Prospectus • Oct 2, 2019
Prospectus
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THIS DOCUMENT IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. If you are in any doubt as to the action you should take or the contents of this Prospectus, you are recommended to seek your own independent financial advice immediately from your stockbroker, bank, solicitor, accountant, or other appropriate independent financial adviser, who is authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the "FSMA") if you are in the United Kingdom, or from another appropriately authorised independent financial adviser if you are in a territory outside the United Kingdom.
A copy of this document, which comprises a prospectus relating to Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited (the "Company") in connection with the issue of Issue Shares in the Company and their admission to trading on the Main Market and to listing on the premium listing category of the Official List, prepared in accordance with the Prospectus Rules of the FCA made pursuant to section 73A of the FSMA, has been filed with the Financial Conduct Authority in accordance with Rule 3.2 of the Prospectus Rules. The Prospectus has been approved by the FCA, as competent authority under the Prospectus Regulation and the FCA only approves this Prospectus as meeting the standards of completeness, comprehensibility and consistency imposed by the Prospectus Regulation. Accordingly, such approval should not be considered as an endorsement of the issuer, or of the quality of the securities, that are the subject of this Prospectus; investors should make their own assessment as to the suitability of investing in the Issue Shares.
The Issue Shares are only suitable for investors: (i) who understand the potential risk of capital loss and that there may be limited liquidity in the underlying investments of the Company; (ii) for whom an investment in the Issue Shares is part of a diversified investment programme; and (iii) who fully understand and are willing to assume the risks involved in such an investment programme. It should be remembered that the price of the Shares and the income from them can go down as well as up.
Applications will be made for the new Ordinary Shares and C Shares to be issued in connection with the Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes (the "Issue Shares") to be admitted to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange ("Main Market") and to listing on the premium listing category of the Official List of the FCA (the "Official List") at the relevant Admission with applications to be made in connection with the C Shares issued pursuant to the Initial Issue at Initial Admission. It is expected that Initial Admission will become effective and that dealings in the C Shares which are the subject of the Initial Issue will commence on 22 October 2019.
The Placing Programmes will remain open until 25 September 2020 or such earlier time at which the maximum number of Issue Shares to be issued pursuant to the Placing Programmes has been issued (or such other date as may be agreed between Nplus1 Singer Advisory LLP ("N+1 Singer"), J.P. Morgan Securities plc (which conducts its UK investment banking activities as J.P. Morgan Cazenove) ("JPMC" and together with N+1 Singer, the "Joint Bookrunners") and the Company (such agreed date to be announced by way of an RIS announcement)).
The Company and the Directors, whose names appear on page 45 of this Prospectus, accept responsibility for the information contained in this Prospectus. To the best of the knowledge of the Company and the Directors, the information contained in this Prospectus is in accordance with the facts and this Prospectus does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.
Capitalised terms contained in this Prospectus shall have the meanings set out in the sections entitled "Glossary of terms" and "Definitions" in this Prospectus, save where the context requires otherwise.
The attention of potential investors is drawn to the section entitled Risk Factors in this Prospectus.
The results of the Initial Issue are expected to be announced on 17 October 2019. The earliest date for applications under the Offer is the date of this Prospectus and the latest time and date for applications under the Offer is 11:00 a.m. on 15 October 2019. Further details of the Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes are set out in Part V (The Issue and the Placing Programmes) of this Prospectus.
(an investment company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Guernsey with registered number 65158)
Target Initial Issue of 300 million C Shares at an Initial Issue Price of 100 pence per C Share
and
Investment Adviser The Family (Music) Limited Financial Adviser, Sponsor and Joint Bookrunner Nplus1 Singer Advisory LLP
Joint Bookrunner J.P. Morgan Cazenove
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or issue, or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, subscribe for or otherwise acquire, Issue Shares in any jurisdiction where such an offer or solicitation would be unlawful or would impose any unfulfilled registration, qualification, publication or approval requirements on the Company or the Investment Adviser. The distribution of this Prospectus and the offer of the Issue Shares in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Other than in the United Kingdom, no action has been or will be taken to permit the possession, issue or distribution of this Prospectus (or any other offering materials or publicity relating to the Issue Shares) in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose may be required or doing so is restricted by law. Accordingly, neither this Prospectus, nor any other offering materials or publicity relating to the Issue Shares may be distributed or published in any jurisdiction except under circumstances that will result in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations. Persons into whose possession this Prospectus (or any other offering materials or publicity relating to the Issue Shares) comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions.
The Investment Adviser accepts responsibility for the information and opinions contained in: (a) the risk factors under the following headings: "Risks Relating to the Company"; "Risks Relating to the Music Industry"; "Risks Relating to the Investment Adviser"; and "Risks Relating to the Investment Policy and Strategy and to the Investment Portfolio and the Pipeline Assets"; (b) section 1 (Introduction), section 2 (Investment Objective and Policy), section 3 (The Company's Portfolio), section 4 (Pipeline), section 5 (Dividend Policy), section 6 (Target Returns), and section 8 (Calculation and Publication of Net Asset Value) of Part I (Information on the Company); (c) Part II (Market Background, Investment Strategy and Approach); (d) Part III (Investment Adviser); and (e) the sections entitled "Conflicts of Interest: Investment Adviser" and "Fees and Expenses: Fees payable to the Investment Adviser" of Part IV (Directors and Administration) of this Prospectus and any other information or opinion related to or attributed to it or any Affiliate of the Investment Adviser. To the best of the Investment Adviser's knowledge, the information and opinions contained in this Prospectus related to or attributed to it or any Affiliate of the Investment Adviser are in accordance with the facts and the Prospectus does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information or opinions.
The Company has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "U.S. Investment Company Act") and as such investors are not and will not be entitled to the benefits of the U.S. Investment Company Act. The Issue Shares have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States, and may not be offered, sold, resold, pledged, delivered, distributed or otherwise transferred, directly or indirectly, into or within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, "U.S. persons" as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act ("U.S. Persons"), except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and in compliance with any applicable securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States and in a manner which would not result in the Company being required to register under the U.S. Investment Company Act. In connection with the Initial Issue or any Subsequent Placing, subject to certain exceptions, offers and sales of Issue Shares will be made only outside the United States in "offshore transactions" to non-U.S. Persons pursuant to Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act. There has been and will be no public offering of the Issue Shares in the United States.
Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") nor any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States has approved or disapproved of the Issue Shares or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States.
The offer and sale of Issue Shares have not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of Australia, Canada, Japan or South Africa. The Issue Shares may not be offered or sold within Australia, Canada, Japan or South Africa or to any national, resident or citizen of Australia, Canada, Japan or South Africa.
The Issue Shares are subject to restrictions on transferability and resale and may not be transferred or resold except as permitted under applicable securities laws and regulations and under the Articles. Any failure to comply with such restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws and may subject the holder to the forced transfer provisions set out in the Articles. For further information on restrictions on transfers of the Issue Shares, prospective investors should refer to the sections entitled "Representations, Warranties and Undertakings" in Part V (The Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes) and "Memorandum and Articles: Transfer of Shares" in Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus.
The Joint Bookrunners are acting exclusively for the Company and for no one else in connection with Initial Admission, any Subsequent Admission, the Initial Issue, the Placing Programmes and any other arrangements referred to in this Prospectus. The Joint Bookrunners will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to their clients, nor for providing advice in relation to Initial Admission, any Subsequent Admission, the Initial Issue, the Placing Programmes or any matters referred to herein.
The Joint Bookrunners do not accept any responsibility whatsoever for the contents of this Prospectus. The Joint Bookrunners do not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, for the contents of this Prospectus including its accuracy, completeness or verification or for any other statement made or purported to be made by either of them or on their behalf in connection with the Company, Initial Admission, any Subsequent Admission, the Initial Issue, the Placing Programmes, the contents of this Prospectus, or any transaction or arrangement referred to in this Prospectus or the Issue Shares. Each of the Joint Bookrunners and their respective Affiliates accordingly disclaim to the fullest extent permitted by law all and any liability, whether arising in tort or contract or otherwise (save as referred to above), which it or they might otherwise have in respect of this Prospectus or any such statement. Nothing in this paragraph shall serve to limit or exclude any of the responsibilities and liabilities, if any, which may be imposed on the Joint Bookrunners by FSMA or the regulatory regime established thereunder.
N+1 Singer is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the FCA. J.P. Morgan Securities plc, which conducts its UK investment banking business as J.P. Morgan Cazenove, is authorised in the United Kingdom by the Prudential Regulatory Authority ("PRA") and regulated by the FCA and the PRA.
In connection with the Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes, the Joint Bookrunners and their respective Affiliates, acting as investor(s) for its or their own account(s), may subscribe for the Issue Shares and, in that capacity, may retain, purchase, sell, offer to sell or otherwise deal for its or their own account(s) in such securities of the Company, any other securities of the Company or other related investments in connection with the Initial Issue or the Placing Programmes or otherwise. Accordingly, references in this Prospectus to the Issue Shares being issued, offered, subscribed or otherwise dealt with, should be read as including any issue or offer to, or subscription or dealing by, the Joint Bookrunners and any of their respective Affiliates acting as investor(s) for its or their own account(s). Neither the Joint Bookrunners nor any of their respective Affiliates intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligation to do so.
The Company is a closed-ended investment company registered with the Guernsey Financial Services Commission ("GFSC") under the Registered Collective Investment Scheme Rules 2018 ("RCIS Rules") and the Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 1987, as amended. The GFSC, in granting registration, has not reviewed this document but has relied upon specific warranties provided by Estera International Fund Managers (Guernsey) Limited, the Company's designated administrator (the "Fund Administrator"). Estera International Fund Managers (Guernsey) Limited is part of the Estera group of companies where a majority stake is ultimately held for the benefit of the Bridgepoint Europe V Fund (the "Bridgepoint Fund"). Bridgepoint Advisers Limited, a company regulated by the FCA, is the appointed investment manager of the Bridgepoint Fund.
The GFSC takes no responsibility for the financial soundness of the Company or for the correctness of any of the statements made or opinions expressed with regard to it.
This Prospectus is dated 27 September 2019.
