compel a non-US company and its affiliates to subject themselves
to a US court's judgement.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, in accordance with
normal UK market practice and pursuant to Rule 14e-5(b) of the US
Exchange Act, Songtradr, or its nominees or brokers (acting as
agents), may from time to time make certain purchases of, or
arrangements to purchase, 7digital Shares outside of the US, other
than pursuant to the Offer, until the date on which the Offer
becomes Effective, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn. These
purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices
or in private transactions at negotiated prices.
US 7digital Shareholders also should be aware that the
transaction contemplated herein may have tax consequences in the US
and, that such consequences, if any, are not described herein. US
7digital Shareholders are urged to consult with legal, tax and
financial advisers in connection with making a decision regarding
this transaction.
Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements
This announcement (including any information incorporated by
reference in this announcement), oral statements made regarding the
Offer, and other information published by Songtradr and 7digital
contain statements which are, or may be deemed to be,
"forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are
prospective in nature and are not based on historical facts, but
rather on current expectations and projections of the management of
Songtradr and 7digital about future events, and are therefore
subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results
to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied
by the forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements contained in this announcement
include statements relating to the expected effects of the Offer on
Songtradr and 7digital (including their future prospects,
developments and strategies), the expected timing and scope of the
Offer and other statements other than historical facts. Often, but
not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use
of forward-looking words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not
expect", "is expected", "is subject to", "budget", "projects",
"strategy", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends",
"anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or
variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain
actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would",
"might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Although
Songtradr and 7digital believe that the expectations reflected in
such forward-looking statements are reasonable, neither Songtradr
nor 7digital can give assurance that such expectations will prove
to be correct. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve
risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on
circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of
factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ
materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements.
These factors include, but are not limited to: the ability to
complete the Offer; the ability to obtain any requisite regulatory
and shareholder approvals and the satisfaction of other Conditions
on the proposed terms and schedule; future market conditions,
changes in general economic and business conditions, the behaviour
of other market participants, the anticipated benefits from the
proposed transaction not being realised as a result of changes in
general economic and market conditions in the countries in which
Songtradr and 7digital operate, weak, volatile or illiquid capital
and/or credit markets, changes in tax rates, interest rate and
currency fluctuations, the degree of competition in the geographic
and business areas in which Songtradr and 7digital operate and
changes in laws or in supervisory expectations or requirements.
Other unknown or unpredictable factors could cause actual results
to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.
Such forward-looking statements should therefore be construed in
light of such factors. Neither Songtradr nor 7digital, nor any of
their respective associates or directors, officers or advisers,
provides any representation, assurance or guarantee that the
occurrence of the events expressed or implied in any
forward-looking statements in this announcement will actually
occur. You are cautioned not to place any reliance on these
forward-looking statements. Other than in accordance with their
legal or regulatory obligations, neither Songtradr nor 7digital is
under any obligation, and Songtradr and 7digital expressly disclaim
any intention or obligation, to update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise.
No profit forecasts, estimates or quantified financial benefits
statements
No statement in this announcement is intended, or is to be
construed, as a profit forecast, profit estimate or quantified
financial benefits statement for any period and no statement in
this announcement should be interpreted to mean that earnings or
earnings per share for 7digital for the current or future financial
years would necessarily match or exceed the historical published
earnings or earnings per share for 7digital.
Disclosure requirements of the Takeover Code
Under Rule 8.3(a) of the Takeover Code, any person who is
interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant securities of an
offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror (being any
offeror other than an offeror in respect of which it has been
announced that its offer is, or is likely to be, solely in cash)
must make an Opening Position Disclosure following the commencement
of the offer period and, if later, following the announcement in
which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. An
Opening Position Disclosure must contain details of the person's
interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any
relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any
securities exchange offeror(s). An Opening Position Disclosure by a
person to whom Rule 8.3(a) applies must be made by no later than
3.30 p.m. (London time) on the 10th Business Day following the
commencement of the offer period and, if appropriate, by no later
than 3.30 p.m. (London time) on the 10th Business Day following the
announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first
identified. Relevant persons who deal in the relevant securities of
the offeree company or of a securities exchange offeror prior to
the deadline for making an Opening Position Disclosure must instead
make a Dealing Disclosure.
Under Rule 8.3(b) of the Takeover Code, any person who is, or
becomes, interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant
securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange
offeror must make a Dealing Disclosure if the person deals in any
relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities
exchange offeror. A Dealing Disclosure must contain details of the
dealing concerned and of the person's interests and short positions
in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of
(i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange
offeror(s), save to the extent that these details have previously
been disclosed under Rule 8. A Dealing Disclosure by a person to
whom Rule 8.3(b) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 p.m.
(London time) on the Business Day following the date of the
relevant dealing.
If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or
understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire or control an
interest in relevant securities of an offeree company or a
securities exchange offeror, they will be deemed to be a single
person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.
Opening Position Disclosures must also be made by the offeree
company and by any offeror and Dealing Disclosures must also be
made by the offeree company, by any offeror and by any persons
acting in concert with any of them (see Rules 8.1, 8.2 and
8.4).
Details of the offeree and offeror companies in respect of whose
relevant securities Opening Position Disclosures and Dealing
Disclosures must be made can be found in the Disclosure Table on
the Takeover Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk,
including details of the number of relevant securities in issue,
when the offer period commenced and when any offeror was first
identified. You should contact the Panel's Market Surveillance Unit
on +44 (0)20 7638 0129 if you are in any doubt as to whether you
are required to make an Opening Position Disclosure or a Dealing
Disclosure.
No comparable offer for Deferred Share Classes
7digital has in issue 115,751,517 Deferred Shares and
419,622,489 Deferred A Shares. The Deferred Share Classes are not
listed on any exchange and have limited rights. The Deferred Share
Classes have no right to participate in any dividends declared,
made or paid by 7digital but have the right to participate on a
return of assets in a winding up of 7digital by way of a repayment
of the capital paid up on such Deferred Share Classes after the
rights of all holders of 7digital Shares have been discharged in
full and a sum of GBP1 million has been paid in respect of each
7digital Share. Holders of the Deferred Share Classes have no other
rights to participate in the assets of 7digital. The Deferred Share
Classes do not confer on their holders any right to receive notice
of, attend, or vote at general meetings of 7digital.
The Panel has agreed that the Deferred Share Classes are not
equity securities under the Takeover Code and therefore a
comparable offer does not need to be made for the Deferred Share
Classes under Rule 14 of the Takeover Code. Songtradr and 7digital
intend for the Deferred Share Classes to be cancelled on or shortly
following the Effective Date.
Publication of this announcement on websites
A copy of this announcement will be made available, subject to
certain restrictions relating to persons resident in Restricted
Jurisdictions, on 7digital's website at https://www
.7digital.com/investors and on Songtradr's website at https://www
.songtradr.com/investors by no later than 12 noon (London time) on
the Business Day following this announcement, in accordance with
Rule 26.1 of the Takeover Code.
For the avoidance of doubt, the contents of these websites are
not incorporated by reference and do not form part of this
announcement.
Requesting hard copy documents
Any person entitled to receive a copy of documents,
announcements and information relating to the Offer is entitled to
receive such documents in hard copy form free of charge. A person
may also request that all future documents, announcements and
information in relation to the Offer are sent to them in hard copy
form. Hard copies of such documents, announcements (including this
announcement), and information will not be sent unless
requested.
In accordance with Rule 30.3 of the Takeover Code, 7digital
Shareholders, persons with information rights and participants in
the 7digital Share Plan may request a hard copy of this
announcement by contacting the Receiving Agent, Neville Registrars
Limited, on 0121 585 1131 from within the UK or +44 (0) 121 585
1131 if calling from outside the UK. Calls are charged at the
standard geographic rate and will vary by provider. Calls outside
the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international
rate. Lines are open between 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m., Monday to
Friday excluding public holidays in England and Wales or by
submitting a request in writing to the Receiving Agent at Neville
Registrars Limited, Neville House, Steelpark Road, Halesowen, B62
8HD. If you have received this announcement in electronic form,
copies of this announcement and any document or information
incorporated by reference into this announcement will not be
provided unless such a request is made. Such persons may also
request that all future documents, announcements and information to
be sent to them in relation to the Offer should be in hard copy
form.
Electronic communications
Please be aware that addresses, electronic addresses and certain
other information provided by 7digital Shareholders, persons with
information rights and other relevant persons for the receipt of
communications from 7digital may be provided to Songtradr or any
other offeror during the offer period as required under Section 4
of Appendix 4 of the Takeover Code to comply with Rule 2.11(c) of
the Takeover Code.
Rounding
Certain figures included in this announcement have been
subjected to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown for
the same category presented in different tables may vary slightly
and figures shown as totals in certain tables may not be an
arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them.
Person responsible
The person responsible for arranging the release of this
announcement on behalf of Songtradr is Paul Wiltshire.
Rule 2.9 information
For the purposes of Rule 2.9 of the Takeover Code, 7digital
confirms that, as at the latest practicable date of 7 February
2023, it had in issue and admitted to trading on AIM 2,722,085,961
ordinary shares of 0.01 pence each. The International Securities
Identification Number (ISIN) in respect of such ordinary shares is
GB00BMH46555.
General
If the Offer is effected by way of a Takeover Offer, and such
Takeover Offer becomes or is declared unconditional in all respects
and sufficient acceptances are received, Songtradr intends to
exercise its rights to apply the provisions of Chapter 3 of Part 28
of the 2006 Act so as to acquire compulsorily the remaining
7digital Shares in respect of which the Takeover Offer has not been
accepted.
Investors should be aware that Songtradr may purchase 7digital
Shares otherwise than under any Takeover Offer or the Scheme,
including pursuant to privately negotiated purchases.
If you are in any doubt about the contents of this announcement
or the action you should take, you are recommended to seek your own
independent financial advice immediately from your stockbroker,
bank manager, solicitor, accountant or independent financial
adviser duly authorised under the Financial Services and Markets
Act 2000 (as amended) if you are resident in the United Kingdom or,
if not, from another appropriately authorised independent financial
adviser.
NOT FOR RELEASE , PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION , IN WHOLE OR IN
PART , DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY , IN , INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION
WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR
REGULATIONS OF THAT JURISDICTION .
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED
UNDER THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION NO . 596/2014 (AS INCORPORATED
INTO UK LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018
AS AMED BY VIRTUE OF THE MARKET ABUSE (AMMENT) (EU EXIT)
REGULATIONS 2019) . UPON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT VIA A
REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE , THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW
CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN .
For immediate release
8 February 2023
RECOMMED CASH OFFER
for
7DIGITAL GROUP PLC
by
SONGTRADR, INC .
to be effected by means of a Court-sanctioned Scheme of
Arrangement
under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006
1 Introduction
The Boards of 7digital and Songtradr are pleased to announce
that they have reached agreement on the terms and conditions of a
recommended all cash offer to be made by Songtradr for the entire
issued, and to be issued, ordinary share capital of 7digital.
It is intended that the Offer will be implemented by way of a
Court--sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the 2006
Act (although Songtradr reserves the right to effect the Offer by
way of a Takeover Offer, subject to the consent of the Panel and
the terms of the Co-operation Agreement). The Conditions to the
Offer are set out in full in Appendix 1 to this announcement.
2 The OFFER
Under the terms of the Offer, which will be subject to the
Conditions and further terms set out in Appendix 1 to this
announcement and the full terms and conditions to be set out in the
Scheme Document, each Scheme Shareholder who is on the register of
members of 7digital at the Scheme Record Time will be entitled to
receive:
for each Scheme Share : 0.695 pence in cash
The Offer Price values 7digital's entire issued, and to be
issued, ordinary share capital at approximately GBP19.40 million on
a fully diluted basis.
The Offer Price also represents a premium of approximately:
-- 114 per cent. to the Closing Price of 0.325 pence per
7digital Share on 7 February 2023 (being the last Business Day
prior to the commencement of the Offer Period);
-- 124 per cent. to the volume-weighted average price of 0.310
pence per 7digital Share for the one-month period ended on and
including 7 February 2023 (being the last Business Day prior to the
commencement of the Offer Period);
-- 105 per cent. to the volume-weighted average price of 0.340
pence per 7digital Share for the three-month period ended on and
including 7 February 2023 (being the last Business Day prior to the
commencement of the Offer Period); and
-- 95 per cent. to the volume-weighted average price of 0.357
pence per 7digital Share for the six-month period ended on and
including 7 February 2023 (being the last Business Day prior to the
commencement of the Offer Period).
The 7digital Shares will be acquired pursuant to the Offer fully
paid and free from all liens, charges, equities, encumbrances,
rights of pre--emption and any other interests of any nature
whatsoever and together with all rights attaching thereto,
including without limitation voting rights and the right to receive
and retain in full all dividends and other distributions (if any)
announced, declared, made or paid with a record date on or after
the Scheme Record Time.
If, on or after the date of this announcement and prior to the
Offer becoming Effective, any dividend and/or other distribution
and/or other return of capital is announced, declared, made or paid
or becomes payable in respect of the 7digital Shares, Songtradr
reserves the right to reduce the consideration payable under the
terms of the Offer for the 7digital Shares by an amount up to the
aggregate amount of such dividend and/or distribution and/or other
return of capital, in which case any reference in this announcement
to the consideration payable under the terms of the Offer will be
deemed to be a reference to the consideration as so reduced. In
such circumstances, 7digital Shareholders would be entitled to
retain any such dividend, distribution or other return of
capital.
It is expected that the Scheme Document will be published within
28 days of this announcement (or such later date as Songtradr and
7digital may, with the consent of the Panel, agree). Subject to the
satisfaction of the Conditions and the further terms set out in
Appendix 1 to this announcement and the full terms and conditions
to be set out in the Scheme Document, the Scheme is expected to
become Effective in the first quarter of 2023.
3 Background to and reasons for the OFFER
Songtradr is one of the world's largest B2B music licensing
companies, delivering music solutions to music rights holders as
well as brands, agencies, digital platforms and content creators.
