AGM Information • Dec 7, 2010
AGM Information
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If you have sold or otherwise transferred all of your shares in British Smaller Companies VCT plc, please send this document and accompanying documents, as soon as possible, to the purchaser or transferee or to the stockbroker, independent financial adviser or other person through whom the sale or transfer was effected for delivery to the purchaser or transferee.
(Registered in England and Wales with registered number 3134749)
Recommended proposals relating to the authorities to allot Ordinary Shares, the amendment of the articles of association, the continuation for a further period of a dividend reinvestment scheme and the cancellation of the share premium account.
Your attention is drawn to the letter from the chairman of the Company set out on pages 3 to 4 which contains a recommendation to vote in favour of the Resolutions to be proposed at the General Meeting.
You will find set out at the end of this document a notice of the General Meeting to be held on 11 January 2011 at 10.15am to approve the Resolutions. The General Meeting will be held at Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BD.
To be valid, the form of proxy attached to this document for the meeting should be returned not less than 48 hours before the General Meeting, either by post or by hand to Capita Registrars Limited, PXS, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham BR3 4TU.
| Part 1: Letter from the Chairman | 3 |
|---|---|
| Part 2: Additional Information | 5 |
| Part 3: Definitions | 8 |
| Part 4: Notice of General Meeting | 9 |
| Form of Proxy |
Saint Martins House 210-212 Chapeltown Road Leeds West Yorkshire LS7 4HZ
7 December 2010
Dear Shareholder,
Recommended proposals relating to the authorities to Issue Ordinary Shares, the amendment to the articles of association, the continuation for a further period of a dividend reinvestment scheme and the cancellation of the share premium account.
The Company and British Smaller Companies VCT2 plc are seeking to raise additional funds by way of linked offers of up to £15 million in aggregate to allow further expansion of their diverse investment portfolios.
The UK has endured the longest recession in peacetime, an unparalleled level of public sector debt and the worst banking crisis in living memory which together have combined to destabilise the economic and business environment. Valuations of unquoted companies have fallen over the past two years. At the same time, funding for those companies seeking to expand either organically or through acquisition has been significantly reduced. This means that well managed companies are facing an unusual combination of falling values and a shortage of capital. The directors of both Companies believe that these changes have created the opportunity for those prepared to take a medium term view to invest funds into attractive businesses at a low point in the economic cycle.
The additional funds raised under the Offers will enable the Companies to increase the pace of their investment activity and both the number and size of their investments in the future. By raising more capital the running costs per Share in the Companies will be reduced as the fixed costs are spread over a larger asset base.
The Companies will continue to invest predominantly in established unquoted companies in the UK. The investment policy of both Companies is to create a portfolio that blends a mix of businesses operating in traditional industries with those that offer opportunities in the application and development of innovation.
The Company, like BSC2, is currently invested in a diverse portfolio of unquoted and quoted shares, fixed income securities and cash. The Offers enable new and existing Shareholders to invest in a mature and diverse existing portfolio to be supplemented with new investments made in line with the Company's proven investment strategy.
Shareholder approval is required in respect of resolutions 1 and 4 below for the Offers to proceed.
It is proposed to continue the Dividend Reinvestment Scheme until the fifth anniversary of the date of the General Meeting, to coincide with the same expiry date as that for the dividend reinvestment scheme that BSC2 is proposing to adopt. It is also proposed to amend the rules of the Scheme to provide clarity as to the ability of the Directors to decide whether or not the Scheme is to apply to a particular dividend. In accordance with paragraph 18 of the Scheme rules, this Circular shall constitute notice of the Company's intention to (i) amend paragraph 1 of the Scheme rules so that the words "6 August 2013" are replaced by "11 January 2016", which amendment shall, subject to the passing of Resolution 2 below, take effect on the expiry of the notice period set out in paragraph 18 and (ii) to amend paragraph 16 by adding the words "in whole or in part" after the words "suspend operation of the Scheme", which amendment shall take effect on the expiry of the notice period set out in paragraph 18.
Resolution 1 will, if passed, give the Board authority to allot Shares in connection with the Offers up to an aggregate nominal amount of £900,000, a rights issue and the allotment for cash of up to an additional 10% of the issued Share capital of the Company immediately following the final closing of the Offers. 3 This authority will expire on the later of (i) the Company's next annual general meeting and (ii) 15 months from the passing of the Resolution.