| SUMMARY | 4 |
|---|---|
| RISK FACTORS | 11 |
| IMPORTANT INFORMATION | 34 |
| EXPECTED TIMETABLE AND ISSUE STATISTICS | 43 |
| DIRECTORS, ADVISERS AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS | 45 |
| PART I: INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY | 46 |
| PART II: MARKET BACKGROUND, INVESTMENT STRATEGY AND APPROACH | 60 |
| PART III: INVESTMENT ADVISER | 77 |
| PART IV: DIRECTORS AND ADMINISTRATION | 80 |
| PART V: ISSUE ARRANGEMENTS | 91 |
| PART VI: TAXATION | 102 |
| PART VII: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | 107 |
| PART VIII: FINANCIAL INFORMATION ON THE GROUP | 140 |
| PART IX: TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER FOR SUBSCRIPTION | 143 |
| PART X: TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PLACINGS | 150 |
| GLOSSARY OF TERMS | 159 |
| APPENDIX I: NOTES ON THE APPLICATION FORM FOR THE OFFER | 175 |
| APPENDIX II: APPLICATION FORM FOR THE OFFER | 179 |
| 1. | Introduction |
|---|---|
| a. | Name and ISIN of securities |
| Ticker for the Ordinary Shares: SONG; International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) of the Ordinary Shares: GG00BFYT9H72 |
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| Ticker for the C Share to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue: SONC; ISIN of the C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue: GG00BFYT9663 |
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| b. | Identity and contact details of the issuer |
| Name: Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited (the "Company", and together with its subsidiary undertakings, the "Group") |
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| (incorporated in Guernsey with registered number 65158) | |
| Address: P.O. Box 286, Floor 2, Trafalgar Court, Les Banques, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 4LY |
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| Tel: 01481 742742 |
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| Legal Entity Identifier (LEI): 213800XJIPNDVKXMOC11 | |
| c. | Identity and contact details of the competent authority |
| Name: Financial Conduct Authority |
|
| Address: 12 Endeavour Square, London, E20 1JN, United Kingdom |
|
| Tel: +44 (0) 20 7066 8348 |
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| d. | Date of approval of the prospectus |
| 27 September 2019 | |
| e. | Warnings |
| This summary should be read as an introduction to this document. Any decision to invest in the securities should be based on a consideration of the prospectus as a whole by the prospective investor. The investor could lose all or part of the invested capital. Where a claim relating to the information contained in the prospectus is brought before a court, the plaintiff investor might, under national law, have to bear the costs of translating the document before the legal proceedings are initiated. Civil liability attaches only to those persons who have tabled the summary including any translation thereof, but only where the summary is misleading, inaccurate or inconsistent, when read together with the other parts of the prospectus, or where it does not provide, when read together with the other parts of the prospectus, key information in order to aid investors when considering whether to invest in such securities. |
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| f. | Use of prospectus by financial intermediaries |
| The Company consents to the use of this Prospectus by Intermediaries in connection with any subsequent resale or final placement of the Issue Shares in the UK in relation to the Offer only by Intermediaries who are appointed by the Company, a list of which will appear on the Company's website. Such consent is given for the offer period which is from the date any Intermediaries are appointed to participate in connection with any subsequent resale or final placement of the Issue Shares until the closing of the period for the subsequent resale or final placement of the Issue Shares at 11:00 a.m. on 15 October 2019, being the date upon which the Offer closes, unless closed prior to that date. |
|
| Any intermediary that uses this Prospectus must state on its website that it uses this Prospectus in accordance with the Company's consent and the conditions attached thereto. Any application made by investors to any intermediary is subject to the terms and conditions imposed by each intermediary. Information on the terms and conditions of any subsequent resale or final placement of Issue Shares by any intermediary is to be provided at the time of the offer by the intermediary. |
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| The Company accepts responsibility for the information in this Prospectus with respect to any subscriber for Issue Shares pursuant to any subsequent resale or final placement of Issue Shares by Intermediaries appointed by the Company. |
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| Kepler Partners LLP has been engaged as an adviser to the Company in relation to the Intermediaries Offer (the "Intermediaries Offer Adviser") and will be responsible for liaising directly with potential financial intermediaries and processing applications made by intermediaries in relation to the Intermediaries Offer. Any new information with respect to intermediaries unknown at the time of approval of this Prospectus will be available on the Company's website at www.hipgnosissongs.com. |
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| 2. | Key information on the issuer |
| a. | Who is the issuer of the securities? |
| i. | Domicile and legal form, LEI, applicable legislation and country of incorporation The Company is a company limited by shares, registered and incorporated in Guernsey under the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 on 8 June 2018 with registered number 65158 and LEI 213800XJIPNDVKXMOC11. The Company is a closed-ended investment company registered with the Guernsey Financial Services Commission under the Registered Collective Investment Scheme Rules 2018 and the Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 1987, as amended. |
| ii. | Principal activities The Company invests in a Portfolio of Songs and associated musical intellectual property rights (including, but not limited to, master recordings and producer royalties) and seeks to acquire 100 per cent. of a songwriter's copyright interest in each Song, which would comprise their writer's share, their publisher's share and their performance rights. The Company, directly or indirectly via portfolio administrators, enters into licensing agreements, under which the Company receives payments attributable to the copyright interests in the Songs which it owns. Such payments may take the form of royalties, licence fees and/or advance payments. |
| share capital of the Company as at 25 September 2019 (being the latest practicable date prior to the publication of this Prospectus): Shareholder |
Number of Ordinary Shares |
% of total issued share capital |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Invesco Asset Management CCLA Investment Management Newton Investment Management Investec Asset Management Schroder Investment Management JO Hambro Capital Management Miton Asset Management Ruffer Investment Management |
46,351,350 43,430,400 37,073,904 33,623,409 30,732,149 26,839,706 12,211,558 11,908,213 |
11.90 11.15 9.52 8.64 7.89 6.89 3.14 3.06 |
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| Save as disclosed in this section, the Company is not aware of any person who, as at the latest practicable date, directly or indirectly, has a holding which is notifiable under applicable law or who directly or indirectly, jointly or severally, exercises or could exercise control over the Company. There are no differences between the voting rights enjoyed by the Shareholders described above and those enjoyed by any other holder of Ordinary Shares. |
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| iv. | Directors Andrew Sutch (Chairman); Paul Burger; Simon Holden; Andrew Wilkinson. |
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| v. | Statutory auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers Cl LLP of Royal Bank Place, 1 Glategny Esplanade, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 4ND. |
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| b. | What is the key financial information regarding the issuer? | ||
| i. | Selected historical financial information | ||
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the period from 8 June 2018 (date of incorporation) to 31 March 2019 |
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| (In £s except per share amounts) | Total | ||
| Income Total revenue Other income Foreign exchange gains (Non-investments) |
7,218,852 682,491 104,773 |
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| Total income | 8,006,116 | ||
| Expenses Advisory fee Performance fee Amortisation of Catalogues of Songs Directors' remuneration Broker fees Auditor fees Legal and professional fees Other expenses |
(1,579,190) (429,054) (1,491,922) (155,954) (44,550) (110,000) (813,714) (267,821) |
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| Total expenses | (5,014,141) | ||
| Operating profit for the period before taxation | 2,991,975 | ||
| Taxation | (632,521) | ||
| Profit for this period after ta | 2,359,454 | ||
| Total comprehensive income for the period | 2,359,454 | ||
| Basic earnings per Ordinary Share (pence) | 1.17 | ||
| Diluted earnings per Ordinary Share (pence) | 1.17 | ||
| As at 31 March 2019 | |
|---|---|
| (In £s except per share amounts) | 31 March 2019 |
| Assets | |
| Catalogues of Songs | 118,458,818 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 108,483,752 |
| Trade and other receivables | 10,808,398 |
| Total assets | 237,750,968 |
| Liabilities Other payables and accrued expenses |
39,192,142 |
| Total liabilities | 39,192,142 |
| Total assets less current liabilities | |
| Net assets | 198,558,826 |
| Equity: | |
| Share capital Retained earnings |
198,221,140 337,686 |
| Total equity attributable to shareholders of the Company | 198,558,826 |
| Number of Ordinary Shares in issue at period end | 202,176,800 |
| IFRS Net Asset Value per ordinary share (pence) | 98.21 |
| Operative Net Asset Value per ordinary share (pence) | 103.27 |
| (In £s except per share amounts) | 31 March 2019 |
| Cash flows from operating activities | |
| Operating profit for the period before taxation Adjusted for non-cash items: |
2,991,975 |
| – Movement in other receivables |
(10,808,398) |
| – Movement in other payables and accrued expenses |
38,559,621 |
| – Amortisation of Catalogues of Songs – Foreign exchange gains on non-investments |
1,491,922 |
| 32,130,347 | |
| Purchase of Catalogue of Songs Net cash used in operating activities |
|
| Cash flow from financing activities | |
| Proceeds from share issue | 202,176,800 |
| Issue costs paid Dividends paid |
|
| 196,199,372 108,378,979 — 104,773 |
|
| Net cash flow generated from financing activities Net movement in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at start of period Effect of foreign currency balances Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
(104,773) (119,950,740) (87,820,393) (3,955,660) (2,021,768) 108,483,752 |
| c. | Closed-ended funds | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i | The data set out in the table below is as at the date of the latest published net asset value, being 31 March 2019. | |||||
| Share Class | Total NAV | Total IFRS NAV | No. of shares | NAV per share | IFRS NAV per share |
|
| Ordinary | £208,794,543 | £198,558,826 | 202,176,800 | 103.27p | 98.21p | |
| Since 31 March 2019, the Company has: (1) issued: (i) an additional 138,750,000 Ordinary Shares at an issue price of 102 pence per Ordinary Share, raising gross proceeds of approximately £141.5 million; and (ii) an additional 48,429,541 Ordinary Shares at an issue price of 105.5 pence per Ordinary Share, raising gross proceeds of approximately £51.1 million; and (2) incurred borrowings of £13.75 million. |
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| ii. | The income statement for the Company can be found at row b(i) above | |||||
| iii. | The balance sheet information can be found at row b(i) above | |||||
| d. | What are the key risks that are specific to the issuer? | |||||
| Key risks relating to the Company | ||||||
| The Company has a limited operating history, and investors have a limited basis on which to evaluate the Company's * ability to achieve its investment objective |
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| The Company's target annual dividend yield and target total NAV return are based on estimates and assumptions that * are inherently subject to significant business and economic uncertainties and contingencies, the actual dividend yield and total NAV return may be materially different to those targeted and payments of dividends from capital reduces the amount of cash that can be deployed for investment purposes |
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| Key risks relating to the music industry | ||||||
| For a wide number of reasons, a Song may not prove to be as popular, or as commercially successful, as had been * forecast at the time of acquisition and there can be no guarantee that the historic performance of a Song will continue in the future |
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| DSPs may alter their current prices for consumers which could impact on the profitability of the Songs licensed to * such DSPs |
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| The streaming business model is yet to be proven in the long term and the streaming market is vulnerable to online * domination by one DSP, which may affect the pricing structures used by such DSPs |
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| Key risks relating to the Company's investment adviser | ||||||
| The Company and the other Fund Entities are reliant on the expertise of the Investment Adviser and its key personnel * (including the Key Person) to source and advise on potential Catalogues and to implement the Company's investment strategy so as to meet the target dividend yield and target total NAV return |
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| Key risks relating to the Company's investment policy | ||||||
| Catalogues and other Songs are difficult to value and Song valuations are subject to fluctuations. The market standard * valuation method is to value Songs and Catalogues by reference to historic revenues generated. There can therefore be no guarantee that the valuation will be justified by reference to future revenues or that the Company will be able to realise the acquisition value upon a future sale |
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| The Company's investments may be subject to foreign currency fluctuations between Sterling and any other currency * in which acquisitions of Catalogues are denominated or income is earned by the Company, which may have an adverse effect on the performance of the Company |
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| The Company may utilise borrowings for working capital, interest rate hedging purposes, and for short-term bridging * purposes to finance the acquisition of Songs. While such leverage provides flexibility and presents opportunities for increasing total NAV return, it can also have the opposite effect of increasing losses |
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| Key risks relating to regulation and taxation | ||||||
| If payments to the Group are subject to withholding tax in any tax jurisdiction, the Company's financial condition and * prospects could be materially and adversely affected |
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| Changes in law or regulations underpinning the Company's regulatory environment, or a failure to comply with any laws * or regulations, may adversely affect the businesses, investments and performance of the Company and the Investment Adviser |
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| 3. | Key information on the securities | |||||
| a. | What are the main features of the securities? | |||||
| i. | Type, class and ISIN of the securities being admitted to trading on a regulated market | |||||
| The ISIN of the C Shares being issued pursuant to the Initial Issue is GG00BFYT9663 | ||||||
| The ISIN of the Ordinary Shares that may be issued under the Placing Programmes is GG00BFYT9H72. The ISIN of any other class of C Shares that may be issued under the Placing Programmes is not known at the date of this Prospectus and will be announced by way of RIS Announcement at the appropriate time. |
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| ii. | Currency, denomination, par value, number of securities issued and term of the securities |
|---|---|
| The C Shares will be denominated in pounds sterling and will be ordinary shares of no par value in the capital of the Company. The issue price of the C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue and any Subsequent Placing will be 100 pence each. The Ordinary Shares are denominated in pounds sterling and have no par value. The issue price of the Ordinary Shares which may be issued under the Placing Programmes is not known at the date of this Prospectus. |
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| Up to 500 million C Shares will be admitted to trading on the Main Market and to listing on the premium listing category of the Official List pursuant to the Initial Issue. Up to 1 billion Ordinary Shares or C Shares can be issued pursuant to the Subsequent Placings made under the Placing Programmes. |
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| The Ordinary Shares and the C Shares have an infinite term. | |
| iii. | Rights attached to the securities |
| The C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue and the C Shares or Ordinary Shares to be issued to any Subsequent Placing will, when issued and fully paid, have the following rights attaching to them: |
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| on a show of hands at a general meeting every member present in person has one vote and every proxy or * representative present who has been duly appointed by a member entitled to vote has one vote; and on a poll every member (whether present in person or by proxy or representative) has one vote per (Ordinary Share or C Share of the relevant class. For Shareholder resolutions in respect of amendments to the articles or in respect of a winding up of the Company, each class of Shares will also vote as a separate class. For all other resolutions, the holders of Ordinary Shares and each class of C Shares shall vote as one class; |