The Songtradr platform is a B2B music licensing marketplace and its
technology is designed to connect music rights holders, such as
artists, labels, and publishers, with brands, advertisers, video
games, digital platforms and content creators.
Songtradr was founded in 2014 and is backed by certain
institutional investors, family offices, and high net worth
shareholders. Since its inception, Songtradr's mission has been to
change the music industry for good through improvements in
technology, creativity and transparency.
Songtradr's platform provides a comprehensive suite of tools and
services to manage music rights for rights holders and streamlined
music discovery and licensing for B2B music users.
Songtradr has developed its business to serve the evolving needs
of the music industry and to support the growing number of use
cases for music consumption through both organic growth and
strategic mergers and acquisitions.
The proposed acquisition of 7digital is strongly aligned to
Songtradr's product roadmap and vision and will facilitate the
realisation of the following strategic benefits:
-- a platform and extensive music catalogue which, for the
Combined Group, will enhance relationships with existing customers
and accelerate new customer acquisition;
-- a comprehensive music and technology solution for digital
platforms and music rights holders which, for the Combined Group,
delivers both music audio and rights at scale, metadata
enhancement, digital rights management, content tracking and
royalty reporting;
-- accelerated execution of Songtradr's growth strategy,
removing inefficiencies and friction, and simplifying global music
licensing;
-- the continued growth of video games, online applications and
digital platforms is significantly increasing opportunities for the
music industry to monetise rights. Songtradr believes that the
Combined Group will be in an advantageous position to provide
unmatched combined solutions to both sides of the marketplace;
-- as the music and online technology industries continue to
rapidly evolve, the Combined Group will provide a financially
stable platform for 7digital to fulfil its potential, thereby
benefiting both the Company and its employees;
-- the Songtradr Board believes that there is a strong cultural
fit between the companies and an aligned long-term vision that will
benefit both parties; and
-- Songtradr therefore believes that its Offer represents a
meaningful exit opportunity at a significant premium for 7digital
Shareholders in the absence of a strong, liquid secondary market on
AIM.
4 RECOMMATION AND DIRECTOR IRREVOCABLE UNDERTAKINGS
The 7digital Directors, who have been so advised by Strand
Hanson, 7digital's financial adviser, as to the financial terms of
the Offer, consider the terms of the Offer to be fair and
reasonable. In providing its advice, Strand Hanson has taken into
account the commercial assessments of the 7digital Directors.
Strand Hanson is providing independent financial advice to the
7digital Directors for the purposes of Rule 3 of the Takeover
Code.
Accordingly, the 7digital Directors intend to recommend
unanimously that , in the case of the Court Meeting, the Scheme
Shareholders and, in the case of the General Meeting, 7digital
Shareholders, vote or procure votes in favour of the resolutions
relating to the Offer at the Meetings to be convened in due
course.
Those 7digital Directors who hold 7digital Shares have
irrevocably undertaken to vote in favour of the resolutions at the
Meetings in respect of their own beneficial holdings totalling
1,190,557,434 7digital Shares (representing, in aggregate,
approximately 43.74 per cent. of the existing issued ordinary share
capital of 7digital) as at 7 February 2023, being the last Business
Day prior to the date of this announcement. Further details of
these undertakings, including the circumstances in which they cease
to be binding, are set out in Appendix 3 to this announcement.
5 Background to and reasons for the recommendation of the offer
The 7digital Directors believe that 7digital is well positioned
in its end markets with attractive fundamentals. Since 2019,
7digital has pivoted to focus on the provision of an
easy-to-integrate, productised, one-to-many platform and feature
set, moving away from providing bespoke solutions. This transition
to a product-driven model has enabled it to enter several new
verticals and quickly respond to changes in trends in music
consumption. Accordingly, 7digital has successfully entered and
secured clients in new markets, including social media and online
fitness. It is also gaining traction in the growth sectors of
gaming, music intelligence and background music.
However, the 7digital Directors believe that, whilst the outlook
for its key target markets is favourable in the medium term, it
will require both scale and reach to take full advantage of these
opportunities. To fulfil its full potential, the Company will need
access to additional growth capital and to strengthen its balance
sheet.
The 7digital Directors do not believe that access to such
additional capital is readily available to 7digital via the capital
markets at a price that would enable it to deliver shareholder
value in the short to medium term. The 7digital Directors believe
that the Offer will provide the necessary resources and support
required to scale 7digital's business, whilst also removing the
significant costs and regulatory burden and constraints of being a
UK publicly quoted company.
Furthermore, having given due consideration to Songtradr's
intentions regarding 7digital's employees, the 7digital Directors
believe that 7digital's workforce will benefit from enhanced future
employment opportunities within the Combined Group.
The 7digital Directors have also consulted with certain of
7digital's significant and other shareholders who have demonstrated
their support for the Offer as evidenced by their provision of
irrevocable undertakings to vote in favour of the Scheme or accept
a Takeover Offer in respect of, in aggregate, 675,222,222 7digital
Shares representing approximately 24.81 per cent. of 7digital's
existing issued share capital.
Consequently, the 7digital Directors believe that the Offer
represents the best opportunity for the Company to accelerate its
growth strategy for the benefit of all stakeholders.
In addition, the Offer represents an opportunity for 7digital
Shareholders to crystallise certain value, in cash, at a price of
0.695 pence per 7digital Share, which represents a premium of
approximately:
a. 114 per cent. to the Closing Price of 0.325 pence per
7digital Share on 7 February 2023 (being the last Business Day
prior to the commencement of the Offer Period);
b. 124 per cent. to the volume-weighted average price of 0.310
pence per 7digital Share for the one-month period ended on and
including 7 February 2023 (being the last Business Day prior to the
commencement of the Offer Period);
c. 105 per cent. to the volume-weighted average price of 0.340
pence per 7digital Share for the three-month period ended on and
including 7 February 2023 (being the last Business Day prior to the
commencement of the Offer Period); and
d. 95 per cent. to the volume-weighted average price of 0.357
pence per 7digital Share for the six-month period ended on and
including 7 February 2023 (being the last Business Day prior to the
commencement of the Offer Period).
Against this backdrop, and following careful consideration of
the merits of the Offer, the 7digital Board has determined that the
Offer is in the best interests of 7digital and 7digital
Shareholders as a whole. Accordingly, the 7digital Board, which has
been so advised by Strand Hanson as to the financial terms of the
Offer, has agreed to unanimously recommend the Offer to enable it
to be put forward to 7digital Shareholders.
6 Information relating to Songtradr
Songtradr was founded in 2014 by technology entrepreneur, record
producer and songwriter, Paul Wiltshire in Santa Monica,
California. Since its incorporation, Songtradr has grown into an
internationally recognised brand with approximately 300 employees
and offices in the US, UK, Europe, Asia and Australia. Songtradr
has raised over US$100 million from institutional investors, family
offices and high net worth individuals. Songtradr is focused on
solving the current fragmentation and inefficiencies in music
licensing, rights management and music data hygiene while providing
B2B music customers with a one-stop solution for all their music
requirements.
Further financial and other information on Songtradr will be set
out in the Scheme Document.
7 Information relating to 7digital
7digital was incorporated in England and Wales on 28 March 2000.
Headquartered in London, 7digital is a global leader in B2B
end-to-end digital music solutions, providing a scalable
cloud-based platform that enables companies and brands to connect
to its global music catalogue and rights management system to
launch and manage unique and engaging music experiences. Operating
worldwide in over 82 markets and integrated with more than 300,000
labels and publishers, 7digital's platform automates the complex
and time-consuming processes of music management, making it easier
to access, use and manage music as a core part of any user
experience.
7digital's ordinary shares were admitted to trading on AIM in
June 2014. The Company currently employs approximately 46 people
across the UK, the US and Australia.
The combination of an established music industry pedigree and
highly productised platform has created a competitive advantage in
relation to, inter alia, streaming, user generated content (UGC),
gaming, online fitness and retail. 7digital's music-as-a-service
platform is built to be fully integrated with labels and publishers
to allow easy access to 100% cleared and compliant music. As such,
the 7digital Directors believe that 7digital is uniquely positioned
to help companies navigate the technological and legal complexities
of providing music experiences to their audiences, enabling growth
in established and emerging industries and markets. In addition,
7digital provides thousands of custom usage and royalty reports
each month to meet reporting requirements of labels, publishers,
and PROs for clients in any industry or business model.
As a leader in B2B solutions, 7digital has remained at the
forefront of growth and opportunity across the audio marketplace,
and has responded early to tailwinds from new platforms and
technology. Since 2020, 7digital has expanded the number of
customer contracts in strategic verticals, including large social
brands, a leading background music provider, and established
name-brand fitness providers such as Barry's. 7digital's enterprise
customers today reach over 1 billion monthly active users.
7digital also offers award-winning radio production and music
curation services, editorial strategy and expertise to leading
global media brands including the BBC and Audible. 7digital
continues to offer its download music store in a number of
countries across the globe, providing the world's music catalogue
for sale in both high resolution and standard audio formats.
For its latest financial year to 31 December 2021, the 7digital
Group reported audited total revenue of GBP6.73 million (2020:
GBP6.51 million) and a loss before income tax of GBP3.92 million
(2020: GBP2.28 million). 7digital's issued share capital comprises
2,722,085,961 ordinary shares, which, based on the Closing Price
per 7digital Share of 0.325 pence on 7 February 2023 (being the
last Business Day prior to this announcement), equates to a market
capitalisation of approximately GBP8.85 million.
8 7digital's Current trading AND Prospects
On 28 September 2022, 7digital announced its unaudited interim
results for the half year ended 30 June 2022, where it reported
total revenue of GBP3.94 million (H1 2021: GBP3.27 million) and a
loss after taxation of GBP0.33 million (H1 2021: GBP1.91 million).
As at 30 June 2022, unaudited total assets were GBP2.34 million (H1
2021: GBP3.18 million) and net liabilities were GBP6.30 million (H1
2021: GBP4.27 million).
7digital continued to perform strongly in the second half of
2022 and expects to report a strong growth in full year revenue
over 2021. This growth is primarily due to the increase in
licensing revenues, which is expected to grow by over 40% in 2022
over 2021. Overall in 2022, 7digital converted a number of
contracts into favourable longer-term contracts and 10 new customer
contracts were secured. 7digital also maintained tight cost control
and reduced its operating costs by 11%.
Looking ahead, 7digital has entered 2023 with a strong pipeline
of new business opportunities. Its market leading position in the
key verticals of social media, fitness and gaming are expected to
yield further revenue growth in 2023. The medium term B2B
opportunities are growing as more and more service types turn to
music as a key ingredient to their offerings.
The 7digital Group continues to trade in line with the 7digital
Directors' expectations.
Further financial and other information on 7digital will be set
out in the Scheme Document.
9 Irrevocable undertakings
As described above, Songtradr has received irrevocable
undertakings to vote (or, where applicable, procure voting) in
favour of the Scheme resolutions relating to the Offer at the Court
Meeting and the Special Resolution at the General Meeting (or in
the event that the Offer is implemented by way of a Takeover Offer,
to accept or procure acceptance of such Takeover Offer) from all of
the 7digital Directors who own or control 7digital Shares, in
respect of their interests totalling 1,190,557,434 7digital Shares
(representing approximately 43.74 per cent. of 7digital's existing
issued ordinary share capital) as at 7 February 2023, being the
last Business Day prior to the date of this announcement. These
undertakings will remain binding in the event that any higher
competing offer for 7digital is made.
Songtradr has also received irrevocable undertakings to vote in
favour of the Scheme resolution relating to the Offer at the Court
Meeting and the Special Resolution at the General Meeting (or in
the event that the Offer is implemented by way of a Takeover Offer,
to accept or procure acceptance of such Takeover Offer) from
certain institutional and other shareholders, in respect of, in
aggregate, 675,222,222 7digital Shares (representing approximately
24.81 per cent. of 7digital's existing issued ordinary share
capital as at 7 February 2023, being the last Business Day prior to
the date of this announcement. These undertakings will also remain
binding in the event that any higher competing offer for 7digital
is made.
In total, therefore, Songtradr has procured irrevocable
undertakings to vote in favour of the Scheme resolutions relating
to the Offer at the Court Meeting and the Special Resolution at the
General Meeting (or in the event that the Offer is implemented by
way of a Takeover Offer, to accept or procure acceptance of such
Takeover Offer), in respect of, in aggregate, 1,865,779,656
7digital Shares representing approximately 68.54 per cent. of the
existing issued ordinary share capital of 7digital as at 7 February
2023, being the last Business Day prior to the date of this
announcement.
In addition, Helen Gilder, Non-Executive Director of 7digital
has provided an irrevocable undertaking to Songtradr to vote (or
procure the vote) in favour of the Scheme resolution relating to
the Offer at the Court Meeting and the Special Resolution at the
General Meeting (or in the event that the Offer is implemented by
way of a Takeover Offer, to accept or procure acceptance of such
Takeover Offer), in respect of her 527,778 outstanding options in
the event they are exercised prior to the Court Meeting.
Further details of these irrevocable undertakings (including the
circumstances in which they cease to be binding) are set out in
Appendix 3 to this announcement.
10 Financing of the Offer
The cash consideration payable by Songtradr under the terms of
the Offer will be funded from its existing cash resources.
Liberum is satisfied that sufficient resources are available to
Songtradr to satisfy in full the cash consideration payable to
7digital Shareholders under the terms of the Offer.
Further information on the financing of the Offer will be set
out in the Scheme Document.
11 Offer--related arrangements
Confidentiality Agreement
On 3 November 2022, Songtradr and 7digital entered into the
Confidentiality Agreement in relation to the Offer, pursuant to
which, amongst other things, Songtradr has undertaken to: (a) keep
information relating to 7digital and the Offer confidential and not
to disclose it to third parties (subject to certain exceptions);
and (b) use such confidential information only in connection with
the Offer. These confidentiality obligations will remain in force
until the earlier of (i) completion of the Offer; and (ii) 18
months from the date of the Confidentiality Agreement.
