Offer Update
14 Outubro 2003 - 10:55AM
UK Regulatory
MessinaPlatinum Rights Offer Concludes
Minority Shareholders contribute US$8.5 million to the Company
Shares Issued and Outstanding: 61,674,459
TSX: SUF
AIM: SRE
TORONTO, Oct. 14 /CNW/ - SouthernEra Resources Limited today reported on
the results of the rights offer at the Company's subsidiary Messina Limited,
which concluded last Friday, October 10.
In a strong show of support, 94 percent of the shareholders in Messina
Limited subscribed to the shares offered under the rights issue. In
subscribing for rights, Messina's minority shareholders have contributed
approximately US$8.5 million to Messina Limited. The proceeds of this rights
offer are to be used principally to reduce Messina's unsecured debt
obligations to SouthernEra thereby strengthening the Company's balance sheet.
As underwriter of the rights offer, SouthernEra has taken up the Messina
shares not subscribed to, which increases its interest in Messina Limited to
73 percent.
Commenting on the rights offer, SouthernEra President and CEO, Patrick
Evans, said: "We welcome this vote of confidence on the part of Messina's
minority shareholders. This reflects a high level of confidence in the long-
term future of the Messina Platinum Project, despite the short-term challenge
posed by the unusual strength of the South African Rand, which is Messina's
operating currency. This support is particularly welcome at a time when
consideration is being given to the expanded development of the Greater
Messina resource."
SouthernEra Resources Limited is an independent producer of platinum
group metals (PGMs) and diamonds. The Company also has an extensive PGM and
diamond exploration program. The common shares of SouthernEra are traded on
the TorontoStock Exchange (SUF) and the LondonStock Exchange's AIM (SRE).
For further information: SouthernEra Resources Limited - Dr. Sally Eyre,
Vice President Corporate Affairs, Telephone: (416) 359-9282,
Fax: (416) 359-9141, E-mail: inbox(at)southernera.com, www.southernera.com
(SUF. SRE)
END