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| the right to receive dividends on a pari passu basis declared by the Directors in respect of that class of Shareholders, * such dividend being payable out of the assets attributable to such class of Shares as the Directors may determine. The dividend and net return targets contained in this Prospectus are in respect of the Company's Ordinary Shares, not any class of C Shares; and |
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| if the Company is wound up, the Company's assets attributable to each class of Shares remaining after payment of all * creditors are to be divided among the Ordinary Shareholders and the C Shareholders of the relevant class in the proportion to the capital which at the start of the winding up is paid up on the relevant class of Shares held by them, respectively (subject to the provisions on seniority upon a winding-up or a return of capital prior to Conversion as detailed below). |
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| Conversion of the C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue | |
| Pursuant to the Articles and absent any Force Majeure Circumstances, the C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue will convert to New Ordinary Shares within one month from the Calculation Time, being the earlier of: (i) the close of business on the date on which the Board becomes aware or is notified by the Investment Adviser that at least 80 per cent. of the Net Issue Proceeds has been invested in accordance with the Company's Investment Objective and Policy; or (ii) the close of business on 21 October 2020 (being the date that is 12 months following Initial Admission). |
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| iv. | |
| Relative seniority of the securities The C Shares are ordinary shares and will, when issued and fully paid, rank equally in all respects with the existing Ordinary Shares, save in respect of rights to dividends and in respect of a winding up of the Company. The capital and assets of the Company shall on a winding up or on a return of capital prior, in each case, to Conversion be applied as follows: (A) first, the Ordinary Share surplus shall be divided amongst the holders of the Shares pro rata according to their holdings of Ordinary Shares; and (B) secondly, the C Share surplus attributable to each class of C Shares shall be divided amongst the holders of the C Shares of such class pro rata according to their holdings of the relevant class of C Shares. |
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| v. | Restrictions on free transferability of the securities Subject to the Articles (and the restrictions on transfer contained therein), a Shareholder may transfer all or any of his Shares in any manner which is permitted by the Companies Law or in any other manner which is from time to time approved by the Board. |
| Under the Articles, the Board may decline to transfer, convert or register a transfer of any Share in certificated form or uncertificated form (to the extent permitted by the Regulations) which is not fully paid or on which the Company has a lien, provided in the case of a listed or quoted share that this would not prevent dealings in the Shares from taking place on an open and proper basis on the London Stock Exchange. In addition, the Directors may refuse to register a transfer of Shares if: |
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| (A) it is in respect of more than one class of Shares; |
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| (B) it is in favour of more than four joint transferees; |
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| (C) in relation to a Share in certificated form, having been delivered for registration to the office or such other place as the Directors may decide, it is not accompanied by the certificate for the Shares to which it relates and such other evidence as the Directors may reasonably require to prove title of the transferor and the due execution by him of the transfer or, if the transfer is executed by some other person on his behalf, the authority of that person to do so; or |
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| (D) the transfer is in favour of any Non-Qualified Holder. |
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| Under the Articles, a ''Non-Qualified Holder'' is defined as any person: (i) whose ownership of Shares may cause the Company's assets to be deemed ''plan assets'' for the purpose of ERISA or purposes of the U.S. Tax Code; (ii) whose ownership of Shares may cause the Company to be required to register as an ''investment company'' under the U.S. Investment Company Act (including because the holder of the Shares is not a ''qualified purchaser'' as defined in the U.S. Investment Company Act); (iii) whose ownership of Shares may cause the Company to register under the U.S. Exchange Act, the U.S. Securities Act or any similar legislation; (iv) whose ownership of Shares may cause the Company not being considered a ''foreign private issuer'' as such term is defined in rule 3b—4(c) under the U.S. Exchange Act; (v) whose ownership of Shares may result in the Company losing or forfeiting or not being able to claim the benefit of any exemption under the United States Commodity Exchange Act or any substantially equivalent successor legislation or the rules of the CFTC or the National Futures Association or analogous legislation or regulation becoming subject to any unduly onerous filing, reporting or registration requirement; or (vi) whose ownership of Shares may cause the Company to be a ''controlled foreign corporation'' for the purposes of the U.S. Tax Code, or may cause the Company to suffer any pecuniary |
| disadvantage (which will include any excise tax, penalties or liabilities under ERISA or the U.S. Tax Code including as a result of the Company's failure to comply with FATCA as a result of a Non-Qualified Holder failing to provide information as requested by the Company in accordance with the Articles). |
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| vi. | Dividend policy The Company has, since the IPO, paid and intends to continue to pay interim quarterly dividends to Ordinary Shareholders in November, February, May and August of each year. Directors may, in order to maintain the payment of dividends in accordance with the Company's dividend policy, determine to pay dividends from the Company's share premium account. Dividends will be subject to compliance with the solvency test prescribed by Guernsey law. |
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| Whilst not forming part of the Company's Investment Objective and Policy, the Company has a target dividend yield of 5 per cent. per annum on the Ordinary Shares (based on the issue price of the Ordinary Shares at IPO). The Directors may, in their sole discretion, resolve to pay to such holders of any class of C Shares such dividend out of the assets attributable to such class of C Shares as the Directors may determine up to the Conversion Time for such class of C Shares. The Directors will seek to maintain and grow the dividend over the long term and may offer Shareholders the opportunity to receive dividends in the form of scrip dividends.1 |
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| Whilst not forming part of the Company's Investment Objective and Policy, the Board will target a total NAV return on the Ordinary Shares of 10 per cent. or more per annum on the issue price of the Ordinary Shares at IPO over the medium term (net of fees and expenses).1 |
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| b. | Where will the securities be traded? | |||
| Applications will be made: (i) to the FCA for the Issue Shares to be admitted to listing on the premium listing category of the Official List; and (ii) to the London Stock Exchange for the Issue Shares to be admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange's main market for listed securities. |
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| c. | What are the key risks that are specific to the securities? | |||
| Key risks relating to the Company's Shares | ||||
| There can be no guarantee that an active secondary market in the Issue Shares will be sustained or that the Issue * Shares will trade at prices close to their relevant underlying Net Asset Value per Share. Ordinary Shares issued as part of the Performance Fee arrangements will be subject to lock-up arrangements which could further impact the liquidity of Ordinary Shares |
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| The existence of a liquid market in any class of C Shares cannot be guaranteed, and C Shares may suffer greater * volatility in discounts and may be more illiquid than Ordinary Shares by virtue of the fact that the Company will not offer to buy-back any class of C Shares |
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| The Company may issue additional securities that dilute the voting rights of existing holders of Shares and intends to * seek a renewal of disapplication of pre-emption rights: (i) for Issue Shares to be issued in connection with the Placing Programmes at the EGM to be held on or around 17 October 2019; and; (ii) generally, at the AGM of the Company to be held in 2023 or such earlier AGM as may be required and at each subsequent AGM of the Company |
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| 4. | Key information on the admission to trading on a regulated market | |||
| a. | Under which conditions and timetable can I invest in this security? | |||
| i. | General terms and conditions | |||
| The Initial Placing is conditional on, among other things: | ||||
| (i) Initial Admission occurring and becoming effective by 8.00 a.m. (London time) on 22 October 2019 (or such later time and date, not being later than 30 November 2019, as the Company and the Joint Bookrunners may agree); and |
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| (ii) the Placing Agreement becoming unconditional in respect of the Initial Placing and not having been terminated in accordance with its terms on or before the Initial Admission. |
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| If the Initial Issue does not proceed, monies received will be returned without interest at the risk of the applicant. | ||||
| The terms and conditions of the Offer for Subscription are set out in Part IX (Terms and Conditions of the Offer for Subscription) of this Prospectus. An Application Form is set out at the end of this Prospectus. The terms and conditions of the Placing Programme are set out in Part X (Terms and Conditions of Placings) of this Prospectus. |
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| The terms and conditions should be read carefully before an application is made. Investors should consult their respective stockbroker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or other financial adviser if they are in doubt about the contents of this Prospectus. |
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| ii. | Expected Timetable | |||
| Event | Time and Date | |||
| Expected date of publication of the Prospectus Latest time and date for applications under the Offer and the Intermediaries Offer Latest time and date for applications under Initial Placing Expected date of Initial Admission of the C Shares Shares issued and credited to CREST account |
27 September 2019 11:00 a.m. on 15 October 2019 12:00 p.m. on 16 October 2019 8.00 a.m. on 22 October 2019 22 October 2019 |
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| iii. | Details of admission to trading on a regulated market |
1 The target dividend yield and target total NAV return are targets only and are not profit forecasts. There can be no guarantee that these targets will be met and they should not be taken as an indication of the Company's expected or actual future results. Potential investors should decide for themselves whether or not these targets are reasonable or achievable in deciding whether to invest in the Company.
| The Ordinary Shares are currently listed on the premium listing category of the Official List of the FCA and traded on the London Stock Exchange's main market for listed securities. |
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| Applications will be made: (i) to the FCA for the Issue Shares to be admitted to listing on the premium listing category of the Official List and: (ii) to the London Stock Exchange for the Issue Shares to be admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange's main market for listed securities. It is expected that Initial Admission will become effective and that dealings on the London Stock Exchange in the C Shares issued pursuant to the Initial Issue will commence as soon practicable after 22 October 2019. |
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| iv. | Plan for distribution | |||
| The Company will notify investors of the number of C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue in respect of which their application has been successful. The results of the Initial Issue will be announced by the Company on or around 17 October 2019, in each case by an RIS announcement. |
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| Initial Admission is expected to take place and dealings in C Shares are expected to commence on the London Stock Exchange at 8.00 a.m. on 22 October 2019. There will be no conditional dealings in the C Shares prior to Initial Admission. |
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| v. | Amount and percentage of immediate dilution resulting from the Initial Issue | |||
| As there are no C Shares in issue at the date of this Prospectus, there will be no immediate dilution resulting from the Initial Issue. | ||||
| If 500 million C Shares were to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue (being the maximum number of C Shares that the Directors will be authorised to issue under the Initial Issue) based on the issued share capital at the date of this Prospectus, assuming a Conversion Ratio of 1:1 and assuming that an existing Shareholder did not participate in any of the Initial Issue, an investor holding 1 per cent. of the Company's issued share capital at the date of this Prospectus would then hold 0.44 per cent. of the Company's issued share capital following Conversion of such class of C Shares. |
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| Further, on Conversion of C Shares, any dilution resulting from the issue of C Shares may increase or decrease depending on the Conversion Ratio used for such Conversion. |
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| vi. | Estimate of the total expenses of the Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes | |||
| The costs and expenses of the Initial Issue are not expected to exceed 2 per cent. of the Gross Issue Proceeds. Assuming that 300 million C Shares are issued at the Initial Issue Price pursuant to the Initial Issue, the costs and expenses of, and incidental to, Initial Admission and the Initial Issue payable by the Company will not exceed £6 million. The Directors expect that the total costs of the Placing Programmes are not expected to exceed 2 per cent. of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Placing Programmes. |
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| Any expenses incurred by a financial intermediary are for its own account. Prospective investors should confirm separately with any financial intermediary whether there are any commissions, fees or expenses that will be applied by such financial intermediary in connection with any application made through that financial intermediary pursuant to the Intermediaries Offer. The terms and conditions of the Intermediaries Offer limit the level of commission that financial intermediaries are able to charge any of their respective clients acquiring Issue Shares pursuant to their intermediaries offer. |
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| vii. | Estimated expenses charged to the investor | |||
| As stated in box vi above, the expenses in connection with the Initial Issue or the Placing Programmes will be deducted from the gross issue proceeds, rather than being charged directly to any investor. |
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| b. | Why is this prospectus being produced? | |||
| i. | Reasons for the admission to trading on a regulated market | |||
| The Company's objective is to provide Shareholders with an attractive and growing level of income, together with the potential for capital growth, from investment in Songs and associated musical intellectual property rights, in accordance with its Investment Policy. The Net Issue Proceeds and the net proceeds of any Subsequent Placing will be invested in accordance with the Investment Policy. The Company will invest in a Portfolio of Songs and associated musical intellectual property rights (including, but not limited to, master recordings and producer royalties) and will seek to acquire 100 per cent. of a songwriter's copyright interest in each Song, which would comprise their writer's share, their publisher's share and their performance rights. |
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| ii. | The use and estimated net amount of the proceeds | |||
| The Net Issue Proceeds are expected to be in excess of £294 million and will be invested in accordance with the Company's Investment Objective and Policy as detailed above. |
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| iii. | Underwriting | |||
| The issue of the C Shares or Ordinary Shares will not be underwritten. | ||||
| iv. | Material conflicts of interest | |||
| There is no interest, including any conflicting interest, that is material to Initial Admission. |
An investment in the Issue Shares carries a number of risks, including the risk that the entire investment may be lost. In addition to all other information set out in this Prospectus, the following factors should be considered when deciding whether to make an investment in the Issue Shares. The risks set out below are those which are considered to be the material risks relating to the Company and an investment in the Issue Shares but are not the only risks relating to the Issue Shares or the Company. No guarantee can be given that Shareholders will realise a profit on, or recover the value of, their investment in the Shares. It should be remembered that the price of Issue Shares and the income from them can go down as well as up.