Co-operation Agreement
Songtradr and 7digital have entered into a Co-operation
agreement dated 8 February 2023 to record the steps that each has
agreed to take in relation to the implementation of the Offer.
Under the terms of the Co-operation Agreement, Songtradr and
7digital have, amongst other things, agreed to co-operate in
relation to obtaining any approvals, consents, clearances,
permissions, confirmations, comfort letters and waivers as may be
necessary, and the making of all filings as may be necessary, from
or under the law, regulations or practices applied by any
applicable regulatory authority in connection with the Offer.
In addition, Songtradr has agreed to provide 7digital with
certain information for the purposes of the Scheme Document and to
otherwise provide assistance which may be reasonably required in
connection with the preparation of the Scheme Document.
The Co-operation Agreement also includes provisions relating to
the right of Songtradr to implement the Offer by way of a Takeover
Offer and provisions that will apply in respect of the 7digital
Share Plan.
Furthermore, the Co-operation Agreement includes provisions
whereby Songtradr and 7digital have agreed and acknowledged that
they will procure the repayment of all outstanding amounts in
respect of 7digital's GBP2.0 million revolving credit facility
("RCF") with Investec Bank plc ("Investec") as soon as practicable
following the Effective Date (and in any event within five Business
Days) in accordance with its terms and Songtradr has agreed that it
will put 7digital in funds to make such repayment. Accordingly,
Songtradr and 7digital have also agreed to procure the termination
and release of the associated guarantees provided to Investec by of
each of (i) Tamir Koch, (ii) Joseph Samberg and (iii) Magic
Investments S.A. ("Magic") in connection with the repayment of the
RCF.
For the purposes of Rule 16 of the Takeover Code, Strand Hanson
considers the terms of the abovementioned termination and release
of the guarantees in respect of the RCF, provided by each of Tamir
Koch, Joseph Samberg and Magic, to be fair and reasonable insofar
as 7digital's independent shareholders are concerned.
The Co-operation Agreement also includes a provision whereby
Songtradr and 7digital have agreed that the two loans of GBP500,000
each advanced to 7digital by Magic (the "Magic Shareholder Loans")
will be repaid, subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date.
Songtradr and 7digital have further agreed that they intend to
enter into an agreement with Magic, prior to the publication of the
Scheme Document, such that, conditional on the occurrence of the
Effective Date, the Magic Shareholder Loans will be repaid by
7digital within five Business Days of the Effective Date.
Songtradr has the right to terminate the Co-operation Agreement
in certain circumstances including: (i) by agreement in writing by
the parties prior to the Effective Date; (ii) if the Scheme lapses
or is withdrawn; (iii) if the Offer is implemented by way of a
Takeover Offer, the Offer lapses or is withdrawn; or (iv) if the
Scheme has not become Effective by the Long Stop Date.
12 Disclosure of interests in 7digital's relevant securities
Songtradr confirms that within 10 Business Days of the date of
this announcement, it will make an Opening Position Disclosure
setting out the details required to be disclosed by it under Rule
8.1(a) of the Takeover Code.
Save for the irrevocable undertakings referred to in paragraph 9
above, as at the close of business on 7 February 2023 (being the
latest practicable date prior to the date of this announcement)
neither Songtradr, nor any of its directors, nor, so far as the
directors of Songtradr are aware, any person acting, or deemed to
be acting, in concert (within the meaning of the Takeover Code)
with it for the purposes of the Offer had:
(i) any interest in or right to subscribe for any 7digital
Shares or securities convertible or exchangeable into 7digital
Shares; or
(ii) any short positions in respect of relevant securities of
7digital (whether conditional or absolute and whether in the money
or otherwise), including any short position under a derivative, any
agreement to sell or any delivery obligation or right to require
another person to purchase or take delivery; or
(iii) borrowed or lent any relevant securities of 7digital
(including, for these purposes, any financial collateral
arrangements of the kind referred to in Note 4 on Rule 4.6 of the
Takeover Code) save for any borrowed shares which have been either
on-lent or resold;
(iv) procured an irrevocable commitment or letter of intent to
vote in favour of the Scheme or accept a Takeover Offer in respect
of any relevant securities of 7digital; or
(v) is a party to any dealing arrangement of the kind referred
to in Note 11 on the definition of acting in concert in the
Takeover Code.
13 7digital's Directors, management, employees, pensions,
research and development and locations
The Songtradr Board believes that the proposed Offer for
7digital provides a compelling opportunity to combine the advanced
technology offering developed by 7digital with the music supply and
demand technologies, advanced digital rights management and AI
technologies of Songtradr, to create a Combined Group expected to
enable the delivery of a complete music solution for digital
platforms and B2B music users.
Board, management and employees
Songtradr's priority is 7digital's business continuity following
the Offer . Both organisations recognise the importance of the
skills and experience of the existing management and employees of
7digital. Following completion of the Offer , it is intended that
the existing employment rights, including pension rights, of the
management and employees of the Combined Group will be fully
safeguarded. Songtradr believes that employees will benefit from
greater opportunities within the Combined Group following the
completion of the Offer.
Given the complementary nature of Songtradr and 7digital in
terms of their respective propositions to customers and the nature
of customers that each business addresses, it is anticipated that
there will be a limited impact following completion of the Offer on
customers and partners and limited headcount reduction.
Upon the Offer completing, the Combined Group intends to move
quickly to combine the existing businesses and harness the best
practices and skilled teams of both companies. It is the intention
of Songtradr to initiate a detailed review of the operations of
both businesses to determine the most effective and efficient
manner to work together. Such review and collaborative planning is
expected to take at least three months following completion of the
Offer . The review will examine the current operating and
organisational structures of both businesses and provide the basis
for the development of an integration programme designed to
minimise any disruption to customers and employees, whilst
delivering the expected opportunities and benefits of the Offer for
the Combined Group's stakeholders. Songtradr has experience in
acquiring similar companies and following the review, as described
above, would look to develop a comprehensive integration plan,
ensuring clear, transparent and timely communication, including a
detailed rationale, to employees, customers and key
stakeholders.
Songtradr's preliminary review has shown that there is a limited
overlap of skills and roles across the two businesses. In the
limited cases where overlap does exist, alternative opportunities
to deploy these resources will be considered with the intention of
ensuring that there will be limited headcount reduction across the
Combined Group.
The Combined Group will draw on the talent and experience in
both companies to deliver an enhanced growth strategy for the
combined business. Following completion of the Offer , Songtradr
intends:
(a) that the Interim Chairman, Chief Financial Officer and
Non-Executive Directors of 7digital will step down from 7digital.
The Chief Executive Officer of 7digital (Paul Langworthy) will join
Songtradr's executive team;
(b) that the senior leadership team from 7digital will integrate
into the Combined Group, supporting similar functions in the
enlarged business, supporting the Combined Group's integration
plans and delivering the identified growth opportunities;
(c) to align the IT processes and systems at both businesses to
facilitate business continuity and communication between the
two;
(d) to consider providing retention incentives for a small
number of senior employees in the Combined Group, to support the
delivery of the integration of Songtradr and 7digital and in the
delivery of the anticipated benefits of the Offer. No final
decisions have been made on the design or quantum of any such
incentives, but it is anticipated that any awards would be made in
line with existing Songtradr compensation policies; and
(e) to provide equity incentivisation to 7digital staff in line
with Songtradr's existing schemes.
Save as noted above, Songtradr has not entered into, and has not
had discussions on made proposals to enter into, any form of
incentivisation arrangements with members of 7digital's management
and no such discussions are expected to take place prior to
completion of the Offer .
Pensions
Following completion of the Offer, the Combined Group does not
intend to make any changes with regard to the agreed employer
contributions into 7digital ' s existing pension scheme(s) or the
accrual of benefits to existing members or the admission of new
members to such pension schemes.
Places of business, headquarters and other matters
Immediately following completion of the Offer , the Combined
Group will continue to operate both Songtradr's offices located in
Santa Monica, USA and 7digital's offices located in London, UK.
Following the review of operations (as described above) Songtradr
may consider changing the location of 7digital's place of business
(including its headquarters) through the combination of it with
Songtradr's UK team and relocate the combined teams to a new
location and Combined Group headquarters and expects there to be no
further headcount reduction following the relocation of offices.
Songtradr does not intend to redeploy any of 7digital's fixed
assets.
Songtradr understands the importance of research and development
to 7digital. Songtradr does not expect any material changes to the
research and development function of 7digital.
Cancellation of trading and re-registration
7digital Shares are currently admitted to trading on AIM. Prior
to the Effective Date, an application will be made to the London
Stock Exchange for the cancellation of the admission to trading of
7digital Shares on AIM, to take effect on or around the Business
Day following the Effective Date. Trading in 7digital Shares is
expected to end at the close of business on the Business Day before
the Effective Date, assuming that the Scheme has been approved by
the Court and by 7digital Shareholders as necessary. It is also
intended that, following the Effective Date, 7digital will be
re-registered as a private limited company under the relevant
provisions of the 2006 Act.
Other
In accordance with Rule 2.11 of the Takeover Code, 7digital will
make available to its employees a copy of this announcement and
will inform its employees of the rights of employee representatives
(if any) under Rule 25.9 of the Takeover Code to require that a
separate opinion of any employee representatives on the effects of
the Scheme on employment be appended to the Scheme Document.
No statements in this paragraph 13 constitute " post-offer
undertakings " for the purpose of Rule 19.5 of the Takeover
Code.
14 7digital Share Plan AND WARRANTS
Participants in the 7digital Share Plan will be contacted
regarding the effect of the Offer on their outstanding options and
awards under the 7digital Share Plan and an appropriate proposal
will be made to such participants which reflects their options and
awards under the 7digital Share Plan in due course. Details of the
impact of the Scheme on options and awards under the 7digital Share
Plan will be set out in the Scheme Document.
Holders of warrants over 7digital Shares will also be contacted
regarding the effect of the Offer on their warrants and an
appropriate proposal will be made to such holders in due course.
Details of the impact of the Scheme on each of the holders of such
warrants will also be set out in the Scheme Document.
15 Scheme process
The Offer will be subject to the Conditions and certain further
terms referred to in Appendix 1 to this announcement and to the
full terms and conditions to be set out in the Scheme Document, and
will only become Effective if, among other things, the following
events occur on or before the Long Stop Date (or such later date as
Songtradr and 7digital may, with the consent of the Panel, agree
and, if required, the Court may approve):
-- a resolution to approve the Scheme is passed by a majority in
number of the Scheme Shareholders present and voting (and entitled
to vote) at the Court Meeting, either in person or by proxy,
representing 75 per cent. or more in value of the Scheme Shares
held by those Scheme Shareholders;
-- the resolution(s) necessary to implement the Scheme is/are
passed by the requisite majority of 7digital Shareholders at the
General Meeting;
-- following the Court Meeting and General Meeting, the Scheme
is sanctioned by the Court (without modification, or with
modification on terms agreed by Songtradr and 7digital); and
-- following such sanction, an office copy of the Court Order is
delivered to the Registrar of Companies.
The Conditions in paragraph 2 of Appendix 1 to this announcement
provide that the Scheme will lapse if:
-- the Court Meeting and the General Meeting are not held by the
22nd day after the expected date of the Court Meeting to be set out
in the Scheme Document in due course (or such later date as may be
agreed between Songtradr and 7digital);
-- the Sanction Hearing to approve the Scheme is not held by the
22nd day after the expected date of the Sanction Hearing to be set
out in the Scheme Document in due course (or such later date as may
be agreed between Songtradr and 7digital);
-- the Scheme does not become effective by 11.59 p.m. on the
Long Stop Date (or such later date as may be agreed between
Songtradr and 7digital and the Panel and the Court may allow).
Once the necessary approvals from 7digital Shareholders have
been obtained and the other Conditions have been satisfied or
(where applicable) waived and the Scheme has been approved by the
Court, the Scheme will become Effective upon delivery of the Court
Order to the Registrar of Companies. Subject to the satisfaction of
the Conditions, the Scheme is expected to become effective during
the first quarter of 2023.
Upon the Scheme becoming Effective: (i) it will be binding on
all Scheme Shareholders, irrespective of whether or not they
attended or voted at the Court Meeting or the General Meeting (and
if they attended and voted, whether or not they voted in favour);
and (ii) share certificates in respect of 7digital Shares will
cease to be valid and entitlements to 7digital Shares held within
the CREST system will be cancelled. In accordance with the
applicable provisions of the Takeover Code, the Consideration due
to Scheme Shareholders for the transfer of the Scheme Shares to
Songtradr will be despatched no later than 14 days after the
Effective Date.
Any 7digital Shares (other than Excluded Shares) issued before
the Scheme Record Time will be subject to the terms of the Scheme.
The Special Resolution to be proposed at the General Meeting will,
amongst other matters, provide that the Articles be amended to
incorporate provisions requiring any 7digital Shares issued after
the Scheme Record Time (other than to Songtradr and/or their
nominees) to be automatically transferred to Songtradr on the same
terms as the Offer (other than terms as to timings and
formalities). The provisions of the Articles (as amended) will
avoid any person (other than Songtradr and their nominees) holding
shares in the capital of 7digital after the Effective Date.
Further details of the Scheme, including an indicative timetable
for its implementation, will be set out in the Scheme Document. It
is expected that the Scheme Document and the accompanying forms of
proxy will be published within 28 days of this announcement (or
such later date as Songtradr and 7digital may, with the consent of
the Panel, agree and, if required, the Court may approve).
16 cancellation of ADMISSION TO trading on aim and re--registration
On completion of the Offer, 7digital will become a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Songtradr. It is intended that dealings in 7digital
Shares will be suspended shortly prior to the Effective Date, at a
time to be set out in the Scheme Document. It is intended that a
request will be made for the London Stock Exchange to cancel the
admission to trading of 7digital Shares on AIM on or shortly after
the Effective Date. In addition, entitlements held within the CREST
system to the 7digital Shares are expected to be cancelled on the
first Business Day following the Effective Date.
It is further intended that 7digital will be re-registered as a
private limited company as part of the Scheme and for this to take
effect as soon as practicable on or following the Effective
Date.