Resolution 2 will, if passed, authorise the Directors, pursuant to article 166 of the Company's articles of association, to continue the Company's Dividend Reinvestment Scheme until the fifth anniversary of the passing of the Resolution, to coincide with the same expiry date as that for the dividend reinvestment scheme that BSC2 is proposing to adopt.
Resolution 3 will, if passed, give the Board authority to allot Shares in connection with the Scheme during the period commencing on the passing of this Resolution and expiring on the fifth anniversary of this Resolution.
Resolution 4 will, if passed, give the Board authority to allot the Shares referred to in Resolution 1 whilst disapplying the statutory pre-emption rights. This authority will expire on the later of (i) the Company's next annual general meeting and (ii) 15 months from the passing of this Resolution.
Resolution 5 will, if passed, give the Board authority to allot the Shares referred to in Resolution 3 whilst disapplying the statutory pre-emption rights, which authority will expire on the fifth anniversary of the passing of this Resolution.
Resolution 6 will, if passed, amend the article 191 of the Company's articles of association which refers to the duration of the Company. This article provides that at the annual general meeting of the Company held in 2013 and, if the Company has not then been wound-up or reconstructed or re-organised, at each fifth annual general meeting thereafter, the Directors shall procure that an ordinary resolution will be proposed to the effect that the Company shall continue in being a venture capital trust.
In view of the five year VCT qualifying period for tax relief that will relate to the further Shares that will be issued under the Offers, Resolution 6 proposes that article 191 is amended so that the year 2016 replaces 2013.
Resolution 7 will, if passed, approve, subject to the sanction of the High Court, the cancellation of the amount standing to the credit of the share premium account of the Company immediately after the final closing date of the Offers. The Directors consider it appropriate to obtain the approval of Shareholders at the General Meeting to cancel the share premium account (subject to the sanction of the High Court) to create further distributable reserves to fund distributions to Shareholders and Share buy-backs, to set off or write off losses and for other corporate purposes of the Company. Application to court will be made if and when the Board feels this is appropriate. This authority is being taken now to provide flexibility to the Board in the future without a further general meeting having to be convened.
Shareholders will find a form of proxy attached at the end of this document for the General Meeting. Whether or not you propose to attend the General Meeting, you are requested to complete and return the form of proxy attached so as to be received not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for holding the General Meeting. Completion and return of the form of proxy will not prevent a Shareholder from attending and voting in person at the General Meeting should a Shareholder wish to do so.
The Board considers that the Resolutions are in the best interests of the Shareholders as a whole and unanimously recommends you to vote in favour of the Resolutions. The Directors intend voting in favour of the Resolutions in respect of their own beneficial shareholdings in the Company which, at the date of this Circular, total 43,150 Shares (representing approximately 0.1257% of the issued Shares).
Yours sincerely
Helen Sinclair Chairman
The Company, and the Directors whose names appear below, accept responsibility for the information contained in this document. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the Company and the Directors (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case) the information contained in this document is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.
Helen Sinclair (Chairman) Philip Cammerman Edward Buchan
The registered office of the Company is Saint Martins House, 210-212 Chapeltown Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS7 4HZ.
3.1 The interests of the Directors, or persons connected with such Directors, (all of which are beneficial unless otherwise stated) in the issued share capital of the Company as at 6 December 2010 (being the latest practicable date before publication of this Circular) were:
| Director | Ordinary Shares |
|---|---|
| Helen Sinclair | 7,270 |
| Philip Cammerman | 35,880 |
| Edward Buchan | – |
3.2 The interests of the Directors, or persons connected with such Directors, (all of which are beneficial unless otherwise stated) in the issued share capital of the Company as at the close of the Offers (assuming the Offers are fully subscribed, that the Offer Price (as defined in the Prospectus) is as set out on page 11 of the Prospectus and that no early subscription Shares are issued under the Offers) will be:
| Director | Ordinary Shares |
|---|---|
| Helen Sinclair | 14,587 |
| Philip Cammerman | 35,880 |
| Edward Buchan | 2,439 |
3.3 Save as disclosed above, no Director nor (so far as is known to the relevant Director) any person connected with a Director has any interest in the share capital of the Company.
As at 6 December 2010 (being the latest practicable date prior to the publication of this Circular) the Directors were not aware of any holdings of 3 per cent or more of the Company's issued share capital or of any person who, directly or indirectly, jointly or severally, exercises control over the Company.