Prospective investors should note that the risks relating to the Company, its Investment Objective and Policy and strategy and the Issue Shares summarised in the section of this Prospectus headed "Summary" are the risks that the Directors believe to be the most essential to an assessment by a prospective investor of whether to consider an investment in the Issue Shares. However, as the risks which the Company faces relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future, prospective investors should consider not only the information on the key risks summarised in the section of this Prospectus headed "Summary" but also, among other things, the risks and uncertainties described in this "Risk Factors" section of this Prospectus. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company or the Directors or that the Company or the Directors consider to be immaterial as at the date of this Prospectus may also have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Issue Shares. Further, as required by the Prospectus Regulation, the risks that the Board and the Investment Adviser considers to be the most material risk in each category, taking into account the negative impact on the Company and the probability of its occurrence, has been set out first. Given the forward-looking nature of the risks, there can be no guarantee that such risk is, in fact, the most material or the most likely to occur. Prospective investors should, therefore, review and consider each risk.
The Issue Shares are only suitable for investors who understand the potential risk of capital loss and that there may be limited liquidity in the underlying investments of the Company, for whom an investment in Issue Shares is part of a diversified investment programme and who fully understand and are willing to assume the risks involved in such an investment.
Potential investors in the Issue Shares should review this Prospectus carefully and in its entirety and consult with their professional advisers prior to making an application to subscribe for Issue Shares.
The Company has a limited operating history. As such, investors have a limited basis on which to evaluate the Company's ability to achieve its investment objective and provide a satisfactory investment return. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to achieve its investment objective and any failure by the Company to do so may adversely affect its business, financial condition, results of operations, NAV and the market price of the Shares. Past performance of the Company should not be taken as a guide to the Company's future performance.
The Company's returns and operating cash flows will depend on many factors, including the price and performance of its investments, the availability of investment opportunities falling within the Company's Investment Objective and Policy, conditions in the music industry, macro-economic factors and the Company's ability to successfully operate its business and execute its investment strategy.
There can be no assurance that the Company's investment strategy will be successful. See also, "Risks relating to the music industry", "Risks relating to the Investment Adviser" and "Risks relating to the investment policy and strategy and to the Portfolio and the Catalogues" for the various factors that could affect the Company's performance and ability to achieve its investment objective.
The Company's target annual dividend yield and target total NAV return set forth in this Prospectus are targets only and are based on financial projections that are themselves based on estimates and assumptions which depend on a variety of factors including, without limitation, availability of investment opportunities, the price and performance of the Company's investments, the ability to earn royalty income, the mix of investments in the Portfolio, the availability of sale and purchase opportunities in respect of Songs and the Catalogues of which they form part, changes in current market conditions, government regulations or other policies, the worldwide economic environment, changes in law and taxation, failures in technology, terrorism, social unrest and civil disturbances or the occurrence of risks described elsewhere in this Prospectus. These factors involve a significant element of subjective judgment which may be proved incorrect and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and market uncertainties and contingencies, all of which are beyond the Company's control and which may adversely affect the Company's ability to achieve its targets. The Company's targets are based on current market conditions and economic environment and the assumption that the Company will be able to implement its Investment Objective and Policy and strategy successfully, and are therefore subject to change. Past performance of the Company's investments should not be taken as a guide to their future performance.
The Directors may determine, in order to maintain the payment of dividends in accordance with the Company's dividend policy, to pay dividends from the Company's share premium account. Any payment of dividends from the Company's share premium account will only be made in compliance with the Companies Law, which requires the Company to pass a solvency test before paying such dividend. However, where the Company does pay a dividend from its share premium account, such payment reduces the amount of cash that can be deployed for investment purposes. The resulting lower investment level, or the replenishing of the investment level through the use of borrowing, could result in the actual returns on investments being materially lower than the targets.
There is no guarantee or assurance that the target dividend yield and target total NAV return can be achieved at or near the level set forth in this Prospectus and the actual rates of return achieved may be materially lower than the targets, or may result in a loss. A failure to achieve the target dividend yield or target total NAV return set forth in this Prospectus may have a material adverse effect on the market price of the Shares.
The Company has no employees and the Directors have all been appointed on a non-executive basis. The Company and its subsidiary companies are, therefore, reliant upon the performance of third party service providers for the performance of certain functions. In particular, the Investment Adviser, royalty collection agents and portfolio administrators, will be performing services which are key to the successful achievement of the Investment Objective and Policy while the Fund Administrator and Registrar will be performing services which are integral to the successful operation of the Company. Failure by any service provider (and in particular the Investment Adviser, the royalty collection agents, portfolio administrators, the Fund Administrator and Registrar) to carry out its obligations to the Company in accordance with the terms of its appointment with due care and skill or at all could potentially have a detrimental impact on the operation of the Company and could in certain circumstances affect the ability of the Company to meet the Investment Objective and Policy. Further, third party service providers may improperly use or disclose confidential information, which could result in litigation or serious financial harm, including limiting the Company's business, prospects or future marketing activities.
The Fund Entities have entered into contracts with each of their current service providers, including the Investment Adviser, certain royalty collection agents and portfolio administrators, the Fund Administrator and the Registrar, and will enter into contracts with other royalty collection agents or portfolio administrators where appropriate. These contracts contain terms intended to encourage compliance with obligations. In addition, the Company has put in place financial reporting procedures to mitigate the risks set out above. In the event that it is necessary for the Company to replace any third party service provider it may be that the transition process takes time and increases costs, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
Some or all of the Company's investments may be difficult to value. The valuations used to calculate the Net Asset Value are based on an industry standard valuation method, which is based on the historical revenues of a Song, to which a multiple is applied. Such a multiple is determined by reference to multiples adopted in equivalent acquisitions in the current market, although multiples are not disclosed for all acquisitions. More recent Songs are valued on a discounted cash flow basis. In each case the expectation is that such earnings would continue in future years, with allowances being made for future earnings to reduce over time to reflect the view that such Song's popularity will decrease over the course of its early years. Determining a precise multiple, or the appropriate discount rates to apply to newer Songs, is not always possible or easily ascertainable, which could result in the Company applying a less than favourable multiple or discount rate, resulting in the Company overpaying for a Catalogue, which may adversely affect the Company's NAV.
It should be noted that the six-monthly Net Asset Value figures are likely to vary (in some cases materially) from the IFRS NAV figures published in the Group's audited consolidated financial statements (as the figures will be calculated in accordance with different valuation methodologies) and that the valuations, and any Net Asset Value figure derived from them, may vary (in some cases materially) from realised or realisable values which, in cases of adverse deviation for expected figures, may adversely affect the market price of the Shares. The Net Asset Value figures issued by the Company should be regarded as indicative only as the actual, realisable Net Asset Value per Share of the relevant class may be materially different. As such, the Shareholders may be unable to realise the value they had expected to receive from their investment.
The Company publishes semi-annual Net Asset Value figures in Sterling, whereas the revenues generated from its assets are received in other currencies (as well as in Sterling). The Company is expected to convert the majority of overseas currency receipts into Sterling by agreeing to currency exchange arrangements with portfolio administrators, or otherwise itself undertaking foreign exchange conversions. Please see the risk factor entitled "Shareholders may be exposed to currency risk" for further details on these risks.
The Company's income from its investments currently provides, and is expected to continue to provide, sufficient cash to support ongoing operational and other incidental expenses. The Company will however pay certain expenses, including but not limited to the Investment Adviser's fees, fees to portfolio administrators, the Fund Administrator's fee and other execution costs (including any abort costs relating to the potential acquisition of a Catalogue or Song), whether or not it makes any profits. If sufficient cash is not earned to meet such expenses, investments may have to be sold by the Company at times when the Company might not otherwise wish to sell them, or the Company may need to borrow money to pay such expenses, which may have an adverse effect on the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and, in scenarios where such expenses are unusually high or numerous, on the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The Company will be subject to various risks incidental to investing in Catalogues of Songs. Factors affecting economic conditions, including, for example, currency devaluation and exchange rate fluctuations (for example, where revenue is generated in a currency other than Sterling), domestic, transnational, international and worldwide political, military and diplomatic events of such magnitude that may affect the continued availability of Songs or payment of cross-border or domestic royalties, and trends across the music industry and innumerable other factors (such as the continued popularity of DSPs among customers), none of which will be under the control of the Company.
In particular, the United Kingdom voted in favour of withdrawing from the European Union in a referendum on 23 June 2016 and, on 29 March 2017, the UK Government exercised its right under Article 50 of the Treaty on the European Union to notify the European Union of the United Kingdom's intention to withdraw from the European Union. The political, economic, legal and social consequences of this, and the ultimate outcome of the negotiations between the UK and the European Union, remain uncertain and, following the projected withdrawal date of 31 October 2019, may remain uncertain for some time (whether or not the UK withdraws from the European Union on that date).
During this period of uncertainty there may be significant volatility and disruption in: (i) the global financial markets generally, which could result in a reduction of the availability of capital and debt; and (ii) the currency markets as the value of Sterling fluctuates against other currencies. Such events may, in turn, contribute to worsening economic conditions, not only in the UK and Europe, but also in the rest of the world.
The nature of the United Kingdom's future relationship with the European Union may also impact and potentially require changes to the Company's regulatory position. However, at present, it is not possible to predict what these changes may be.
In addition, the majority of the Company's revenue is received from royalty payments generated in the United States. The political and regulatory climate in the United States has been relatively volatile and unpredictable over the past few years. Any political or regulatory moves that are adverse to the music industry (or, in particular, songwriters) in the United States, may have an adverse effect on the revenues received by the Company in respect of the affected Songs.
Should any of these risks materialise, they may have an adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares and, in extreme scenarios, on the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The Company intends that the majority of Portfolio will, in due course, be administered by Kobalt (the Company's preferred portfolio administrator), as the Company intends for the majority of its Catalogues to be transitioned from other portfolio administrators to Kobalt to be completed as soon as is practicable after the acquisition of the relevant Catalogue or Songs. The Investment Adviser believes that Kobalt provides an efficient model for collection of royalties, which could result in an uplift in the revenues a Song may generate as compared with the revenues from the methods currently deployed in relation to Songs administered among the major music publishers or other portfolio administrators. However, a combination of certain other portfolio administrators improving their collection methodology and transparency, and an increase of the Company's bargaining position, has led to circumstances where it is desirable, in the Board's and the Investment Adviser's opinion, for some Catalogues to remain, at least in the short to medium term, with the relevant incumbent portfolio administrator.