17 DIVIDS
If, on or after the date of this announcement and before the
Effective Date, any dividend, distribution or return of capital or
value is announced, declared, made or paid by 7digital or becomes
payable by 7digital in respect of the 7digital Shares, Songtradr
reserves the right to reduce the cash consideration payable under
the terms of the Offer for the 7digital Shares by an amount up to
the amount of such dividend and/or distribution and/or other return
of capital or value. In such circumstances, 7digital Shareholders
would be entitled to receive and retain any such dividend and/or
other distribution and/or return of capital or value.
18 OVERSEAS SHAREHOLDERS
Overseas Shareholders may be affected by the laws of other
jurisdictions in relation to the Offer or the Scheme. Overseas
Shareholders should inform themselves about and observe all
applicable legal requirements.
The availability of the Offer to persons who are not resident
in, and the distribution of this announcement to persons who are
not resident in, the United Kingdom may be affected by the laws of
the relevant jurisdiction in which such persons are located. Such
persons should inform themselves of, and observe, any applicable
legal or regulatory requirements of their jurisdiction. 7digital
Shareholders who are in any doubt regarding such matters should
consult an appropriate independent professional adviser in the
relevant jurisdiction without delay.
Further details in relation to the treatment of Overseas
Shareholders for the purposes of the Offer will be contained in the
Scheme Document.
19 Documents available on websites
Copies of the following documents will be made available
promptly on Songtradr's and 7digital's websites , subject to
certain restrictions relating to persons resident in Restricted
Jurisdictions , at: https://www.songtradr.com/investors and
https://www.7digital.com/investors respectively and in any event by
no later than noon on the Business Day following this announcement
up to and including the Effective Date or the date that the Scheme
lapses or is withdrawn, whichever is earlier:
-- this a nnouncement;
-- the irrevocable undertakings referred to in paragraph 9 above
and summarised in Appendix 3 to this announcement;
-- the Confidentiality Agreement;
-- the Co-operation Agreement; and
-- the consent letters from each of Liberum and Strand Hanson referred to in paragraph 20 below.
The contents of 7digital's website and Songtradr's website
referred to in this announcement are not incorporated into and do
not form part of this announcement.
20 General
Songtradr reserves the right to elect (with the consent of the
Panel and subject to the terms of the Co-operation Agreement) to
implement the Offer for the 7digital Shares by way of a Takeover
Offer as an alternative to the Scheme. In such event, the Takeover
Offer will be implemented on substantially the same terms, so far
as applicable, as those which would apply to the Scheme and subject
to the amendment(s) referred to in Appendix 1 to this announcement.
Furthermore, if such a Takeover Offer is made and sufficient
acceptances of such offer are received, when aggregated with any
7digital Shares otherwise acquired by Songtradr, it is the
intention of Songtradr to apply the provisions of section 979 of
the 2006 Act to acquire compulsorily any outstanding 7digital
Shares to which such offer relates.
The Offer will be made on the terms and subject to the
conditions set out herein and in Appendix 1 , and to be set out in
the Scheme Document. The bases and sources for certain financial
information contained in this announcement are set out in Appendix
2 . Details of the irrevocable undertakings received by Songtradr
are set out in Appendix 3 . Certain definitions and terms used in
this announcement are set out in Appendix 4 . The formal Scheme
Document will be sent to shareholders of 7digital within 28 days of
this announcement (or on such later date as may be agreed with the
Panel).
Liberum and Strand Hanson have each given and not withdrawn
their consent to the publication of this announcement with the
inclusion herein of the references to their names in the form and
context in which they appear.
This announcement does not constitute an offer or an invitation
to purchase or subscribe for any securities.
Enquiries :
Songtradr
Paul Wiltshire, CEO +1 424 744 8190
Liberum Capital Limited (Financial
Adviser to Songtradr)
Tim Medak
Kate Bannatyne
Cara Murphy +44 (0)20 3100 2000
7digital
Paul Langworthy, CEO c/o +44 (0)20 4582 3500
Strand Hanson Limited (Financial
Adviser and Nominated Adviser to
7digital)
James Dance
Matthew Chandler
Richard Johnson
James Harris +44 (0)20 7409 3494
Gracechurch Group (Financial PR
to 7digital)
Harry Chatli
Claire Norbury +44 (0)20 4582 3500
RBG Legal Services Limited, trading as Memery Crystal, is acting
as legal adviser to Songtradr.
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is acting as legal adviser to
7digital.
Further information
Liberum Capital Limited (" Liberum "), which is authorised and
regulated in the UK by the FCA, is acting as financial adviser to
Songtradr and no-one else in connection with the matters described
in this announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other
than Songtradr for providing the protections afforded to clients of
Liberum nor for providing advice in connection with the matters
referred to herein. Neither Liberum nor any of its affiliates owes
or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever
(whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under
statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Liberum
in connection with this announcement, any statement contained
herein, the Offer or otherwise.
Strand Hanson Limited (" Strand Hanson "), which is authorised
and regulated in the UK by the FCA, is acting as nominated adviser
and financial adviser to 7digital and no one else in connection
with the matters described in this announcement and will not be
responsible to anyone other than 7digital for providing the
protections afforded to clients of Strand Hanson nor for providing
advice in connection with the matters referred to herein. Neither
Strand Hanson nor any of its affiliates owes or accepts any duty,
liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect,
whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any
person who is not a client of Strand Hanson in connection with this
announcement, any statement contained herein, the Offer or
otherwise.
This announcement is for information purposes only and is not
intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, an offer,
invitation or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, otherwise
acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any
securities, or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any
jurisdiction, pursuant to the Offer or otherwise, nor shall there
be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities of 7digital in any
jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. The Offer will be
implemented solely by means of the Scheme Document (or, if the
Offer is implemented by way of a Takeover Offer, the Offer
Document), which will contain the full terms and conditions of the
Offer including details of how to vote in respect of the Offer .
Any vote in respect of the Scheme or other response in relation to
the Offer should be made only on the basis of the information
contained in the Scheme Document (or, if the Offer is implemented
by way of a Takeover Offer, the Offer Document). This announcement
does not constitute a prospectus, prospectus equivalent document or
an exempted document.
If you are in any doubt about the contents of this announcement
or the action you should take, you are recommended to seek your own
independent financial advice immediately from your stockbroker,
bank manager, solicitor, accountant or independent financial
adviser duly authorised under the Financial Services and Markets
Act 2000 (as amended) if you are resident in the United Kingdom or,
if not, from another appropriately authorised independent financial
adviser .
Overseas Shareholders
The release, publication or distribution of this announcement in
or into jurisdictions other than the UK may be restricted by law
and therefore any persons who are subject to the law of any
jurisdiction other than the UK should inform themselves of, and
observe, any applicable legal or regulatory requirements. Any
failure to comply with such requirements may constitute a violation
of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. To the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law, the companies and persons
involved in the Offer disclaim any responsibility or liability for
the violation of such restrictions by any person. This announcement
has been prepared in accordance and for the purpose of complying
with English law, the Takeover Code, the AIM Rules, the Market
Abuse Regulation and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules
and information disclosed may not be the same as that which would
have been prepared in accordance with the laws of jurisdictions
outside of England.
The availability of the Offer to 7digital Shareholders who are
not resident in and citizens of the UK may be affected by the laws
of the relevant jurisdictions in which they are located or of which
they are citizens. Persons who are not resident in the UK should
inform themselves of, and observe, any applicable legal or
regulatory requirements of their jurisdictions. In particular, the
ability of persons who are not resident in the United Kingdom to
vote their 7digital Shares with respect to the Scheme at the Court
Meeting, or to appoint another person as proxy to vote at the Court
Meeting on their behalf, may be affected by the laws of the
relevant jurisdictions in which they are located. Any failure to
comply with the applicable restrictions may constitute a violation
of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. To the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law, the companies and persons
involved in the Offer disclaim any responsibility or liability for
the violation of such restrictions by any person. Further details
in relation to Overseas Shareholders will be contained in the
Scheme Document.
Unless otherwise determined by Songtradr or required by the
Takeover Code, and permitted by applicable law and regulation, the
Offer will not be made available, directly or indirectly, in, into
or from a Restricted Jurisdiction where to do so would violate the
laws in that jurisdiction and no person may vote in favour of the
Scheme by any such use, means, instrumentality or from within a
Restricted Jurisdiction or any other jurisdiction if to do so would
constitute a violation of the laws of that jurisdiction. Copies of
this announcement and any formal documentation relating to the
Offer are not being, and must not be, directly or indirectly,
mailed or otherwise forwarded, distributed or sent in or into or
from any Restricted Jurisdiction and persons receiving such
documents (including, without limitation, agents, custodians,
nominees and trustees) must not mail or otherwise forward,
distribute or send them in or into or from any Restricted
Jurisdiction. Doing so may render invalid any related purported
vote in respect of the Offer. If the Offer is implemented by way of
a Takeover Offer (unless otherwise permitted by applicable law and
regulation), the Takeover Offer may not be made directly or
indirectly, in or into, or by the use of mails or any means or
instrumentality (including, but not limited to, facsimile, e-mail
or other electronic transmission, telex or telephone) of interstate
or foreign commerce of, or of any facility of a national, state or
other securities exchange of any Restricted Jurisdiction and the
Takeover Offer may not be capable of acceptance by any such use,
means, instrumentality or facilities.
Further details in relation to Overseas Shareholders will be
included in the Scheme Document.
Notice to US investors in 7digital
The Offer relates to the shares of an English company and is to
be made by means of a scheme of arrangement provided for under
English company law. A transaction effected by means of a scheme of
arrangement is not subject to the tender offer or proxy
solicitation rules under the US Exchange Act . Accordingly, the
Offer will be subject to the disclosure requirements and practices
applicable in the UK to schemes of arrangement which differ from
the disclosure requirements of the US tender offer and proxy
solicitation rules. The financial information included in this
announcement has been prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles of the United Kingdom and thus may
not be comparable to financial information of US companies or
companies whose financial statements are prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles in the United
States.
If, in the future, Songtradr exercises its right to implement
the Offer by way of a Takeover Offer , which is to be made into the
United States, such Takeover Offer will be made in compliance with
the applicable US laws and regulations.
It may be difficult for US holders of 7digital Shares to enforce
their rights and any claim arising out of the US federal laws,
since 7digital is located in a non-US jurisdiction, and some or all
of 7digital's officers and directors may be residents of a non-US
jurisdiction. US holders of 7digital Shares may not be able to sue
a non-US company or its officers or directors in a non-US court for
violations of the US securities laws. Further, it may be difficult
to compel a non-US company and its affiliates to subject themselves
to a US court's judgement.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, in accordance with
normal UK market practice and pursuant to Rule 14e-5(b) of the US
Exchange Act, Songtradr, or its nominees, or brokers (acting as
agents), may from time to time make certain purchases of, or
arrangements to purchase, 7digital Shares outside of the US, other
than pursuant to the Offer, until the date on which the Offer
becomes Effective, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn. These
purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices
or in private transactions at negotiated prices.
US 7digital Shareholders also should be aware that the
transaction contemplated herein may have tax consequences in the US
and, that such consequences, if any, are not described herein. US
7digital Shareholders are urged to consult with legal, tax and
financial advisers in connection with making a decision regarding
this transaction.
Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements
This announcement (including any information incorporated by
reference in this announcement), oral statements made regarding the
Offer, and other information published by Songtradr and 7digital
contain statements which are, or may be deemed to be,
"forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are
prospective in nature and are not based on historical facts, but
rather on current expectations and projections of the management of
Songtradr and 7digital about future events, and are therefore
subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results
to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied
by the forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements contained in this announcement
include statements relating to the expected effects of the Offer on
Songtradr and 7digital (including their future prospects,
developments and strategies), the expected timing and scope of the
Offer and other statements other than historical facts. Often, but
not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use
of forward-looking words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not
expect", "is expected", "is subject to", "budget", "projects",
"strategy", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends",
"anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or
variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain
actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would",
"might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Although
Songtradr and 7digital believe that the expectations reflected in
such forward-looking statements are reasonable, neither Songtradr
nor 7digital can give assurance that such expectations will prove
to be correct. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve
risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on
circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of
factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ
materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements.
These factors include, but are not limited to: the ability to
complete the Offer; the ability to obtain any requisite regulatory
and shareholder approvals and the satisfaction of other Conditions
on the proposed terms and schedule; future market conditions,
changes in general economic and business conditions, the behaviour
of other market participants, the anticipated benefits from the
proposed transaction not being realised as a result of changes in
general economic and market conditions in the countries in which
Songtradr and 7digital operate, weak, volatile or illiquid capital
and/or credit markets, changes in tax rates, interest rate and
currency fluctuations, the degree of competition in the geographic
and business areas in which Songtradr and 7digital operate and
changes in laws or in supervisory expectations or requirements.
Other unknown or unpredictable factors could cause actual results
to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.
Such forward-looking statements should therefore be construed in
light of such factors. Neither Songtradr nor 7digital, nor any of
their respective associates or directors, officers or advisers,
provides any representation, assurance or guarantee that the
occurrence of the events expressed or implied in any
forward-looking statements in this announcement will actually
occur. You are cautioned not to place any reliance on these
forward-looking statements. Other than in accordance with their
legal or regulatory obligations, neither Songtradr nor 7digital is
under any obligation, and Songtradr and 7digital expressly disclaim
any intention or obligation, to update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise.
No profit forecasts, estimates or quantified financial benefits
statements
No statement in this announcement is intended, or is to be
construed, as a profit forecast, profit estimate or quantified
financial benefits statement for any period and no statement in
this announcement should be interpreted to mean that earnings or
earnings per share for 7digital for the current or future financial
years would necessarily match or exceed the historical published
earnings or earnings per share for 7digital.