Under the Offer Agreement, which may be terminated by HK in certain circumstances of breach, YFM Private Equity, the Companies and the Directors have given certain warranties which are subject to certain limitations. Warranty claims against the Directors must be made no later than 60 days after the date of publication of the audited accounts of the Company for the year ending 31 March 2012. The Companies have agreed to indemnify HK in respect of its role as sponsor and under the Offer Agreement. The Offer Agreement may also be terminated, inter alia, if any statement in the Prospectus is untrue, any material omission from the Prospectus arises or any breach of warranty occurs.
YFM Private Equity agrees to indemnify the Company to the extent that its total annual running costs, including the investment advisory fee, exceeds 3.5% (excluding trail commission) of the gross assets of the Company.
5.1.2 An administration and investment advisory agreement dated 28 February 1996 between the Company and YFM Private Equity (the "IAA"), under which YFM Private Equity agreed to provide administrative, company secretarial and investment advisory services to the Company in relation to the Company's qualifying portfolio. The IAA took effect on 4 April 1996 for an initial period of 3 years and thereafter is terminable by either party on not less than 12 months' notice or, inter alia, on the others' breach or insolvency.
Under the IAA, YFM Private Equity is entitled to receive an annual investment advisory fee of 2% of the gross assets of the Company (as determined on 31 March and 30 September each year), plus VAT, if applicable, payable quarterly in advance on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October in each year together with an annual secretarial fee of £35,000 (subject to annual adjustment and currently £49,024), plus VAT. YFM Private Equity is also entitled to all arrangement, syndication and monitoring fees payable in respect of unquoted investments. The Company indemnifies YFM Private Equity against all things lawfully and properly done under the IAA.
5.1.3 An incentive agreement (the "Incentive Agreement") dated 7 July 2009 between the Company, the YFM Private Equity Carried Interest Trust (an employee benefit trust established for the benefit of employees of YFM Private Equity) and YFM Private Equity under which, with effect from 1 April 2009 ("Effective Date") YFM Private Equity is entitled to receive a fee, calculated by reference to each accounting period of the Company, equal to 20% of the amount by which dividends paid to Shareholders exceed 4 pence per Share per accounting period (as increased or decreased, as applicable, in each accounting period by the percentage increase or decrease (if any) in the retail prices index in the previous accounting period) ("Target Rate"), once cumulative dividends per share of 10 pence or more have been paid to shareholders. The Target Rate is further adjusted by reference to any cumulative shortfall in dividends paid per share from any previous accounting period after the Effective Date. The payment is also conditional upon the net asset value per Share in the relevant accounting period being not less than 94 pence per Share. A compensatory payment is due if the Incentive Agreement is terminated without cause or if the Company is taken over. The compensatory payment is calculated as a percentage of the fee that would otherwise be payable under the Incentive Agreement by reference to the accounting period following the
Incentive Agreement being so terminated. 80% is payable in the first accounting period after such event, 55% in the second, 35% in the third, and nil thereafter. The maximum fee payable in any 12 month period cannot exceed an amount which would represent 25% or more of the net asset value or market capitalisation of the Company at such time.
None of the Directors has a service contract with the Company and the services of the Directors are provided to the Company pursuant to letters of appointment, under which they are required to devote such time to the affairs of the Company as the Board reasonably requires consistent with their role as a non-executive director.
The Directors are each currently entitled to receive the following annual fees:
| Director | £ |
|---|---|
| Helen Sinclair | 35,000 |
| Philip Cammerman | 20,000 |
| Edward Buchan | 20,000 |
| 75,000 |
Since 30 September 2010 (being the end of the last financial period of the Company for which unaudited interim financial information has been published), there has been no significant change in the financial or trading position of the Company.
Copies of the following documents will be available for inspection from the date of this Circular until the conclusion of the General Meeting during normal business hours and on any weekday (Saturdays and public holidays excepted) at the registered office of the Company at Saint Martins House, 210-212 Chapeltown Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS7 4HZ:
8.1 the audited accounts of the Company for the years ended 31 March 2008, 2009 and 2010;
8.2 the unaudited interim financial statements for the 6 month period to 30 September 2010;
8.3 the Company's articles of association;
8.4 the Directors' letters of appointments referred to in paragraph 6 above; and
8.5 this Circular.