Following its acquisition of particular Songs, the Company may not be able to terminate these relationships and move the relevant Songs across to Kobalt for a period of time. If the incumbent royalty collection agents or portfolio administrators are not as effective or transparent when collecting royalties as the Investment Adviser believes Kobalt or some other portfolio administrators are, or if the Company is unable to renegotiate the terms of such portfolio administration agreements to terms that are more favourable to the Company, the Company may not be able to realise as much revenue as it had forecast until such time as it can terminate the existing arrangement, which (if such factors are not accurately taken into account when ascertaining the purchase price of such Catalogue) may have an adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders. Additionally, the existing relationship may not be structured in the same way as the Company's intended relationship with Kobalt, which could have adverse implications from a tax perspective. The Company will, to the extent commercially possible, attempt to renegotiate the terms of any such arrangements with the incumbent portfolio administrators, but the Investment Adviser may not be successful in securing more favourable arrangements for the Company. The Investment Adviser will in any event pro-actively manage the relationship with the incumbent portfolio administrator in order to increase the efficiency of royalty collection.
There may be circumstances in which a Director has, directly or indirectly, a material interest in a transaction being considered by the Company or a conflict of interest with the Company. Any of the Directors and/or any person connected with them may, from time to time, act as a director or employee of, or invest in, or be otherwise involved with: (i) other investment vehicles that have investment objectives and policies similar to those of the Company; or (ii) entities or other vehicles that are the subject of transactions with the Company, subject, in both cases and at all times, to the provisions governing such conflicts of interest, both in law and in the Articles. Failure to disclose such conflicts could have an adverse impact on the investment decisions made by the Board, which could have an adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results, and consequently the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The commercial success of a Song is dependent upon the public's response to it (which may not always be predictable), the existence and success of competing entertainment offerings and general economic circumstances. Consequently, a Song may not prove to be as popular, or as commercially successful, as had been forecast at the time of acquisition. Whilst the Company's investment policy is, primarily, to acquire Catalogues containing proven hit Songs from established recording artists and the Investment Adviser does, and will continue to, carry out substantial due diligence on each Catalogue (which includes analysing the historic revenues of key Songs within the relevent Catalogue), there can be no guarantee that the historic performance of a Song will continue in the future. In the event that a Song is not as commercially successful as had been forecast at the time of its acquisition, this may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations (including revenues received from such Songs) and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The Company is heavily reliant on DSPs maintaining a consistent customer base, who continually access large volumes of music. The DSPs may alienate their customers, in turn reducing their customer base, by increasing prices or decreasing the selection of music available on a DSP's platform. Conversely, the DSPs may reduce or waive their prices for some or all consumers, which could impact on the amount of royalties that are passed on to the copyright owners.
In addition, DSPs may reduce the royalty rates received by songwriters and owners of associated musical intellectual property rights. Consequently, any change by the DSPs to their current pricing structure or royalty rates could have a material effect on the business of the Company as, in either case, the Company could receive less music royalty revenues than it expects based on the current pricing structure and royalty rates. This may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The Company is heavily reliant on the continuing presence and popularity of DSPs in order to maximise access to the consumer market. However, the business models of DSPs are yet to be proven in the long term.
The sustainability of DSPs remains unknown with the high cost of music royalty payments and licensing accounting for the majority of the costs, which has led to friction between songwriters and music publishers and the DSPs in relation to the amount of royalty payments. DSPs may insist on reducing royalty payments or, alternatively, increasing the size and price of the premium content which may, in turn, deter customers and encourage piracy and alternative forms of consumer consumption, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
Given that the streaming industry is relatively new, it remains vulnerable to the potential that one DSP, such as Spotify, will dominate the market in the near future. This could result in that DSP using its leverage to reduce royalty rates or royalty collection practices in a manner which is detrimental to copyright owners, songwriters and publishers. Whilst the Company, through its relationship with its preferred performance rights organisations, will lobby (and encourage other stakeholders to lobby) the industry to guard against this potential risk, there is no guarantee that such lobbying would be successful. If a dominant DSP is successful in adversely altering royalty collection practices, or reducing royalty rates, then this may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The Company will be heavily reliant on consumers streaming music at a consistently high volume as streaming royalty payments are more variable than royalty payments received for downloads. For download, royalty payments are a fixed sum or percentage, whereas streaming royalty payments are variable. If the consumer volume drops significantly due to consumers becoming disillusioned with the novelty of streaming, this will affect the revenues received from the Portfolio and may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The Company's Portfolio generates revenues from a diverse range of sources, through mechanical royalties, performance royalties and synchronisation fees. The Songs in the Portfolio are, typically, available across multiple digital streaming music services. As the popularity of one or more DSP increases, the Company may become more exposed to the performance of that DSP, or the terms and conditions imposed by such DSP (for example, royalty rates payable to songwriters). In January 2018, the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board ruled to increase songwriter rates for interactive streaming by 44 per cent. by 2023. However, on 15 August 2019, certain DSPs (including Spotify, Google and Amazon) filed their appeal of this ruling in the U.S. Court of Appeal for the DC Circuit, arguing that the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board made numerous legal errors while adopting a rate structure that was not justified by explanation or evidence and that, in any event, the rates should not have been applied retrospectively to 1 January 2018. If the appeal is successful (or, if unsuccessful in the U.S. Court of Appeal, if the DSPs are able to successfully appeal this decision to a higher court), this could result in the songwriter rates reverting to the lower rates in effect before the ruling, which is likely to result in the Company receiving lower royalty payments than forecast. Any such occurrence, or any other adverse action taken by, or occurring to, that DSP, may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The Songs purchased by the Company may be, or may become, subject to intellectual property infringement claims. Whilst such claims are rare in the music industry, if such a claim does arise, or is threatened, the Company may be forced to spend considerable time and expense defending such claims, which can be expected to affect the performance of the Portfolio. Recent examples of such infringement claims, including Katy Perry vs. Flame case and the Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams vs. Marvin Gaye case, highlight the possibility and the potential impact of any such claims, with multi-million payouts being awarded in each case.
To reduce its exposure to this risk, the Company's investment strategy, outlined in Part II (Market Background, Investment Strategy and Approach) of this Prospectus, is designed so that, primarily, the Company will acquire Songs that are proven and, as such, have had a high profile for an extended period of time. Any potential intellectual property infringement against any of the Songs will be pursued vigorously by the Company.
To further mitigate the potential impact of any claims, the Company seeks to be indemnified by the songwriter or the owner of the associated music intellectual property rights from whom it acquires Songs for any compensation and/or legal costs incurred as a result of a claim. However, in order to enable revenues to continue to be generated on a disputed Song, and depending on the contractual relationship the Company has with the relevant portfolio administrator, a portfolio administrator may place the accrued revenues in relation to the disputed Song in a "dispute account" for the duration of the dispute. The accrued revenues will be paid out once the dispute has been settled, in such proportions as determined by the settlement agreement or judgment relating to the dispute. This process is likely to delay the receipt by the Company of any revenues due in respect of that Song and, in the event that the dispute is not settled in favour of the Company, the revenues received by the Company may be less than had been forecast at the time of acquisition of the Song. This may have a material adverse effect on the revenues received in respect of the affected Songs and consequently, an adverse effect on the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares and, in extreme cases similar to those highlighted above, the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
Performance rights organisations represent the rights and interests of publishers and songwriters. They collect royalties, create collection policies and set royalty rates for the use of music copyrights. There are over 120 PROs around the world and most of them have agreements and frameworks in place with each other. Should PROs alter the way that they collect royalties, or set lower royalty rates, the Company may receive significantly reduced revenues compared to the level it had forecast at the time of acquiring the relevant Catalogues or Songs. Membership of the PROs predominantly comprises songwriters and publishers. Historically, the major music publishers represented a significant proportion of the membership of PROs, and therefore controlled a significant percentage of any votes of such PROs. Accordingly, the governance of the PRO is capable of being influenced or directed by the major music publishers and minority stakeholders, such as the Company, may be forced to follow royalty collection practices which do not favour it as much as they favour the major music publishers.
The Company intends that its Portfolio will be managed by its preferred PROs and it will participate in lobbying activities in respect of each PRO, and seek to have direct or indirect representation in the governance of each PRO. There can, however, be no guarantee that the Company will be successful in its efforts to ensure that either: (i) adverse governance changes, or a reduction in royalty rates; or (ii) decisions that disproportionately favour major music publishers over the interests of the Company, will not be implemented by the relevant PRO in future. Any material adverse change at the PRO level may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares and, may have an adverse effect the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The Company conducts its business in various countries throughout the world. The main risks associated with the purchase and management of Songs that generate income on an international scale are as follows:
Adverse changes in any of the above may have an adverse effect on the Company's ability to repatriate the relevant income streams (or reduce the amount of income that the Company may receive from the affected Songs), which would in turn have an adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
In addition to the above, the Portfolio does have exposure to emerging markets and the Company will therefore be susceptible to risks associated with making investments in emerging markets in general, notably piracy and infrastructural deficiencies. Potential infrastructural deficiencies include, for example, less developed or less rigorously enforced royalty collection practices and this may impact the Company's ability to collect royalties efficiently from jurisdictions in which such deficiencies exist. However, the exposure of the Portfolio to emerging markets is not considered to be significant, and therefore the impact of this risk is limited.
Furthermore, the Company's ability to enforce its intellectual property rights in emerging markets is subject to the efficiencies of the local legal regime and local courts. For more information prospective investors should refer to the risk factor entitled "Intellectual property and other legal protections may not adequately protect the Company's interest in the Songs it owns".
The Investment Adviser will actively pursue and place pressure on portfolio administrators that the Investment Adviser believes are not achieving the desired returns, so as to recoup as much of the accrued royalties as possible, and will seek to reflect any exposure to emerging markets in the purchase price of the relevant Catalogue.
Despite these efforts, piracy and poor infrastructure in emerging markets may reduce the royalty revenues for the Company, which may, in extreme scenarios, have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The Company and the other Fund Entities will be heavily reliant on streaming, or an equivalent technology which generates high volumes and rates of royalty revenues for songwriters, continuing to be popular with consumers. Historically the music industry has been shown to be especially innovative, with new technology causing changes in consumer demand and experience. Whilst it is possible that new technology may reduce non-synchronisation related royalty revenues, it is also possible that technological advances could lead to a growth in royalties as consumers' access to music continues to improve. Nevertheless, innovation which negatively impacts the Company's income may, consequently, have an adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
Following the turn of the century, the reduction in the cost of computer and electronic equipment and associated technologies has facilitated the unauthorised reproduction of music. At the same time, increased access to high-speed internet connections has enabled, and continues to enable, computer users to share such works more easily (and in greater number), without the copyright owner's authorisation and without paying royalties.
The advent of authorised commercial DSPs has rendered the unauthorised or pirated reproduction of music uneconomic, but due to increasing competition in the market, DSPs can perpetuate piracy by entering into exclusivity or "windowing" arrangements with a recording artist (where the DSP in question has exclusive access to the material before it is expanded to a wider release). DSPs have also steadily limited the functionality and accessible content on their free tier services as they have moved content to their premium service and increased the price of premium access. This behaviour may drive people who ordinarily would pay for music to turn to piracy and may also damage fans' perception of the recording artist, deterring them from making future purchases. To counteract this trend, large music labels often prohibit recording artists from entering into exclusivity or windowing arrangements, although a risk remains that major recording artists may continue to broker deals with DSPs against the wishes of the label.
The Company is dependent on the decisions of public or administrative authorities and their determination to find effective means to fight piracy. Persistent difficulties in passing and applying suitable legislation or in enforcing court rulings, particularly in certain regions of the world where piracy is endemic, constitute a threat to the Company's business, which depends heavily on the intellectual property rights owned by or licensed to the Company and their enforceability.