Disclosure requirements of the Takeover Code
Under Rule 8.3(a) of the Takeover Code, any person who is
interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant securities of an
offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror (being any
offeror other than an offeror in respect of which it has been
announced that its offer is, or is likely to be, solely in cash)
must make an Opening Position Disclosure following the commencement
of the offer period and, if later, following the announcement in
which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. An
Opening Position Disclosure must contain details of the person's
interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any
relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any
securities exchange offeror(s). An Opening Position Disclosure by a
person to whom Rule 8.3(a) applies must be made by no later than
3.30 p.m. (London time) on the 10th Business Day following the
commencement of the offer period and, if appropriate, by no later
than 3.30 p.m. (London time) on the 10th Business Day following the
announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first
identified. Relevant persons who deal in the relevant securities of
the offeree company or of a securities exchange offeror prior to
the deadline for making an Opening Position Disclosure must instead
make a Dealing Disclosure.
Under Rule 8.3(b) of the Takeover Code, any person who is, or
becomes, interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant
securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange
offeror must make a Dealing Disclosure if the person deals in any
relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities
exchange offeror. A Dealing Disclosure must contain details of the
dealing concerned and of the person's interests and short positions
in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of
(i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange
offeror(s), save to the extent that these details have previously
been disclosed under Rule 8. A Dealing Disclosure by a person to
whom Rule 8.3(b) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 p.m.
(London time) on the Business Day following the date of the
relevant dealing.
If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or
understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire or control an
interest in relevant securities of an offeree company or a
securities exchange offeror, they will be deemed to be a single
person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.
Opening Position Disclosures must also be made by the offeree
company and by any offeror and Dealing Disclosures must also be
made by the offeree company, by any offeror and by any persons
acting in concert with any of them (see Rules 8.1, 8.2 and
8.4).
Details of the offeree and offeror companies in respect of whose
relevant securities Opening Position Disclosures and Dealing
Disclosures must be made can be found in the Disclosure Table on
the Takeover Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk,
including details of the number of relevant securities in issue,
when the offer period commenced and when any offeror was first
identified. You should contact the Panel's Market Surveillance Unit
on +44 (0)20 7638 0129 if you are in any doubt as to whether you
are required to make an Opening Position Disclosure or a Dealing
Disclosure.
No comparable offer for Deferred Share Classes
7digital has in issue 115,751,517 Deferred Shares and
419,622,489 Deferred A Shares. The Deferred Share Classes are not
listed on any exchange and have limited rights. The Deferred Share
Classes have no right to participate in any dividends declared,
made or paid by 7digital but have the right to participate on a
return of assets in a winding up of 7digital by way of a repayment
of the capital paid up on such Deferred Share Classes after the
rights of all holders of 7digital Shares have been discharged in
full and a sum of GBP1 million has been paid in respect of each
7digital Share. Holders of the Deferred Share Classes have no other
rights to participate in the assets of 7digital. The Deferred Share
Classes do not confer on their holders any right to receive notice
of, attend, or vote at general meetings of 7digital.
The Panel has agreed that the Deferred Share Classes are not
equity securities under the Takeover Code and therefore a
comparable offer does not need to be made for the Deferred Share
Classes under Rule 14 of the Takeover Code. Songtradr and 7digital
intend for the Deferred Share Classes to be cancelled on or shortly
following the Effective Date.
Publication of this announcement on websites
A copy of this announcement will be made available, subject to
certain restrictions relating to persons resident in Restricted
Jurisdictions, on 7digital's website at
https://www.7digital.com/investors and on Songtradr's website
https://www.songtradr.com/investors by no later than 12 noon
(London time) on the Business Day following this announcement, in
accordance with Rule 26.1 of the Takeover Code.
For the avoidance of doubt, the contents of these websites are
not incorporated by reference and do not form part of this
announcement.
Requesting hard copy documents
Any person entitled to receive a copy of documents,
announcements and information relating to the Offer is entitled to
receive such documents in hard copy form free of charge. A person
may also request that all future documents, announcements and
information in relation to the Offer are sent to them in hard copy
form. Hard copies of such documents, announcements (including this
announcement), and information will not be sent unless
requested.
In accordance with Rule 30.3 of the Takeover Code, 7digital
Shareholders, persons with information rights and participants in
the 7digital Share Plan may request a hard copy of this
announcement by contacting the Receiving Agent, Neville Registrars
Limited, on 0121 585 1131 from within the UK or +44 (0) 121 585
1131 if calling from outside the UK. Calls are charged at the
standard geographic rate and will vary by provider. Calls outside
the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international
rate. Lines are open between 9.00 a.m. - and 5.00 p.m., Monday to
Friday excluding public holidays in England and Wales or by
submitting a request in writing to the Receiving Agent at Neville
Registrars Limited, Neville House, Steelpark Road, Halesowen, B62
8HD. If you have received this announcement in electronic form,
copies of this announcement and any document or information
incorporated by reference into this announcement will not be
provided unless such a request is made. Such persons may also
request that all future documents, announcements and information to
be sent to them in relation to the Offer should be in hard copy
form.
Electronic communications
Please be aware that addresses, electronic addresses and certain
other information provided by 7digital Shareholders, persons with
information rights and other relevant persons for the receipt of
communications from 7digital may be provided to Songtradr or any
other offeror during the offer period as required under Section 4
of Appendix 4 of the Takeover Code to comply with Rule 2.11(c).
Rounding
Certain figures included in this announcement have been
subjected to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown for
the same category presented in different tables may vary slightly
and figures shown as totals in certain tables may not be an
arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them.
Person responsible
The person responsible for arranging the release of this
announcement on behalf of Songtradr is Paul Wiltshire.
Rule 2.9 information
For the purposes of Rule 2.9 of the Takeover Code, 7digital
confirms that, as at the latest practicable date of 7 February
2023, it had in issue and admitted to trading on AIM 2,722,085,961
ordinary shares of 0.01 pence each. The International Securities
Identification Number (ISIN) in respect of such ordinary shares is
GB00BMH46555.
General
If the Offer is effected by way of a Takeover Offer, and such
Takeover Offer becomes or is declared unconditional in all respects
and sufficient acceptances are received, Songtradr intends to
exercise its rights to apply the provisions of Chapter 3 of Part 28
of the 2006 Act so as to acquire compulsorily the remaining
7digital Shares in respect of which the Takeover Offer has not been
accepted.
Investors should be aware that Songtradr may purchase 7digital
Shares otherwise than under any Takeover Offer or the Scheme,
including pursuant to privately negotiated purchases.
If you are in any doubt about the contents of this announcement
or the action you should take, you are recommended to seek your own
independent financial advice immediately from your stockbroker,
bank manager, solicitor, accountant or independent financial
adviser duly authorised under the Financial Services and Markets
Act 2000 (as amended) if you are resident in the United Kingdom or,
if not, from another appropriately authorised independent financial
adviser.
Appendix 1
Conditions and Further Terms of the Offer
Part A
Conditions and Certain Further Terms of the Scheme and the
Offer
1. The Offer will be conditional upon the Scheme becoming
unconditional and becoming Effective, subject to the provisions of
the Takeover Code, by no later than 11.59 p.m. on the Long Stop
Date, or such later date (if any) as Songtradr and 7digital may,
with the consent of the Panel, agree and (if required) the Court
may approve.
Conditions of the Scheme
2. The Scheme will be subject to the following Conditions:
2.1 (i) approval of the Scheme by a majority in number
representing not less than 75 per cent. in value of Scheme
Shareholders who are on the register of members of 7digital (or the
relevant class or classes thereof) at the Voting Record Time,
present and voting, whether in person or by proxy, at the Court
Meeting and at any separate class meeting which may be required (or
any adjournment thereof), and (ii) such Court Meeting being held on
or before the 22d day after the expected date of the Court Meeting
to be set out in the Scheme Document in due course (or such later
date as may be agreed between Songtradr and 7digital with the
consent of the Panel (and that the Court may approve));
2.2 (i) the Special Resolution being duly passed at the General
Meeting (or any adjournment thereof) and (ii) such General Meeting
being held on or before the 22nd day after the expected date of the
General Meeting to be set out in the Scheme Document in due course
(or such later date as may be agreed between Songtradr and 7digital
(and that the Court may approve)); and
2.3 (i) the sanction of the Scheme by the Court (with or without
modification (but subject to such modification being acceptable to
Songtradr and 7digital)) and the delivery of the office copy of the
Court Order to the Registrar of Companies; and (ii) the Sanction
Hearing being held on or before the 22nd day after the expected
date of the Sanction Hearing to be set out in the Scheme Document
in due course (or such later date as may be agreed between
Songtradr and 7digital (and that the Court may approve)).
General Conditions
3. In addition, Songtradr and 7digital have agreed that, subject
as stated in Part B below and to the requirements of the Panel, the
Offer will be conditional upon the following Conditions and,
accordingly, the necessary actions to make the Scheme effective
will not be taken unless the following Conditions (as amended if
appropriate) have been satisfied or, where relevant, waived:
Other Third Party clearances
3.1 no Third Party having given notice of a decision to take,
institute, implement or threaten any action, proceeding, suit,
investigation, enquiry or reference, or having required any action
to be taken or otherwise having done anything or having enacted,
made or proposed any statute, regulation, decision, order or change
to published practice and there not continuing to be outstanding
any statute, regulation, decision or order which would or
might:
3.1.1 make the Offer , its implementation or the acquisition or
proposed acquisition of any shares or other securities in, or
control or management of, any member of the Wider 7digital Group by
any member of the Wider Songtradr Group void, illegal and/or
unenforceable under the laws of any relevant jurisdiction, or
otherwise directly or indirectly prevent, prohibit, or restrain,
restrict, impede, challenge, delay or otherwise interfere with the
implementation of, or impose material additional conditions or
obligations with respect to, the Offer or the acquisition of any
shares or other securities in, or control or management of, any
member of the Wider 7digital Group by any member of the Wider
Songtradr Group or require amendment of the Scheme;
3.1.2 require, prevent or materially delay the divestiture or
alter the terms of any proposed divestiture by any member of the
Wider Songtradr Group or by any member of the Wider 7digital Group
of all or any part of their businesses, assets or property or
impose any material limitation on the ability of all or any of them
to conduct their businesses (or any part thereof) or to own,
control or manage any of their assets or properties (or any part
thereof) to an extent which is material in the context of the Wider
7digital Group taken as a whole or in the context of the Offer;
3.1.3 impose any material limitation on, or result in a material
delay in, the ability of any member of the Wider Songtradr Group
directly or indirectly to acquire or hold or to exercise
effectively all or any rights of ownership in respect of shares or
other securities in 7digital (or any member of the Wider 7digital
Group) or on the ability of any member of the Wider 7digital Group
or any member of the Wider Songtradr Group directly or indirectly
to hold or exercise effectively any rights of ownership in respect
of shares or other securities (or the equivalent) in, or to
exercise management control over, any member of the Wider 7digital
Group to an extent which is material in the context of the Wider
7digital Group taken as a whole or in the context of the Offer;
3.1.4 other than pursuant to the implementation of the Scheme
or, if applicable, sections 974 to 991 of the 2006 Act, require any
member of the Wider Songtradr Group or the Wider 7digital Group to
acquire or offer to acquire any shares, other securities (or the
equivalent) or interest in any member of the Wider 7digital Group
or any asset owned by any third party which is material in the
context of the Wider 7digital Group or the Wider Songtradr Group,
in either case taken as a whole;
3.1.5 require, prevent or delay a divestiture by any member of
the Wider Songtradr Group of any shares or other securities (or the
equivalent) in any member of the Wider 7digital Group;
3.1.6 result in any member of the Wider 7digital Group ceasing
to be able to carry on business under any name under which it
presently carries on business to an extent which is material in the
context of the Wider 7digital Group taken as a whole or in the
context of the Offer;
3.1.7 impose any limitation on the ability of any member of the
Wider Songtradr Group or any member of the Wider 7digital Group to
conduct, integrate or co--ordinate all or any part of their
respective businesses with all or any part of the business of any
other member of the Wider Songtradr Group and/or the Wider 7digital
Group in a manner which is adverse and material to the Wider
Songtradr Group and/or the Wider 7digital Group, in either case,
taken as a whole or in the context of the Offer; or
3.1.8 otherwise materially and adversely affect the business,
assets, value, profits, prospects or operational performance of any
member of the Wider 7digital Group or any member of the Wider
Songtradr Group in each case in a manner which is adverse to and
material in the context of the Wider 7digital Group taken as a
whole;
and all applicable waiting and other time periods (including any
extensions thereof) during which any such Third Party could decide
to take, institute, implement or threaten any such action,
proceeding, suit, investigation, enquiry or reference or take any
other step under the laws of any jurisdiction in respect of the
Offer or proposed acquisition of any 7digital Shares or otherwise
intervene having expired, lapsed, or been terminated;
3.2 all notifications, filings or applications which are deemed
by Songtradr to be necessary under applicable legislation or
regulation or reasonably considered to be appropriate in any
relevant jurisdiction having been made in connection with the Offer
and all necessary waiting and other time periods (including any
extensions thereof) under any applicable legislation or regulation
of any relevant jurisdiction having expired, lapsed or been
terminated (as appropriate) and all applicable statutory and
regulatory obligations in any jurisdiction having been complied
with and all authorisations which are deemed by Songtradr to be
necessary under applicable legislation or regulation or reasonably
considered to be appropriate in any relevant jurisdiction for or in
respect of the Offer or the proposed acquisition of any shares or
other securities in, or control of, 7digital by any member of the
Wider Songtradr Group having been obtained on terms and in a form
reasonably satisfactory to Songtradr from all appropriate Third
Parties or (without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing)
from any person or bodies with whom any member of the Wider
7digital Group or the Wider Songtradr Group has entered into
contractual arrangements in each case where the direct consequence
of a failure to make such notification or filing or to wait for the
expiry, lapse or termination of any such waiting or other time
period or to comply with such obligation or obtain such
Authorisation would be unlawful in any relevant jurisdiction or
have a material adverse effect on the Wider 7digital Group, any
member of the Songtradr Group or the ability of Songtradr to
implement the Scheme and all such Authorisations remaining in full
force and effect at the time at which the Scheme becomes otherwise
unconditional in all respects and there being no notice or threat
in writing of an intention to revoke, suspend, restrict, modify or
not to renew such Authorisations;
3.3 no temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent
injunction, preliminary or permanent enjoinment, or other order
issued and being in effect by a court or other Third Party which
has the effect of making the Offer or any acquisition or proposed
acquisition of any shares or other securities or control or
management of, any member of the Wider 7digital Group by any member
of the Wider Songtradr Group, or the implementation of either of
them, void, voidable, illegal and/or unenforceable under the laws
of any relevant jurisdiction, or otherwise directly or indirectly
prohibiting, preventing, restraining, restricting, delaying or
otherwise interfering with the completion or the approval of the
Offer or any matter arising from the proposed acquisition of any
shares or other securities in, or control or management of, any
member of the Wider 7digital Group by any member of the Wider
Songtradr Group;
Confirmation of absence of adverse circumstances
3.4 except as Disclosed, there being no provision of any
arrangement, agreement, licence, permit, franchise, lease or other
instrument to which any member of the Wider 7digital Group is a
party or by or to which any such member or any of its assets is or
may be bound, entitled or be subject or any event or circumstance