7 December 2010
| "Board" or "Directors" | Helen Sinclair, Philip Cammerman and Edward Buchan; |
|---|---|
| "BSC2" | British Smaller Companies VCT2 plc, registered with the Registrar of Companies of England and Wales with registered number 4084003 and whose registered office is Saint Martins House, 210-212 Chapeltown Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS7 4HZ; |
| "the Circular" | this document; |
| "the Company" | British Smaller Companies VCT plc, registered with the Registrar of Companies of England and Wales with registered number 3134749 and whose registered office is Saint Martins House, 210-212 Chapeltown Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS7 4HZ; |
| "the Companies" | the Company and BSC2; |
| "the Prospectus" | the prospectus dated the date of this Circular relating to the Offers; |
| "General Meeting" | the general meeting of the Company to be held on 11 January 2011 (or any adjournment thereof); |
| "Offers" | the linked offers for subscription in the Company of up to 8,780,488 Shares and up to 12,811,388 ordinary shares in BSC2; |
| "Resolutions" | the resolutions to be proposed at the General Meeting; |
| "Scheme" or "Dividend Reinvestment Scheme" | the dividend reinvestment scheme that was approved by the Shareholders on 6 August 2008; |
| "Shareholders" | holders of Shares; |
| "Shares" or "Ordinary Shares" | ordinary shares of 10p each in the capital of the Company; |
| "VCT" | a venture capital trust as defined in section 272 Income Taxes Act 2007; |
No: 3134749 BRITISH SMALLER COMPANIES VCT PLC
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a General Meeting of British Smaller Companies VCT plc will be held at Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BD at 10.15am on 11 January 2011 to consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions which will be proposed as ordinary resolutions as to resolutions 1 to 3 and as special resolutions as to resolutions 4 to 7:
during the period commencing on the passing of this resolution and expiring on the later of 15 months from the date here of or the next annual general meeting of the Company (unless previously revoked, varied or extended by the Company in general meeting), but so that this authority shall allow the Company to make before the expiry of this authority offers or agreements which would or might require shares to be allotted, or rights to subscribe for or to convert any security into shares to be granted, after such expiry and that all previous authorities given to the Directors be and they are hereby revoked, provided that such revocation shall not have retrospective effect;
but so that this authority shall allow the Company to make offers or agreements before the expiry and the Directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of such offers or agreements as if the powers conferred hereby had not so expired. This power applies in relation to a sale of shares which is an allotment of equity securities by virtue of Section 560 (2) Act as if in the first paragraph of this resolution the words "pursuant to the general authority conferred upon the Directors in resolution (1) above" were omitted;
By order of the Board
Secretary
Registered Office: Saint Martins House 210-212 Chapeltown Road Leeds, West Yorkshire LS7 4HZ
Information regarding the General Meeting, including the information required by section 311A of the Act, is available from www.yfm.co.uk
8 December 2010
(c) In order to revoke a proxy instruction a member will need to inform the Company by sending a signed hard copy notice clearly stating the intention to revoke the proxy appointment to Capita Registrars Limited, PXS, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham BR3 4TU. In the case of a member which is a company, the revocation notice must be executed under its common seal or signed on its behalf by an officer of the company or an attorney for the company. Any power of attorney or any other authority under which the revocation notice is signed (or a duly certified copy of such power or authority) must be included with the revocation notice. The revocation notice must be received by Capita Registrars Limited before the General Meeting or the holding of a poll subsequently thereto. If a member attempts to revoke his or her proxy appointment but the revocation is received after the time specified then, subject to Note (d) directly below, the proxy appointment will remain valid.
(d) Completion and return of a Form of Proxy will not preclude a member of the Company from attending and voting in person. If a member appoints a proxy and that member attends the General Meeting in person, the proxy appointment will automatically be terminated.
In order for a proxy appointment or instruction made using the CREST service to be valid, the appropriate CREST message (a "CREST Proxy Instruction") must be properly authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK & Ireland's specifications, and must contain the information required for such instruction, as described in the CREST Manual (available via www.euroclear.com/CREST). The message, regardless of whether it constitutes the appointment of a proxy or is an amendment to the instruction given to a previously appointed proxy must, in order to be valid, be transmitted so as to be received by the issuer's agent (ID RA10) not less than 48 hours (excluding weekends and public holidays) before the time of the meeting. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the time stamp applied to the message by the CREST Application Host) from which the issuer's agent is able to retrieve the message by enquiry to CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST. After this time any change of instructions to proxies appointed through CREST should be communicated to the appointee through other means.
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