Despite the decline in piracy across the music industry, there remains the threat that pirates will invent new methods of piracy and, if the Company (and, more widely, the music industry) does not succeed in finding ways to protect its businesses against piracy and counterfeiting, that may have an adverse effect on the revenues received from such Songs and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares and, in cases of widespread or prolonged period of piracy, on the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The Company's investments are typically perceived as non-essential purchases by the general public. If events outside the Company's control cause the general consumer's disposable income to decrease, or if there is increased competition in the non-essential goods and services sector, the rates charged for premium music access and its music royalty revenues received as a consequence, may decrease, which may have an adverse effect on the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares and, in scenarios of a prolonged or significant downturn in popularity of music, may have an adverse effect on the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The key value in Songs is the IPR in such Songs and these IPR are primarily copyright. Copyright, as further detailed in Part II (Market Background, Investment Strategy and Approach) of this Prospectus, only exists for a certain duration and once that duration has come to an end, the copyright in the Song will enter the public domain and, at this point, the Song may be used freely, by anyone, without the need to seek permission from the original songwriter. As the entire contents of the original Song are available for uptake once a work enters into the public domain, downstream users of the work may seek to reproduce it or make it available to the public in its entirety. Following the expiration of the copyright in a Song, the Company will not be entitled to receive royalty payments from use of such Songs, whether mechanical, performance or from synch, which will reduce the overall revenue received by the Company. This may have an adverse effect on the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares and, in extreme cases (i.e. where a particular Song or Catalogue is of significant standing within the Portfolio), on the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
However, there are various ways in which copyright in Songs continues to exist (for example, a different arrangement of a Song will constitute a separate work and will have its own new copyright duration). Further, the significance of any risk relating to duration of copyright will depend upon the actual copyright duration at the point that these Songs are acquired by the Company. For example, in the UK, copyright in written, dramatic and musical work endures for 70 years after the death of the last co-songwriter, and copyright in a sound and music recording endures for 70 years from first production. The Investment Adviser will identify, and inform the Board of, any issues relating to the duration of any copyright in a Catalogue when sourcing and recommending an investment in that Catalogue. Shareholders should note that this risk is further mitigated by the fact that, under IFRS, Songs are amortised over their "useful life", which is analysed on a Catalogue by Catalogue basis at the time of acquisition and at the accounting period end. Typically, the Company would determine that the "useful life" for a Song is 20 years, which is significantly shorter than the duration of any copyright in such Songs.
Although the ultimate responsibility for making strategic investment decisions rests with the Directors, the Investment Adviser is responsible for sourcing and evaluating potential Catalogues for the Directors to consider, and advising the Directors in relation to the acquisition, exploitation and disposal of Catalogues or Songs, together with seeking to generate additional income. The Company does not have employees and its Directors are appointed on a non-executive basis. Accordingly, the Company and other Fund Entities are heavily reliant upon, and its success will depend to a significant extent on, the Investment Adviser and its personnel, services and resources.
The Investment Adviser has a limited operating and financial history and track record, having been established in June 2018. As the Investment Adviser lacks a substantial operating and financial history, investors have a limited basis on which to evaluate the Investment Adviser's ability to source Catalogues at attractive prices, or manage Catalogues or Songs acquired on an ongoing basis in an efficient manner, other than by reference to the experience of the Investment Adviser's Team and its Advisory Board (as disclosed in more detail in Part III (Investment Adviser) of this Prospectus) and the Investment Adviser's performance with respect to acquisitions and ongoing management of the Company's Portfolio. Investors also have a limited ability to evaluate the Investment Adviser's business from an operations and finance perspective.
Further, the ability of the Company to pursue its Investment Objective and Policy successfully may depend on the ability of the Investment Adviser to recruit and retain individuals of similar experience and calibre. Whilst the Investment Adviser has endeavoured to ensure that the principal members of its management team are suitably incentivised, the retention of key members of the team cannot be guaranteed. In the event of a departure of a key employee of the Investment Adviser, there is no guarantee that the Investment Adviser would be able to recruit a suitable replacement or that any delay in doing so would not adversely affect the performance of the Company.
The Company's strategy is resource and time intensive. Although the Investment Advisory Agreement requires the Key Person at the Investment Adviser to devote sufficient time to the affairs of the Investment Adviser to ensure it can comply with its obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser is not required to devote all of its time to advising the Company and may in future, subject to the restrictions contained in the Investment Advisory Agreement, manage or advise other entities from time to time. If the Investment Adviser is unable to ensure that the appropriate time or resources are allocated to the Company's investments, the Company may be unable to achieve the Investment Objective.
In particular, the performance of the Company is dependent on the diligence, skill and judgment of the Key Person and the investments pipeline generated through their business development efforts. On the occurrence of a Key Person Event, the Company may be entitled to terminate the Investment Advisory Agreement with immediate effect (subject to the Investment Adviser's right to find an appropriate replacement to be approved by the Board (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) within 90 days). If the Company elects not to exercise this right of termination, the precise impact of a Key Person Event on the ability of the Company to achieve its Investment Objective and target total NAV return cannot be determined and would depend among other things on the ability of the Investment Adviser to recruit individuals of similar experience, expertise and calibre. There can be no guarantee that the Investment Adviser would be able to do so and this could materially adversely affect the ability of the Company to meet its Investment Objective, the target dividend yield and target total NAV return and may materially adversely affect the Net Asset Value and Shareholder returns and result in a substantial loss of a Shareholder's investment.
The Investment Adviser places reliance on the expertise of the Key Person and the Advisory Board and the music industry relationships of its members to assist it to source attractive investment opportunities and subsequently manage the Company's Portfolio effectively but there can be no guarantee that the Songs acquired will perform in line with expectations at the time of purchase
The Investment Adviser places reliance on the expertise of the Key Person, the Advisory Board assembled by the Investment Adviser, and the chair of the Portfolio Committee, Paul Burger, to assist it to source attractive investment opportunities.
There can be no guarantee that the Songs acquired will perform in line with expectations at the time of purchase and there remains a possibility that investments purchased on the advice of the Investment Adviser and the Advisory Board may provide substantially lower revenues than estimated. In addition, a member of the Advisory Board may have an interest in a Catalogue that the Investment Adviser has recommended the Company acquire. Whilst the Investment Adviser is obliged to disclose such interests to the Board under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the relevant member of the Advisory Board may not have fully disclosed such interest to the Investment Adviser.
The occurrence of any of the scenarios described above may have an adverse effect on the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares and, in extreme and sustained cases of underperformance, on the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
When conducting due diligence and making an assessment regarding an investment, the Investment Adviser and the Company's legal and financial advisers will be required to rely on resources available to them, including internal sources of information as well as information provided by existing and potential sellers of Songs. The due diligence process may at times be required to rely on limited or incomplete information.
The Investment Adviser selects investment opportunities to be tabled to the Directors for their consideration in part on the basis of information and data relating to potential investments that has been made directly available to the Investment Adviser by the sellers. Although the Investment Adviser does evaluate all such information and data, and seek independent corroboration when it considers it appropriate and reasonably available, the Investment Adviser will not be in a position to confirm the completeness, genuineness or accuracy of such information and data. The Investment Adviser is dependent upon the integrity of the management of the sellers as regards such information and of such third parties.
Further, investment analysis by the Investment Adviser may be undertaken on an expedited basis in order to make it possible for the Company to take advantage of short-lived investment opportunities. In such cases, the available information at the time of an investment decision may be limited, inaccurate and/or incomplete. Furthermore, the Investment Adviser may not have sufficient time to evaluate fully such information even if it is available.
The value of the investments made by the Company may be affected by fraud, misrepresentation or omission on the part of the sellers of the Songs, by parties related to the sellers or by other parties. Such fraud, misrepresentation or omission may increase the likelihood of an intellectual property rights dispute relating to such Songs or may adversely affect the valuation of the Songs in question or may adversely affect the Company's ability to enforce its contractual rights in relation to the investment.
Accordingly, due to a number of factors, the Company cannot guarantee that the due diligence investigation carried out by the Investment Adviser and the Company's legal and financial advisers with respect to any investment opportunity will reveal or highlight all relevant facts that may be necessary or helpful to the Directors in evaluating such investment opportunity. Any failure by the Investment Adviser to identify relevant facts through its due diligence process may cause it to recommend inappropriate investments for purchase, or recommend the purchase at a price which is not appropriate, and therefore lead the Directors to decide to acquire Songs which subsequently fail to perform in line with expectations, which may have an adverse effect on the Company's NAV and/ or the market price of the Shares and, in extreme cases (i.e. in the unlikely event that a material fact has not been discovered during the due diligence process that would have affected the Company's decision to acquire the Catalogue at the purchase price or at all), may have an adverse effect on the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The Company relies heavily on the financial, accounting and other data processing systems of the Investment Adviser, the portfolio administrators and service providers, and any other third parties, with whom the Company conducts business. If any of these systems do not operate properly or are disabled, the Company could suffer financial loss or reputational damage. A disaster or a disruption in the infrastructure that supports the management of, or diligence processes relating to, the Songs, or a disruption involving electronic communications or other services used by the Investment Adviser, the portfolio administrators and service providers, and any other third parties, with whom the Company conducts business, could have an adverse impact on the ability of the Company to continue to operate its business without interruption. The disaster recovery programmes used by the Investment Adviser, the portfolio administrators and service providers, and any other third parties, with whom the Company conducts business may not be sufficient to mitigate the harm that may result from such disaster or disruption. In addition, insurance and other safeguards might only partially reimburse the Company for its losses, if at all.
The Investment Adviser's and other service providers' (such as Kobalt's and other portfolio administrators') information and technology systems may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from computer viruses, network failures, computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorised persons and security breaches, usage errors by its professionals, power outages and catastrophic events such as fires, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. Although the Investment Adviser, and each of the third party service providers with whom the Company contracts, has implemented various measures to manage risks relating to these types of events, if the Investment Adviser's (or the relevant service provider's) information and technology systems are compromised, become inoperable for extended periods of time or cease to function properly, the Investment Adviser (or the relevant service provider) and/or the Company may have to make a significant investment to fix or replace them. The failure of these systems and/or of disaster recovery plans for any reason could cause significant interruptions in the Investment Adviser's (or the relevant service provider's) and/or the Company's operations and result in a failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data, including personal information relating to investors (and the beneficial owners of investors). Such a failure could harm the Investment Adviser's (or the relevant service provider's) and/or the Company's reputation, subject any such entity and their respective Affiliates to legal claims and otherwise affect their business and financial performance.
Although considered by the Board to be unlikely, it is possible that the Investment Adviser or the Company may be named as parties to litigation or become involved in regulatory inquiries, which could cause substantial reputational damage to the Investment Adviser or the Company or disrupt its investment strategy, business or potential growth and have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, in the case of a material adverse ruling or prolonged and expensive proceedings, may have an adverse effect on the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The estimated fair value of the Catalogues that have been, or will be acquired, are determined by an independent valuer following discussions with, and based on information from, the Investment Adviser, and the Company's financial and legal advisers. Given that the music industry market standard valuation methods are to either value Songs by reference to historic revenues, to which a multiplier is then applied, or, for more recent Songs that lack sufficient historic revenues, on a discounted cash flow basis (as is described in more detail in Part I (Information on the Company) of this Prospectus), Songs are difficult to value to a high degree of certainty since the valuation method is inherently retrospective, in an industry which is undergoing rapid change affecting future revenues. This valuation approach may be modified in respect of more recently published Songs given that revenues in the early years of a Song's life may be significantly greater than those earned when such Song is more mature. In addition, comparable multipliers are not published for every acquisition in the music industry. Other factors affecting valuation are the fact that the popularity of Songs and recording artists is subjective, and often arbitrary, and the uncertainties surrounding the future of the music industry generally. There can therefore be no guarantee that the valuation on which: (i) the purchase price of Catalogues or other Songs; and (ii) the calculation of the Net Asset Value will be based, will not prove to have been overstated (when viewed retrospectively) and may vary (perhaps materially) from the realisable values of the Catalogues or Songs within them or change after the date of this Prospectus (or the date of the relevant Net Asset Value calculation) which may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The Company's investments may be subject to foreign currency fluctuations between Sterling and any other currency in which acquisitions of Catalogues are denominated or income is earned by the Company, which may have an adverse effect on the performance of the Company. To counteract certain aspects of currency risk, the Company may request that the portfolio administrators effect conversion of other currencies into Sterling at spot exchange rates, or the Company may undertake foreign exchange conversions for itself following receipt from the relevant portfolio administrator or royalty collection agent. The Company may, therefore, be exposed to currency risk from arrangements with portfolio administrators or royalty collection agents, as well as synchronisation income from non-UK sources.