which, as a consequence of the Offer or the proposed acquisition by
any member of the Wider Songtradr Group of any shares or other
securities in 7digital or because of a change in the control or
management of any member of the Wider 7digital Group or otherwise,
would or might reasonably be expected to result in, in each case to
an extent which is material and adverse in the context of the Wider
7digital Group taken as a whole:
3.4.1 any monies borrowed by, or any other indebtedness, actual
or contingent of, or any grant available to, any member of the
Wider 7digital Group being or becoming repayable, or capable of
being declared repayable, immediately or prior to its or their
stated maturity date or repayment date, or the ability of any such
member to borrow monies or incur any indebtedness being withdrawn
or inhibited or being capable of becoming or being withdrawn or
inhibited;
3.4.2 the rights, liabilities, obligations, interests or
business of any member of the Wider 7digital Group or any member of
the Wider Songtradr Group under any such arrangement, agreement,
licence, permit, lease or instrument or the interests or business
of any member of the Wider 7digital Group or any member of the
Wider Songtradr Group in or with any other firm or company or body
or person (or any agreement or arrangement relating to any such
business or interests) being or likely to become terminated or
adversely modified or affected or any onerous obligation or
liability arising or any adverse action being taken or arising
thereunder;
3.4.3 any member of the Wider 7digital Group ceasing to be able
to carry on business under any name under which it presently
carries on business to an extent which is material in the context
of the 7digital Group taken as a whole;
3.4.4 any assets or interests of, or any asset the use of which
is enjoyed by, any member of the Wider 7digital Group being or
falling to be disposed of or charged or any right arising under
which any such asset or interest could be required to be disposed
of or charged or could cease to be available to any member of the
Wider 7digital Group otherwise than in the ordinary course of
business;
3.4.5 other than in the ordinary course of business, the
creation or enforcement of any mortgage, charge or other security
interest over the whole or any part of the business, property or
assets of any member of the Wider 7digital Group or any such
mortgage, charge or other security interest (whenever created,
arising or having arisen), becoming enforceable;
3.4.6 the business, assets, value, financial or trading
position, profits, prospects or operational performance of any
member of the Wider 7digital Group being prejudiced or adversely
affected; or
3.4.7 the creation or acceleration of any material liability
(actual or contingent) by any member of the Wider 7digital Group
other than trade creditors or other liabilities incurred in the
ordinary course of business; or
3.4.8 any liability of any member of the Wider 7digital Group to
make any severance, termination, bonus or other payment to any of
its directors or other officers other than in the ordinary course
of business,
and no event having occurred which, under any provision of any
agreement, arrangement, licence or other instrument to which any
member of the Wider 7digital Group is a party or by or to which any
such member or any of its assets is or may be bound or subject,
would or would reasonably be expected to result in any events or
circumstances as are referred to in this paragraph 3.4 (in each
case to an extent which is material in the context of the Wider
7digital Group taken as a whole);
No material transactions, claims or changes in the conduct of
the business of the 7digital Group
3.5 except as Disclosed, no member of the Wider 7digital Group having since 30 June 2022:
3.5.1 save as between 7digital and its wholly--owned
subsidiaries or between such wholly--owned subsidiaries and save
for the issue or transfer out of treasury of 7digital Shares on the
exercise of options, warrants or vesting of awards granted in the
ordinary course under the 7digital Share Plan, issued or agreed to
issue or authorised or proposed or announced its intention to
authorise or propose the issue of additional shares of any class,
or securities or securities convertible into, or exchangeable for,
or rights, warrants or options to subscribe for or acquire, any
such shares or convertible securities or transferred or sold or
agreed to transfer or sell or authorised or proposed the transfer
or sale of 7digital Shares out of treasury;
3.5.2 recommended, declared, paid or made or agreed to
recommend, declare, pay or make any bonus issue, dividend or other
distribution (whether payable in cash or otherwise) other than to
7digital or one of its wholly--owned subsidiaries;
3.5.3 save as between 7digital and its wholly--owned
subsidiaries or between such wholly--owned subsidiaries, merged
with (by statutory merger or otherwise) or demerged from or
acquired any body corporate, partnership or business or acquired or
disposed of, or, other than in the ordinary course of business,
transferred, mortgaged or charged or created any security interest
over, any assets or any right, title or interest in any asset
(including shares and trade investments) or authorised, proposed or
announced any intention to do so, in each case to an extent which
is material in the context of the Wider 7digital Group taken as a
whole;
3.5.4 save as between 7digital and its wholly--owned
subsidiaries or between such wholly--owned subsidiaries, made,
authorised, proposed or announced an intention to propose any
change in its loan capital other than in the ordinary course of
business and to an extent which is material in the context of the
Wider 7digital Group taken as a whole;
3.5.5 issued, authorised or proposed or announced an intention
to authorise or propose the issue of, or made any change in or to
the terms of, any debentures or (save in the ordinary course of
business and save as between 7digital and its wholly--owned
subsidiaries or between such wholly--owned subsidiaries) incurred
or increased any indebtedness or become subject to any contingent
liability to an extent which is material in the context of the
Wider 7digital Group taken as a whole or in the context of the
Offer;
3.5.6 entered into, varied, authorised or proposed entry into or
variation of, or announced its intention to enter into or vary, any
contract, transaction, arrangement or commitment (whether in
respect of capital expenditure or otherwise) (otherwise than in the
ordinary course of business) which is of a long term, unusual or
onerous nature, or which involves or could reasonably be expected
to involve an obligation of a nature or magnitude which is or is
likely to be materially restrictive on the business of any member
of the Wider 7digital Group to an extent which is or is reasonably
likely to be material to the Wider 7digital Group taken as a
whole;
3.5.7 entered into any licence or other disposal of intellectual
property rights of any member of the Wider 7digital Group which are
material in the context of the Wider 7digital Group and outside the
normal course of business;
3.5.8 entered into, varied, authorised or proposed entry into or
variation of, or announced its intention to enter into or vary the
terms of or made any offer (which remains open for acceptance) to
enter into or vary the terms of, any contract, commitment,
arrangement or any service agreement with any director or senior
executive of the Wider 7digital Group save for salary increases,
bonuses or variations of terms in the ordinary course;
3.5.9 proposed, agreed to provide or modified the terms of any
share option scheme, incentive scheme, or other benefit relating to
the employment or termination of employment of any employee of the
Wider 7digital Group which, taken as a whole, are material in the
context of the Wider 7digital Group taken as a whole;
3.5.10 (except in relation to changes made or agreed as a result
of, or arising from, changes to legislation) any significant change
to:
(a) the terms of the trust deeds constituting the pension
scheme(s) established by any member of the 7digital Group for its
directors, employees or their dependents;
(b) the contributions payable to any such scheme(s) or to the
benefits which accrue or to the pensions which are payable
thereunder;
(c) the basis on which qualification for, or accrual or
entitlement to, such benefits or pensions are calculated or
determined; or
(d) the basis upon which the liabilities (including pensions) of
such pension schemes are funded, valued or made; or
(e) any non-ordinary course change to the trustees including the
appointment of a trust corporation,
in each case, to the extent which is material in the context of
the Wider 7digital Group taken as a whole;
3.5.11 entered into, implemented or effected, or authorised,
proposed or announced its intention to implement or effect, any
joint venture, asset or profit sharing arrangement, partnership,
composition, assignment, reconstruction, amalgamation, commitment,
scheme or other transaction or arrangement (other than the Offer)
otherwise than in the ordinary course of business which is material
in the context of the Wider 7digital Group taken as a whole or in
the context of the Offer;
3.5.12 purchased, redeemed or repaid or announced any proposal
to purchase, redeem or repay any of its own shares or other
securities or reduced or made any other change to any part of its
share capital to an extent which (other than in the case of
7digital) is material in the context of the Wider 7digital Group
taken as a whole;
3.5.13 other than with respect to claims between 7digital and
its wholly-owned subsidiaries (or between such subsidiaries),
waived, compromised or settled any claim otherwise than in the
ordinary course of business which is material in the context of the
Wider 7digital Group taken as a whole or in the context of the
Offer;
3.5.14 made any alteration to its articles of association (other
than in connection with the Scheme) which is material in the
context of the Offer;
3.5.15 (other than in respect of a member of the Wider 7digital
Group which is dormant and was solvent at the relevant time) taken
or proposed any steps, corporate action or had any legal
proceedings instituted or threatened against it in relation to the
suspension of payments, a moratorium of any indebtedness, its
winding--up (voluntary or otherwise), dissolution, reorganisation
or for the appointment of any administrator, receiver, manager,
administrative receiver, trustee or similar officer of all or any
material part of its assets or revenues or any analogous
proceedings in any jurisdiction or appointed any analogous person
in any jurisdiction or had any such person appointed which is
material in the context of the Wider 7digital Group taken as a
whole or in the context of the Offer;
3.5.16 been unable, or admitted in writing that it is unable, to
pay its debts or commenced negotiations with one or more of its
creditors with a view to rescheduling or restructuring any of its
indebtedness, or having stopped or suspended (or threatened to stop
or suspend) payment of its debts generally or ceased or threatened
to cease carrying on all or a substantial part of its business
which is material in the context of the Wider 7digital Group taken
as a whole or in the context of the Offer;
3.5.17 entered into any contract, commitment, agreement or
arrangement otherwise than in the ordinary course of business or
passed any resolution or made any offer (which remains open for
acceptance) with respect to or announced an intention to, or to
propose to, effect any of the transactions, matters or events in
the manner referred to in this Condition;
3.5.18 terminated or varied the terms of any agreement or
arrangement between any member of the Wider 7digital Group and any
other person in a manner which would or might be expected to have a
material adverse effect on the financial position of the Wider
7digital Group taken as a whole; or
3.5.19 taken (or agreed or proposed to take) any action which
requires, or would require, the consent of the Panel or the
approval of 7digital Shareholders in general meeting in accordance
with, or as contemplated by, Rule 21.1 of the Takeover Code;
No material adverse change
3.6 since 30 June 2022, and except as Disclosed, there having been:
3.6.1 no adverse change and no circumstance having arisen which
would be expected to result in any adverse change or deterioration
in the business, assets, value, financial or trading position,
profits, prospects or operational performance of any member of the
Wider 7digital Group to an extent which is material and adverse to
the Wider 7digital Group taken as a whole;
3.6.2 no litigation, arbitration proceedings, prosecution or
other legal proceedings including, without limitation, with regard
to intellectual property rights used by the Wider 7digital Group
having been threatened, announced or instituted by or against or
remaining outstanding against any member of the Wider 7digital
Group or to which any member of the Wider 7digital Group is or may
become a party (whether as claimant or defendant or otherwise) and
no enquiry, review or investigation or enforcement proceedings by,
or complaint or reference to, any Third Party against or in respect
of any member of the Wider 7digital Group having been threatened,
announced or instituted by or against, or remaining outstanding in
respect of, any member of the Wider 7digital Group which, in any
such case, might reasonably be expected to have a material adverse
effect on the Wider 7digital Group taken as a whole;
3.6.3 no contingent or other liability having arisen, increased
or become apparent which is reasonably likely to adversely affect
the business, assets, financial or trading position, profits,
prospects or operational performance of any member of the Wider
7digital Group to an extent which is material to the Wider 7digital
Group taken as a whole;
3.6.4 no steps having been taken and no omissions having been
made which are reasonably likely to result in the withdrawal,
cancellation, termination or modification of any licence held by
any member of the Wider 7digital Group, which is necessary for the
proper carrying on of its business and the withdrawal,
cancellation, termination or modification of which is material and
reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Wider
7digital Group taken as a whole; and
3.6.5 no member of the Wider 7digital Group having conducted its
business in material breach of any applicable laws and regulations
which in any case is material in the context of the Wider 7digital
Group taken as a whole;
3.7 except as Disclosed, Songtradr not having discovered:
3.7.1 that any financial, business or other information
concerning the Wider 7digital Group publicly announced since 30
June 2022 or disclosed to any member of the Wider Songtradr Group
at any time prior to the date of this announcement by or on behalf
of any member of the Wider 7digital Group or to any of their
advisers is misleading, contains a misrepresentation of fact or
omits to state a fact necessary to make that information not
misleading and which is, in any case, material in the context of
the Wider 7digital Group taken as a whole or in the context of the
Offer;
3.7.2 that any member of the Wider 7digital Group is subject to
any liability, contingent or otherwise and which is material in the
context of the Wider 7digital Group taken as a whole; or
3.7.3 any information which affects the import of any
information disclosed to Songtradr at any time prior to the date of
this announcement by or on behalf of any member of the Wider
7digital Group which is material in the context of the Wider
7digital Group taken as a whole;
Environmental liabilities
3.8 Songtradr not having discovered that, in relation to any
release, emission, accumulation, discharge, disposal or other
similar circumstance which has impaired or is likely to impair the
environment (including property) or harmed or is likely to harm the
health of humans, animals or other living organisms or
eco--systems, no past or present member of the Wider 7digital
Group, in a manner or to an extent which is material in the context
of the Wider 7digital Group, (i) having committed any violation of
any applicable laws, statutes, regulations, Authorisations, notices
or other requirements of any Third Party giving rise to a material
liability; and/or (ii) having incurred any material liability
(whether actual or contingent) to any Third Party; and/or (iii)
being likely to incur any material liability (whether actual or
contingent), or being required, to make good, remediate, repair,
re--instate or clean up the environment (including any property) in
each case where such liability or requirement would be material to
the Wider 7digital Group taken as a whole;
Intellectual Property
3.9 no circumstance having arisen or event having occurred in
relation to any intellectual property owned or used by any member
of the Wider 7digital Group which would or might have a material
adverse effect on the Wider 7digital Group taken as a whole or is
otherwise material in the context of the Offer, including:
3.9.1 any member of the Wider 7digital Group losing its title to
any intellectual property material to its business, or any
intellectual property owned by the Wider 7digital Group and
material to its business being revoked, cancelled or declared
invalid; or
3.9.2 any claim being asserted in writing or threatened in
writing by any person challenging the ownership of any member of
the Wider 7digital Group to, or the validity or effectiveness of,
any of its intellectual property; or
3.9.3 any agreement regarding the use of any intellectual
property licensed to or by any member of the Wider 7digital Group
being terminated or varied;
Anti--corruption and sanctions
3.10 Songtradr not having discovered that (to an extent that is
material in the context of the Wider 7digital Group taken as a
whole):
3.10.1 any past or present member of the Wider 7digital Group or
any person that performs or has performed services for or on behalf
of any such company is or has at any time engaged in any activity,
practice or conduct (or omitted to take any action) in
contravention of the UK Bribery Act 2010, the US Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act of 1977, as amended or any other applicable
anti--corruption legislation;
3.10.2 any member of the Wider 7digital Group is ineligible to
be awarded any contract or business under section 23 of the Public
Contracts Regulations 2006 or section 26 of the Utilities Contracts
Regulations 2006 (each as amended);
3.10.3 any past or present member of the Wider 7digital Group
has engaged in any activity or business with, or made any
investments in, or made any payments to any government, entity or
individual covered by any of the economic sanctions administered by
the United Nations or the European Union (or any of their
respective member states) or the United States Office of Foreign
Assets Control or any other governmental or supranational body or
authority in any jurisdiction; or
3.10.4 a member of the Wider 7digital Group has engaged in a
transaction which would cause the Songtradr Group to be in breach
of any applicable law or regulation on completion of the Offer,
including the economic sanctions administered by the United States
Office of Foreign Assets Control or HM Treasury & Customs or
any government, entity or individual targeted by any of the
economic sanctions of the United Nations, United States or the
European Union or any of its member states.