Hedging arrangements may be implemented on behalf of the Company only when suitable hedging contracts are available in a timely manner and on terms acceptable to the Board of Directors. To the extent that the Fund Administrator does not seek to hedge currency exposure or is unable to engage, or is unsuccessful, in hedging currency exposure, Shareholders will be subject to currency exchange fluctuations between Sterling and the local market currencies in which revenues are denominated. The Board does not currently, and does not anticipate that it will, implement or arrange for the implementation of any such hedging arrangements on behalf of the Company.
The use of derivatives and other instruments to reduce risk involves costs. Consequently, the use of hedging transactions might result in lower performance than if the Board of Directors had not sought to hedge exposure against foreign currency exchange risk.
There can be no guarantee that appropriate hedging transactions will be available to the Company or that any such hedging transactions will be successful in protecting against currency fluctuations or that the performance of the Shares will not be adversely affected by the currency exchange rate exposure. In addition, the Company may concentrate its hedging activities with one counterparty or a few counterparties and the Company is subject to the risk that a counterparty may fail to fulfil its obligations under a hedging contract. To the extent that a counterparty fails to fulfil its obligations, the Company could suffer loss. Material or persistent adverse movements in exchange rates may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The Company utilises borrowings for working capital, interest rate hedging purposes, and for shortterm bridging purposes to finance the acquisition of Songs. Pursuant to its Investment Policy and the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Company may borrow an aggregate amount equivalent to 20 per cent. of Net Asset Value, calculated at the time of drawdown. On 2 September 2019, the Company announced that it had entered into a revolving credit facility (the "RCF") with JPM (as lead arranger and lender), which contains covenants relating to compliance with liquidity levels and repayment, and grants security over the Fund Entities' assets. While such leverage provides flexibility and presents opportunities for increasing total NAV return, it can also have the opposite effect of increasing losses and, in the case of default under the RCF or a similar facility, could result in the bank enforcing its security and selling the Company's assets to repay its debts. Whilst the Company's leverage is intended to be short term and is not currently intended to be structural in nature, if the income and returns on the Songs acquired with borrowed funds are less than the costs of the leverage, the Net Asset Value will decrease. Further, if the bank were to enforce its rights of sale in the event of a default, it is possible that the assets may be sold at a lower value than the Company considers to be their fair value, which would decrease the Net Asset Value and could have an adverse impact on returns to Shareholders. The effect of the use of leverage, even where taken out for working capital, for bridging or for interest rate hedging purposes, is to increase the Company's investment exposure, the result of which is that, in a market that moves adversely, the possible resulting loss to Shareholders' capital would be greater than if leverage was not used.
At any time the Company may experience reduced royalty payments as compared with those generated historically or the payments forecast at the time of acquiring the Song or any valuations carried out in accordance with the Company's valuation policy. Further, there could be a significant delay between when a royalty is triggered and when it is paid to the Company (such delays could differ between different DSPs and PROs, and could be as a result of a DSP or PRO altering its payment schedule without notice). As a consequence of receiving a lower annual income from such Songs, or not receiving such royalties in a timely manner, the potential resale value may be adversely affected, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders or ability to pay the target dividend yield in accordance with the Company's dividend policy.
Income received by the Company is dependent on royalty entitlements being collected successfully, including from various DSPs. Any failure to capture all royalty payments, or "leakage", could result in the Company receiving a lower income that expected from the Portfolio, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders. Whilst the Investment Adviser and portfolio administrators, have systems in place to mitigate the risk of leakage, as further described in Part II (Market Background, Investment Strategy and Approach) of this Prospectus, there can be no guarantee that the Investment Adviser or any portfolio administrator will be able to capture all royalty payments duly owed to the Company.
Owners of music copyright face competitive threats both domestically and globally. The threats exist not only from other such owners, predominantly major music publishers, also acquiring music rights, but also from other recording artists and songwriters who create music which will be in direct competition with the music owned by the Company.
Competition may exist that the Company may not be aware of and which may adversely affect the Company's business. The market in which the Company operates is a competitive industry and there may be developments that the Company is not aware of that may compete with the Company's offering. The Investment Adviser believes, however, that the market experience, reputation and relationships of the Investment Adviser's Team and its Advisory Board should make the Company an attractive purchaser. However, the Company may not succeed in acquiring its preferred Catalogues or Songs from time to time due to the seller electing to sell to a different bidder or electing not to sell the relevant Catalogues or Songs at all. This may result in the Company being required to make a less favourable investment, or retaining cash for longer than expected, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The Board and the Investment Adviser believe suitable acquisition opportunities exist which would allow the Net Issue Proceeds to be deployed within 6 months following Initial Admission. There is a risk that, where the Company does not succeed in acquiring the Catalogues it has identified, or is unable to acquire such Catalogues on a timely basis, the Company will be unable to deploy the Net Issue Proceeds within its expected timeframe. Should these scenarios materialise, the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the C Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to the holders of Ordinary Shares or the relevant class of C Shares, could be materially affected. In addition, failure to deploy substantially all of the Net Issue Proceeds will delay the Conversion to New Ordinary Shares of the relevant class of C Shares.
A variety of factors, including lack of attractive investment opportunities, disputes relating to underlying intellectual property rights in relation to the Songs within the Portfolio, piracy, changes in the music industry (including the impact of music streaming, the availability of alternative platforms and DSPs and master rights owners failing to reach satisfactory licensing agreements), exchange rates, government regulations, the non-performance (or underperformance) of Songs within the Portfolio, faults or errors with technology used by the Company or its service providers, a decline in the pricing power of the relevant DSPs used by the Company, or the occurrence of risks described elsewhere in this Prospectus could adversely impact the Company's ability to achieve the Investment Objective and deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return which may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares.
Although the Company generally expects to make its investments in such a way as to ensure, to the extent practicable, that taxation is minimised on the returns from those investments, some or all revenues earned by the Company may be subject to income or corporate tax liabilities (including withholdings) or VAT which cannot be reclaimed or credited by the Company. This may apply, for instance, as a result of taxation levied in the jurisdictions in which revenues are earned (or are otherwise connected), or as a result of tax authorities taking a different view to that of the Company in respect of the application of relevant tax laws to those investments. If applicable, such taxes may reduce the net returns on the Company's investments and consequently diminish the potential value of the Portfolio, which may have an adverse effect on the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The value originally attributed to a Song on acquisition or upon a subsequent revaluation reflect the historic revenues from the Song and is either calculated as an amount representing a multiple of normalised earnings, or (for more recent Songs) on a discounted cash flow basis, in each case the expectation being that such earnings would continue in future years (though, in the case of a discounted cash flow model, allowances are made for future earnings to reduce over time to reflect the view that such Song's popularity will decrease over the course of its early years). Albeit that there can be no guarantee as to the level of future revenues, the expectation would typically be that normalised annual revenues would not differ greatly year by year. There may, however, be circumstances involving impropriety in the personal life of the songwriter or a recording artist who successfully performed the Song, or other factors, which could materially adversely affect the popularity of a Song, and which could result in radio stations and other media refusing to play the Song for a period or indefinitely. Reputational damage is, typically, most likely to result from the impropriety of a recording artist rather than the songwriter, as the recording artist is the public-facing element of the Song and therefore the most susceptible to the opinion of consumers and society.
Nevertheless, reputational damage to a particular Song has been shown to have little to no effect on the long term success of the Song, with Chuck Berry, Merle Haggard and Lil Wayne being such examples. Furthermore, the Company intends primarily to acquire Catalogues containing proven hit Songs from established recording artists who are well-known to society. As such, the likelihood of this risk materialising in respect of a Catalogue or Song it owns is considered by the Company to be low. However, if a recording artist's or songwriter's reputation was damaged, resulting in a decrease in a Song's popularity, and such circumstances endured for a significant period of time, this could impact significantly the revenues the Company receives from the Song or the Catalogues and may, depending on the relative weighting of the affected Songs or Catalogue within the Portfolio, have a material adverse the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
Although the Company intends to acquire the entirety of a songwriter's interest in a Song, so as to be entitled to receive all royalties attributable to that interest, the exploitation of certain commercialisation opportunities for a Song may require the consent of co-songwriters (or of the seller if the terms of acquisition so provide) even if no other person has an interest in the songwriter's share which the Company has acquired. Should it not prove possible to obtain that consent, for example because of a particular sensitivity of another writer who may not wish the Song to be associated with a particular product or service, then that commercial opportunity may be lost. Dependent on the number of such occurrences and the amounts of potential synchronisation fees foregone, such situations may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
In many cases, the obligation for a user of a Song to make a royalty payment to the Company, or the Company's ability to realise its investment in a particular Song, will depend on the Company's intellectual property rights in that Song being and remaining appropriately protected including by registration (where necessary), having appropriate arrangements with collecting societies and by the assertion of those rights directly against third parties and/or by some other method. The Company intends to enforce its intellectual property rights vigorously in the case of any unauthorised use or infringement of its rights relating to a Song but its success in so doing will be heavily dependent on the legal regime applicable to such claims in the jurisdiction where the unauthorised use or infringement takes place. Legal means can only afford limited protection and the Company cannot guarantee that any intellectual property rights will provide sufficient or adequate protection against infringement or circumvention by a third party. Furthermore, the fact that an intellectual property right is granted or issued does not guarantee that it will be valid or enforceable. The enforcement of intellectual property rights may also be subject to high costs and long time delays. In addition, the Company's interest in a Song may be the subject of a legal challenge from third parties. Such a challenge could come, for example, from another songwriter claiming to be the creator of the original work and, therefore, to be the party entitled to copyright protection, from an heir of the songwriter (notwithstanding that the songwriter or their estate may have validly assigned the rights to the Song) or from other third parties. The Company would expect to contest any such allegations vigorously, which may prove costly and time consuming. If any such challenge is successful the Company's entitlement to past and future royalty payments could be lost or reduced. These factors could impact the revenues the Company receives from its investment in a Song and, therefore, may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
While certain portfolio administrators have improved their transparency, and do allow songwriters greater visibility as to the royalties that should be received in respect of any given Song, it is true that the information provided by certain DSPs is not yet fully accurate, nor is it fully transparent. The Investment Adviser seeks to mitigate this risk by appointing portfolio administrators that, in its opinion, are pro-active in demanding payments from DSPs (either directly or indirectly through royalty collection agents). However, where the relevant DSP is not accounting for all royalties that are due in respect of a Song, the value of that Song could be adversely affected due to revenues being lower than expected. Consequently, this may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, business, prospects and results of operations and, consequently, the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, or the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The value of the Company's investments may be affected by various laws enacted for the protection of creditors. This may occur where a portfolio administrator becomes insolvent, for example, since the insolvency may adversely affect their ability to make payment on a full or timely basis of amounts owed to the Company. Where a Catalogue is administered by a portfolio administrator which pays royalties on a semi-annual or quarterly basis, the Company is at risk in respect of any royalties accrued by such portfolio administrator during these periods.
In particular, it should be noted that a number of emerging market jurisdictions operate "debtorfriendly" insolvency regimes which could result in delays in payments where obligations, debtors or assets thereunder are subject to such regimes. This will be taken into account when negotiating the purchase of relevant Songs.