No criminal property
3.11 Songtradr not having discovered that any asset of any
member of the Wider 7digital Group constitutes criminal property as
defined by section 340(3) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (but
disregarding paragraph (b) of that definition).
Part B
Further terms of the Offer
1. Conditions 2.1 (i), 2.2 (i) and 3 must be fulfilled, be
determined by Songtradr to be or remain satisfied, or (if capable
of waiver) be waived prior to the commencement of the Sanction
Hearing, failing which the Scheme will lapse.
2. Notwithstanding the paragraph above, subject to paragraph 4
below and subject to the requirements of the Panel, Songtradr
reserves the right in its sole discretion to waive all or any of
the Conditions, in whole or in part and to proceed with the
Sanction Hearing prior to the fulfilment, satisfaction or waiver of
any of the Conditions, except that Conditions 1 , 2.1 (i), 2.2 (i)
and 2.3 (i) cannot be waived. If any of Conditions 2.1 (ii), 2.2
(ii) or 2.3 (ii) is not satisfied by the relevant deadline
specified in the relevant Condition, Songtradr shall make an
announcement by 8.00 a.m. on the Business Day following such
deadline confirming whether it has invoked the relevant Condition,
waived the relevant deadline or agreed with 7digital to extend the
relevant deadline.
3. Songtradr shall be under no obligation under the terms and
conditions of the Offer to waive (if capable of waiver), to
determine to be, or remain satisfied, or to treat as fulfilled any
of the Conditions set out in paragraph 3 of Part A of this Appendix
1 that Songtradr is entitled (with the consent of the Panel and
subject to the requirements of the Takeover Code) to invoke, by a
date earlier than the latest date specified in paragraph 1 above,
notwithstanding that the other Conditions may at such earlier date
have been waived or fulfilled and that there are, at such earlier
date, no circumstances indicating that any Condition may not be
capable of fulfilment.
4. Songtradr reserves the right to elect to implement the Offer
by way of a Takeover Offer as an alternative to the Scheme, subject
to the Panel's consent and (while the Co-operation Agreement is
continuing) to the terms of the Co-operation Agreement. In such
event, such Takeover Offer will be implemented on the same terms
and conditions so far as applicable, as those which would apply to
the Scheme (subject to appropriate amendments, including (without
limitation and for so long as the Co-operation Agreement is
continuing) an acceptance condition set at 75 per cent. of the
7digital Shares (or such other percentage as Songtradr and 7digital
may agree in accordance with the terms of the Co-operation
Agreement, and, where applicable with the consent of the Panel,
being in any case more than 50 per cent. of the 7digital Shares).
In the event that the Offer is implemented by way of a Takeover
Offer, the acceptance condition shall not be capable of being
satisfied until all of the other conditions to the Takeover Offer
have either been satisfied or (if capable of waiver) waived.
5. Under Rule 13.5(a) of the Takeover Code and subject to
paragraph 6 below, Songtradr may only invoke a Condition so as to
cause the Offer not to proceed, to lapse or to be withdrawn with
the consent of the Panel. The Panel will normally only give its
consent if the circumstances which give rise to the right to invoke
the Condition are of material significance to Songtradr in the
context of the Offer. This will be judged by reference to the facts
of each case at the time that the relevant circumstances arise.
6. Any Condition that is subject to Rule 13.5(a) of the Takeover
Code may be waived by Songtradr.
7. Conditions 1 , 2.1 (i), 2.2 (i) and 2.3 (i) (and, if
applicable, any Offer acceptance condition adopted on the basis
specified in paragraph 4 above if the Offer is implemented as a
Takeover Offer), are not subject to Rule 13.5(a) of the Takeover
Code.
8. If the Panel requires Songtradr to make an offer or offers
for 7digital Shares under the provisions of Rule 9 of the Takeover
Code, Songtradr may make such alterations to the Conditions as are
necessary to comply with the provisions of that Rule.
9. The Offer will be subject, inter alia , to the Conditions and
certain further terms which are set out in this Appendix 1 and to
the full terms which will be set out in the Scheme Document and
such further terms as may be required to comply with the provisions
of the AIM Rules, the provisions of the Takeover Code and the
applicable requirements of the Panel and the London Stock
Exchange.
10. 7digital Shares will be acquired by Songtradr fully paid and
free from all liens, charges, encumbrances and other third party
rights of any nature whatsoever and together with all rights
attaching to them as at the Effective Date, including the right to
receive and retain all dividends and distributions (if any)
declared, made or paid after the Offer becomes Effective.
11. If any dividend, distribution and/or other return of capital
or value is declared, made or paid in respect of the 7digital
Shares on or after the date of this announcement and before the
Effective Date, Songtradr reserves the right to reduce the
Consideration payable under the terms of the Offer for the 7digital
Shares by the amount of all or part of any such dividend,
distribution and/or other return of capital or value, in which case
any reference in this announcement to the Consideration payable
under the terms of the Offer will be deemed to be a reference to
the Consideration as so reduced. In such circumstances, 7digital
Shareholders would be entitled to retain any such dividend,
distribution and/or return of capital or value. Any exercise by
Songtradr of its rights referred to in this paragraph 11 shall be
the subject of an announcement and, for the avoidance of doubt,
shall not be regarded as constituting any revision or variation of
the Offer.
12. The availability of the Offer to persons not resident in the
United Kingdom may be affected by the laws of the relevant
jurisdictions. Persons who are not resident in the United Kingdom
should inform themselves about and observe any applicable
requirements.
13. The Offer is not being made, directly or indirectly, in,
into or from, or by use of the mails of, or by any means of
instrumentality (including, but not limited to, facsimile, e-mail
or other electronic transmission, telex or telephone) of interstate
or foreign commerce of, or of any facility of a national, state or
other securities exchange of, any jurisdiction where to do so would
violate the laws of that jurisdiction.
14. The Scheme will be governed by English law and be subject to
the jurisdiction of the Court, to the Conditions set out above and
full terms to be set out in the Scheme Document. The Offer will be
subject to the applicable requirements of the Takeover Code, the
Panel, the London Stock Exchange and the AIM Rules.
15. Each of the Conditions shall be regarded as a separate
Condition and shall not be limited by reference to any other
Condition.
Appendix 2
Sources and Bases of Information
In this announcement, unless otherwise stated or the context
otherwise requires, the following bases and sources have been
used:
1) 7digital's fully diluted equity value pursuant to the Offer
has been calculated on the basis of a fully diluted issued ordinary
share capital of 2,791,415,747 7digital Shares, calculated as:
a) 2,722,085,961 7digital Shares in issue as at 7 February 2023
(being the latest practicable date before this announcement);
plus
b) 68,250,649 7digital Shares which may be issued on or after
the date of this announcement pursuant to outstanding options and
awards under the 7digital Share Plan and pursuant to the Warrants
as at 7 February 2023 (being the latest practicable date before
this announcement); plus
c) 1,079,137 7digital Shares which may be issued on or after the
date of this announcement pursuant to arrangements that 7digital
has entered into with third parties.
Although these figures have been used to calculate the fully
diluted issued ordinary share capital of 7digital, the figures
remain subject to change depending on the number of 7digital Shares
actually issued between the date of this announcement and
completion of the Offer.
2) A value of approximately GBP19.40 million for the entire
issued and to be issued share capital of 7digital is based on:
a) the Offer Price of 0.695 pence per 7digital Share; and
b) 7digital's fully diluted issued ordinary share capital of
2,791,415,747 7digital Shares, as set out in paragraph 1 above.
3) The premia calculations to the price per 7digital Share used
in this announcement have been calculated based on the Offer Price
of 0.695 pence per share and by reference to:
a) the Closing Price on 7 February 2023 (being the last Business
Day prior to the commencement of the Offer Period) of 0.325 pence
derived from the AIM Appendix to Daily Official List of the London
Stock Exchange;
b) the volume weighted average price of 0.310 pence per 7digital
Share for the one-month period ending on and including 7 February
2023 (being the last Business Day prior to the commencement of the
Offer Period) derived from Bloomberg;
c) the volume weighted average price of 0.340 pence per 7digital
Share for the three-month period ending on and including 7 February
2023 (being the last Business Day prior to the commencement of the
Offer Period) derived from Bloomberg; and
d) the volume weighted average price of 0.357 pence per 7digital
Share for the six-month period ending on and including 7 February
2023 (being the last Business Day prior to the commencement of the
Offer Period) derived from Bloomberg.
4) Unless otherwise stated, the financial information on
7digital has been extracted (without material adjustment) from the
annual report and accounts of the 7digital Group for the 12 months
ended 31 December 2021 and unaudited interim results for the half
year ended 30 June 2022, which are available at
https://www.7digital.com/reports/ .
5) Certain figures included in this announcement have been subject to rounding adjustments.
Appendix 3
Details of Irrevocable Undertakings
1. 7digital Directors
The following 7digital Directors have provided irrevocable
undertakings to Songtradr to vote (or procure votes) in favour of
the resolutions relating to the Offer at the Meetings in respect of
their own beneficial holdings (or those 7digital Shares over which
they have control):
Name Number of Percentage
7digital Shares of 7digital's
existing issued
ordinary share
capital and
of 7digital
Shares eligible
to vote at the
Court Meeting
(%)(*)
David Lazarus ** 742,436,219 27.27
Tamir Koch *** 446,512,126 16.40
Michael Juskiewicz 1,000,000 0.04
Mark Foster 587,943 0.02
Paul Langworthy 21,146 0.00
TOTAL : 1,190,557,434 43.74
Notes:
* assuming that no additional 7digital Shares are issued prior
to the Court Meeting pursuant to options outstanding under the
7digital Share Plan and the outstanding warrants.
** held indirectly via Magic Investments S.A. Limited of which
Mr Lazarus is a director.
***of which 445,012,126 shares are held indirectly via Shmuel
Koch Holdings Limited of which Mr Koch is a director.
In addition, Helen Gilder, Non-Executive Director of 7digital
has provided an irrevocable undertaking to Songtradr to vote (or
procure the vote) in favour of the Scheme resolution relating to
the Offer at the Court Meeting and the Special Resolution at the
General Meeting (or in the event that the Offer is implemented by
way of a Takeover Offer, to accept or procure acceptance of such
Takeover Offer), in respect of her 527,778 outstanding options in
the event they are exercised prior to the Court Meeting.
The above irrevocable undertakings cease to be binding in the
event that: (i) this announcement has not been released by 11.59
p.m. (London time) on the date that is five business days from the
date of the undertaking (or such later date as 7digital and
Songtradr may agree); (ii) the Scheme Document is not sent to
7digital Shareholders within 28 days (or such later period as the
Panel may agree) after the date of this announcement; (iii)
Songtradr announces, with the consent of the Panel, that it does
not intend to make or proceed with the Offer and no new, revised or
replacement offer or scheme is announced at the same time; (iv) the
Scheme lapses or is withdrawn in accordance with its terms and
Songtradr publicly confirms that it does not intend to proceed with
the Offer or to implement the Offer by way of a Takeover Offer or
otherwise; or (v) the Scheme has not become effective by 6.00 p.m.
on the Long Stop Date (or such other time and date as agreed
between Songtradr and 7digital, with the approval of the Court
and/or the Panel, if required (other than in circumstances where
Songtradr has, prior to such date, elected to exercise its right to
proceed by way of a Takeover Offer and announced the same in
accordance with the requirements of Paragraph 8 of Appendix 7 to
the Takeover Code, and such Takeover Offer has not lapsed or been
withdrawn).
2. Institutional and other 7digital Shareholders
The following 7digital shareholders have provided irrevocable
undertakings to vote in favour of the resolutions relating to the
Offer at the Meetings in respect of their own beneficial holdings
(or those 7digital Shares over which they have control):
Name Number of Percentage
7digital Shares of 7digital's
existing issued
ordinary share
capital and
of 7digital
Shares eligible
to vote at the
Court Meeting
(%)(*)
Mr Joseph Samberg 345,000,000 12.67
The Joe & Sandy Samberg Foundation, 100,000,000 3.67
Inc.
LAS Investments Limited
Mr Noam Band 90,111,111 3.31
Mr Alan Da Costa 89,000,000 3.27
51,111,111 1.88
TOTAL : 675,222,222 24.81
Notes:
* assuming that no additional 7digital Shares are issued prior
to the Court Meeting pursuant to options outstanding under the
7digital Share Plan and the outstanding warrants.
The above irrevocable undertakings cease to be binding in the
event that: (i) this announcement has not been released by 11.59
p.m. (London time) on the date that is five business days from the
date of the undertaking (or such later date as 7digital and
Songtradr may agree); (ii) the Scheme Document is not sent to
7digital Shareholders within 28 days (or such later period as the
Panel may agree) after the date of this announcement; (iii)
Songtradr announces, with the consent of the Panel, that it does
not intend to make or proceed with the Offer and no new, revised or
replacement offer or scheme is announced at the same time; (iv) the
Scheme lapses or is withdrawn in accordance with its terms and
Songtradr publicly confirms that it does not intend to proceed with
the Offer or to implement the Offer by way of a Takeover Offer or
otherwise; or (v) the Scheme has not become effective by 6.00 p.m.
on the Long Stop Date (or such other time and date as agreed
between Songtradr and 7digital, with the approval of the Court
and/or the Panel, if required (other than in circumstances where
Songtradr has, prior to such date, elected to exercise its right to
proceed by way of a Takeover Offer and announced the same in
accordance with the requirements of Paragraph 8 of Appendix 7 to
the Takeover Code, and such Takeover Offer has not lapsed or been
withdrawn).
Appendix 4
Definitions
The following definitions apply throughout this announcement
unless the context otherwise requires:
" 2006 Act " means the Companies Act 2006 (as amended from time
to time);
" 2021 7digital Annual Report " means the audited annual report
and accounts of the 7digital Group for the year ended 31 December
2021;
" 7digital " or the "Company" means 7digital Group plc;
" 7digital Board " means the directors of 7digital as at the
date of this announcement;
" 7digital Group " means 7digital and its subsidiary
undertakings and where the context permits, each of them;
" 7digital Share Plan " means the 7digital 2014 Employee Share
Plan;
" 7digital Share(s) " means the existing unconditionally
allotted or issued and fully paid ordinary shares of 0.01 pence
each in the capital of 7digital and any further such shares which
are unconditionally allotted or issued before the Scheme becomes
Effective, but excluding in both cases any such shares held or
which become held in treasury;
" 7digital Shareholder(s) " means a holder(s) of 7digital
Shares;
"AI" means artificial intelligence;
" AIM " means the market of that name operated by the London
Stock Exchange;
" AIM Rules " means the AIM Rules for Companies published by the
London Stock Exchange (as amended from time to time);
" Appendices " means the appendices to this announcement;
" Articles " means the articles of association of 7digital from
time to time;
" associated undertaking " shall be construed in accordance with
paragraph 19 of Schedule 6 to The Large and Medium--sized Companies
and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (SI 2008/410)
(but for this purpose ignoring paragraph 19(1)(b) of Schedule 6 to
those regulations);
" Authorisations " means authorisations, orders, grants,
recognitions, confirmations, consents, licences, clearances,
certificates, permissions or approvals, in each case of a Third
Party;
"B2B" means business-to-business;
" Bloomberg " means Bloomberg L.P., a financial software
services, news and data company;
"Board" means the board of directors of 7digital or Songtradr
(as applicable);
" Business Day " means a day, not being a public holiday,
Saturday or Sunday, on which clearing banks in London are open for
the transaction of general commercial business;
" certificated " or " certificated form " means, in relation to
a share or other security, a share or other security title to which
is recorded in the relevant register of the share or other security
as being held in certificated form (that is, not in CREST);
" Closing Price " means the closing middle market price of a
7digital Share as derived from the AIM Appendix to the Daily
Official List on any particular date;
"Conditions" means (a) for so long as the Offer is being
implemented by means of the Scheme, the conditions to the
implementation of the Offer (including the Scheme) as set out in
Appendix 1 to this announcement and to be set out in the Scheme
Document; and (b) for so long as the Offer is being implemented by
means of a Takeover Offer, the conditions referred to in (a) above,
as amended by replacing the Scheme Conditions with the acceptance
condition to the Takeover Offer;
" Co-operation Agreement " means the co-operation agreement
between Songtradr and 7digital dated on or about the date of this
announcement;
"Combined Group" means the Songtradr Group as enlarged by the
7digital Group following completion of the Offer" Confidentiality
Agreement " means the confidentiality agreement dated 3 November
2022 between 7digital and Songtradr;"Consideration" means the
consideration due under the Offer of 0.695 pence in cash for each
7digital Share;
"Court" means the High Court of Justice in England and
Wales;
" Court Meeting " means the meeting of 7digital Shareholders to
be convened at the direction of the Court pursuant to Part 26 of
the 2006 Act at which a resolution will be proposed to approve the
Scheme, including any adjournment thereof;
" Court Order " means the order of the Court sanctioning the
Scheme under Part 26 of the 2006 Act;
" CREST " means the relevant system (as defined in the
Regulations) in respect of which Euroclear is the operator (as
defined in CREST);
" Daily Official List " means the Daily Official List published
by the London Stock Exchange;
"Dealing Disclosure" has the same meaning as in Rule 8 of the
Takeover Code;
"Deferred Shares" means the deferred shares of 0.99 pence each
in the capital of 7digital;
"Deferred A Shares" means the deferred A shares of 9 pence each
in the capital of 7digital;
"Deferred Share Classes" means, together, the Deferred Shares
and the Deferred A Shares;
" Disclosed " means the information disclosed by or on behalf of
7digital: (i) in the 2021 7digital Annual Report (most recent
audited financials, as defined above); (ii) in this announcement;
(iii) in any other announcement to a Regulatory Information Service
prior to the publication of this announcement, including the
unaudited interim financial report of 7digital to 30 June 2022; and
(iv) fairly disclosed in writing (including via the virtual data
room operated by or on behalf of 7digital in respect of the Offer)
prior to the date of this announcement to Songtradr or Songtradr's
advisers (in their capacity as such);
" Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules " means the
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook issued by the
FCA;
" Effective " means, in the context of the Offer: (i) if the
Offer is implemented by way of the Scheme, the Scheme having become
effective pursuant to its terms; or (ii) if the Offer is
implemented by way of Takeover Offer, the Takeover Offer having
been declared or having become unconditional in all respects in
accordance with the requirements of the Takeover Code;
" Effective Date " means the date on which the Offer becomes
Effective;
" Euroclear " means Euroclear UK & International
Limited;
" Excluded Shares " means any 7digital Shares beneficially owned
by Songtradr, immediately prior to the Scheme Record Time;
" FCA " means the Financial Conduct Authority or its successor
from time to time;
" FCA Handbook " means the FCA's Handbook of rules and guidance
as amended from time to time;
" General Meeting " means the general meeting of 7digital
Shareholders to be convened to consider and if thought fit pass,
the Special Resolution, including any adjournments thereof;
"Group" means in relation to 7digital the 7digital Group, and in
relation to Songtradr, the Songtradr Group;
"Liberum" means Liberum Capital Limited, the financial adviser
to Songtradr;
" London Stock Exchange " means London Stock Exchange plc or its
successor;
" Long Stop Date " means 31 July 2023 or such later date as may
be agreed between Songtradr and 7digital and, if required, the
Panel and the Court may allow;
"Market Abuse Regulation" means Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014, as
in force in the United Kingdom;
" Meetings " means the Court Meeting and the General
Meeting;
" Offer " means the proposed recommended cash offer by Songtradr
to acquire the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share
capital of 7digital, to be effected by means of the Scheme or,
should Songtradr so elect and subject to the consent of the Panel,
by means of a Takeover Offer, and, where the context admits, any
subsequent revision, variation, extension or renewal of such
offer;
"Offer Document" means, if Songtradr elects to implement the
Offer by way of a Takeover Offer, the document to be sent to (among
others) 7digital Shareholders setting out, among other things, the
full terms and conditions of the Takeover Offer;
" Offer Period " means the offer period (as defined in the
Takeover Code) relating to 7digital which commenced on 8 February
2023 being the date of this announcement and ending on the
Effective Date;
"Offer Price" means 0.695 pence per Scheme Share;
"Opening Position Disclosure" has the same meaning as in Rule 8
of the Takeover Code;
" Overseas Shareholders " means holders of Scheme Shares who are
resident in, ordinarily resident in, or citizens of, jurisdictions
outside the United Kingdom;
" Panel " means the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers in the
UK;
" PRO " means a performing rights organisation;
" Receiving Agent " means Neville Registrars Limited, Neville
House, Steelpark Road, Halesowen, B62 8HD;
" Registrar of Companies " means the Registrar of Companies in
England and Wales;
" Regulations " means the Uncertificated Securities Regulations
2001 (SI2001 No. 3755);
" Regulatory Information Service " means a regulatory
information service as defined in the FCA Handbook;
" relevant securities " means, as the context requires, 7digital
Shares, other 7digital share capital and any securities convertible
into or exchangeable for, and rights to subscribe for, any of the
foregoing;
" Restricted Jurisdiction " means any jurisdiction where local
laws or regulations may result in a significant risk of civil,
regulatory or criminal exposure if information concerning the Offer
is sent or made available to 7digital Shareholders in that
jurisdiction;
" Rule " means a rule of the Takeover Code;
" Sanction Hearing " means the hearing of the Court to sanction
the Scheme at which the Court Order is expected to be granted (and
any adjournment thereof);
" Scheme " means the proposed scheme of arrangement under Part
26 of the 2006 Act between 7digital and the holders of the Scheme
Shares, with or subject to any modification, addition or condition
approved or imposed by the Court and agreed by 7digital and
Songtradr;
" Scheme Document " means t he document to be sent to 7digital
Shareholders and persons with information rights containing,
amongst other things, the Scheme and notices convening the
Meetings;
" Scheme Record Time " means the time and date specified in the
Scheme Document, expected to be 6.00 p.m. on the Business Day
immediately prior to the Effective Date;
" Scheme Shareholders " means holders of Scheme Shares;
" Scheme Shares " means all 7digital Shares: (i) in issue at the
date of the Scheme Document; (ii) (if any) issued after the date of
the Scheme Document but before the Voting Record Time; and (iii)
(if any) issued at or after the Voting Record Time and before the
Scheme Record Time in respect of which the original or any
subsequent holders thereof are, or shall have agreed in writing to
be, bound by the Scheme, in each case other than the Excluded
Shares;
"Special Resolution" means the special resolution to be proposed
by 7digital at the General Meeting to, amongst other things,
authorise the 7digital Directors to take all actions they consider
necessary or appropriate to implement the Scheme and amend the
Articles;
"Songtradr" means Songtradr, Inc;
" Songtradr Board " means the directors of Songtradr as at the
date of this announcement;
" Songtradr Group " means Songtradr and its subsidiary
undertakings and where the context permits, each of them;
"Strand Hanson" means Strand Hanson Limited, the nominated
adviser and financial adviser to 7digital;
" subsidiary ", " subsidiary undertaking " and " undertaking "
shall be construed in accordance with the 2006 Act;
" Takeover Code " means the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers
in the UK issued by the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers, as amended
from time to time;
"Takeover Offer" means a takeover offer (within the meaning of
section 974 of the Companies Act) to be made by or on behalf of
Songtradr to acquire the entire issued and to be issued ordinary
share capital of 7digital on the terms and conditions to be set out
in the Offer Document, including any subsequent revision,
amendment, variation, extension, or renewal of such offer;
"Third Party" each of a central bank, government or
governmental, quasi--governmental, supranational, statutory,
regulatory, environmental, administrative, fiscal or investigative
body, court, trade agency, association, institution, environmental
body, employee representative body or any other body or person
whatsoever in any jurisdiction;
" UK " or " United Kingdom " means the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland;
" United States " or " US " means the United States of America,
its territories and possessions, any state of the United States of
America, the District of Columbia and all other areas subject to
its jurisdiction and any political sub-division thereof ;
" US Exchange Act " means the US Securities Exchange Act 1934,
as amended;
" uncertificated " or " in uncertificated form " means a share
or other security title to which is recorded in the relevant
register of the share or security concerned as being held in
uncertificated form, in CREST, and title to which, by virtue of the
Regulations, may be transferred by means of CREST;
"US$" means the legal tender of the United States;
" Voting Record Time " means the time and date to be specified
in the Scheme Document by reference to which entitlement to vote on
the Scheme will be determined;
"Warrants" means warrants over 7digital Shares granted pursuant
to warrant instruments executed by 7digital;
" Wider 7digital Group " means 7digital and associated
undertakings and any other body corporate, partnership, joint
venture or person in which 7digital and such undertakings
(aggregating their interests) have an interest of 20 per cent. or
more of the voting or equity capital or the equivalent;
" Wider Songtradr Group " means the Songtradr Group and
associated undertakings and any other body corporate, partnership,
joint venture or person in which Songtradr and such undertakings
(aggregating their interests) have an interest of 20 per cent. or
more of the voting or equity capital or the equivalent; and
" GBP " , " pounds ", " pence " and " p " refer to the legal
tender of the United Kingdom.
References to an enactment include references to that enactment
as amended, replaced, consolidated or re-enacted by or under any
other enactment before or after the date of this announcement.
All times referred to are London time unless otherwise
stated.
A reference to " includes " shall mean " includes without
limitation ", and references to " including " and any other similar
term shall be construed accordingly.
References to the singular include the plural and vice
versa.
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