Jurisdiction-specific insolvency regimes may negatively affect the Company's recovery in a restructuring or insolvency, which may have an adverse effect on the Company's NAV and/or the market price of the Shares and, in extreme cases where significant assets are subject to such unfavourable insolvency regimes, the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
Where the owner of a Song is a company rather than an individual, as would typically be the case, the Company may, as part of the commercial negotiations, acquire an interest in the entity which holds the relevant Song, rather than acquiring the Song directly. The value of such holding entities may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as the ongoing costs and administration of such holding entity or any historic creditors, which were not revealed as part of the diligence process, that are entitled to be repaid in full before distributions can be made to its equity holders in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganisation or bankruptcy of the holding entity. In such an event the Company may not be able to realise any value for its holdings in such entities.
The Company does not intend to dispose of its Songs but, in the event that this was considered desirable by the Board, then the Company may be subject to liquidity risk, which includes the risk of the Company's failure to realise investments in a timely manner at a reasonable price. The Company may invest in Songs for which no liquid market exists. The market prices for Songs or Catalogues may be volatile and the Company may not be able to realise investments when it desires to do so or to realise what it perceives to be their fair value.
The Company's investments are subject to interest rate risk in as much as the value of higher yielding assets will tend to fall as interest rates rise and vice versa. Interest rates are highly sensitive to factors beyond the Company's control, including, among others, governmental monetary and tax policies and domestic and international economic and political conditions. It may therefore be the case that, as interest rates rise, the impact on the Company would be two-fold: (i) the Company's costs of borrowing would increase; and (ii) the attractiveness of the Company's Songs and of its Shares may decrease as the target dividend yield becomes less attractive to investors relative to other investments. Conversely, as interest rates fall, the attractiveness of such Songs and Shares may increase. It should be noted, however, that interest rates have not generally been recognised historically as having been a material factor affecting the value of Songs.
The Company will apply for the Issue Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue and any Issue Shares issued pursuant to the Placing Programmes to be admitted to trading on the Main Market and to be admitted to listing on the premium listing category of the Official List. However, there can be no guarantee that an active secondary market in the Issue Shares will be sustained or that the Issue Shares will trade at prices close to their relevant underlying Net Asset Value per Share. Further, certain Issue Shares may be subject to lock-up arrangements (such as the Performance Shares), which could further reduce the liquidity of the Shares.
The number of C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes is not yet known and there may be a limited number of holders of any class of C Shares. Limited numbers and/or holders of shares may mean that there is limited liquidity in such class of C Shares which may affect: (i) the ability of a holder of that class of C Shares to realise some or all of their investment; (ii) the price at which a holder of that class of C Shares can effect such realisation; and/or (iii) the price at which such class of C Shares trade in the secondary market. Similar risks are less applicable to any Ordinary Shares issued pursuant to the Placing Programmes, by virtue of the fact that, as at the date of this Prospectus, the Company already has 389,356,341 Ordinary Shares in issue. Similarly, such risks will be less material for holders of a class of C Shares following Conversion of such class of C Shares into New Ordinary Shares.
The Company has been established as a closed-ended vehicle. Accordingly, Shareholders have no right to have their Shares redeemed or repurchased by the Company at any time. While the Directors retain the right to effect repurchases of Ordinary Shares and to return capital in the manner described in this Prospectus, they are under no obligation to use such powers at any time and Shareholders should not place any reliance on the willingness of the Directors to do so. Shareholders wishing to realise their investment in the Company will normally therefore be required to dispose of their Shares through the secondary market. Accordingly, Shareholders' ability to realise their investment at the relevant NAV per Share or at all is dependent on the existence of a liquid market for the class of Shares they hold.
Each class of C Shares will constitute a separate class of Shares, with a separate underlying pool of assets and each class shall be independent of each other. Each class of C Shares will have the same rights and characteristics as any other class of C Shares. Each class of C Shares will have a separate Net Asset Value per C Share (calculated by reference to the assets attributable to that class of C Shares divided by the number of C Shares issued in that class). There can be no guarantee that a liquid market in any class of C Shares will develop or be sustained or that the C Shares of any class will trade at prices close to their respective underlying net asset values. The Directors will not conduct buybacks of any class of C Shares prior to Conversion. Therefore, the Company will not assist any class of C Shares in limiting discount volatility or provide an additional source of liquidity through repurchases of any C Shares in such a class of C Shares. Therefore, until the relevant C Shares are converted into New Ordinary Shares, they may suffer greater volatility in discounts and may be more illiquid than Ordinary Shares.
Subject to the Companies Law and the Articles, the Company may issue additional securities, including Shares, for any purpose. Any additional issuances by the Company, or the related costs of such issue, may cause the market price of the Shares to decline and, save as provided in the following paragraph, if and when such securities are issued at a discount to the Net Asset Value, may cause the Net Asset Value and/or the market price of the Shares to decline. Subject to all legal requirements, future issuances may consist of Shares or securities having greater rights and preferences than the Shares.
Whilst there are no provisions of Guernsey law which confer rights of pre-emption in respect of the issue of Shares, such rights are conferred pursuant to the Listing Rules. Accordingly, the Articles contain pre-emption rights in relation to the issue of Shares for cash, although such pre-emption rights have been disapplied in respect of up to one billion Ordinary Shares or C Shares for a period concluding immediately prior to the AGM of the Company to be held in 2023 (or, if earlier, five years from the date of the passing of the resolution disapplying such pre-emption rights) so as to assist the Company in managing market demand for Shares through the issue of further Shares. Out of this authority, the Company has issued 389,356,341 Shares as at the date of this Prospectus. Accordingly, the Company has authority to allot and issue a further 610,643,659 Shares over such period as stated above. In addition, pursuant to the Resolution to be tabled at the EGM, it is proposed that pre-emption rights be disapplied in respect of a further one billion Ordinary Shares or C Shares to enable the Company to issue all the Issue Shares comprised in the Placing Programmes. The Directors intend to request that the authority to allot Shares on a non-pre-emptive basis is renewed at the AGM of the Company to be held in 2023 or any earlier AGM as may be required in the event that the disapplication of pre-emption rights have been exhausted and at each subsequent AGM of the Company. It therefore may not be possible for existing Shareholders to participate in future issues of Shares, which may dilute the existing Shareholders' voting interests in the Company but, subject to the terms of issue of any such Shares, if the Directors were to issue further Shares in the future, this should not have a detrimental dilutive effect on the NAV per Share since the Listing Rules require that closed-ended funds must obtain Shareholder consent before issuing Shares below the last reported Net Asset Value without offering such Shares pre-emptively to Shareholders.
Despite the share price of the Ordinary Shares remaining relatively consistent since the Company's IPO, global capital markets have experienced extreme volatility and disruption in recent years. Although the Company believes that the price of its Shares is not generally correlated to equity markets, as a listed investment fund, the Company's Shares are traded on a global capital market and, therefore, it is impossible for the Company to separate itself entirely from the risk that any extreme global volatility or decline in equity capital markets might adversely affect the share price of the Company's Shares.
The default of any financial institution could lead to defaults by other institutions. Concerns about, or default by, one financial institution could lead to significant liquidity problems, losses or defaults by other institutions, because the credit quality and integrity of many financial institutions may be closely related as a result of their credit, trading, clearing or other relationships. The risk is sometimes referred to as "systemic risk" and may adversely affect brokers, lending banks and other trading counterparties with whom the Company deals. The Company may, therefore, be exposed to systemic risk when it deals with various third parties, such as lending banks, counterparty banks, administrators and entities which are part of groups of companies which also contain financial institutions, albeit to a significant lesser degree than an investment vehicle whose investment policy is to invest in quoted securities, for example.
If the Company implements any buy-back of the Ordinary Shares, as described in the section entitled "Discount control provisions" in Part I (Information on the Company) of this Prospectus, the Directors may be required to realise investments in order to fund the cash requirements of such Ordinary Share buy-back. Non-cash assets may therefore be realised in circumstances in which the Directors' preference would otherwise have been to retain them, or at times when it is not in the Directors' view possible to achieve an optimal price for such assets.
In addition, there can be no guarantee that the Company will buy back Ordinary Shares where they are trading at a discount to their Net Asset Value. The Company will not buy back any class of C Shares in any circumstances.
The Company intends that payments to the Group will not be subject to withholding tax, however, there can be no guarantee that revenues received by members of the Group will not be subject to withholding taxes, as a result of adverse developments or changes in law, contrary conclusions by the relevant tax authorities, unanticipated characteristics of Shareholders of the Company, management errors or other causes. The imposition of any unanticipated or withholding taxes could materially reduce the post-tax returns available for distributions on the Shares, and consequently may adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations, NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders.
The Company, as a Guernsey-incorporated closed-ended investment company trading on the Main Market and listed on the premium listing category of the Official List, is subject to laws and regulations in such capacity, including the Listing Rules, the Prospectus Regulation Rules, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, MAR, the AIFM Directive, the PRIIPs Regulation, the AIC Code, the Rules and the Companies Law. The Company is subject also to the continuing obligations imposed on all investment companies whose shares are admitted to trading on the Main Market and to listing on the premium listing category of the Official List. These rules, regulations and laws govern the way that, amongst other things, the Company can be operated (i.e. its governance), how its Shares can be marketed and how it must deal with its Shareholders, together with requiring the Company to make certain reports, filings and notifications (and governing their respective content).
The Company is also subject to intellectual property laws across the globe to the extent that they affect its investments in Catalogues of Songs, for example the rules relating to the rates due to be paid by DSPs which are currently being disputed between the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board and certain DSPs.
The laws and regulations affecting the Company are evolving, in particular given that the impact of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union is not known as at the date of this Prospectus. Any changes in such laws and regulations may have an adverse effect on the ability of the Company to carry on its business, for example, increasing the costs of the Company complying with such new or modified laws and regulations or in the case of adverse changes in law in royalty collection, by reducing the revenue received by the Company. Any such changes may have an adverse effect on the ability of the Company to pursue its Investment Objective and Policy, and may adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition, prospects, results of operations, in extreme scenarios, may adversely affect the Net Asset Value and/or the market price of the Shares and, consequently, the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders may be affected.
Any change in the Group's tax status, or in taxation legislation or practice in any relevant jurisdiction or in the Group's tax treatment, may affect the value of the investments held by the Company or the Company's ability to pursue its Investment Objective and Policy successfully or achieve the Investment Objective and Policy, or may alter the after-tax returns to Shareholders. Further, changes to the Group's structure, such as the proposed consolidation of the SPVs, could result in the Company being unable to claim an exemption to UK capital gains tax, due on the sale of a Catalogue, which may have otherwise been available to it. It is noted, however, that it is not the Company's intention to sell Catalogues.
Statements in this Prospectus concerning the taxation of Shareholders are based upon current UK and Guernsey tax law and published practice, any aspect of which law and practice is, in principle, subject to change (potentially with retrospective effect), which change may adversely affect the ability of the Company to pursue the Investment Objective and Policy successfully, and which may adversely affect the taxation of Shareholders. Any changes to the UK Offshore Fund Rules, or a change in the status of the Company, such that it would constitute an offshore fund for the purposes of UK taxation (prospective investors should refer to Part VI (Taxation) of this Prospectus), could result in adverse tax consequences for UK resident shareholders.
The Company has not, does not intend to become, and may be unable to, become registered in the United States as an "investment company" under the U.S. Investment Company Act. The U.S. Investment Company Act provides certain protections to investors and imposes certain restrictions on companies that are registered as investment companies. As the Company is not so registered, does not intend to so register and may be unable to so register, none of these protections or restrictions is or will be applicable to the Company.
In addition, in order to ensure that the Company is not required to register as an investment company under the U.S. Investment Company Act and to avoid violating the U.S. Investment Company Act, the Company has implemented restrictions on the transferability and resale of the Shares and may in certain circumstances require a holder to transfer or sell its Shares. For more information, prospective investors should refer to the sections entitled "Representations, Warranties and Undertakings" in Part V (The Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes) and "Memorandum and Articles: Transfer of Shares" in Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus.
Section 13 of the U.S. Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and Regulation VV (12 C.F.R. Section 248) promulgated thereunder by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (such statutory provision together with such implementing regulations, the "Volcker Rule"), generally prohibits "banking entities" (which term is broadly defined to include any U.S. bank or savings association whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, any company that controls any such bank or savings association, any non-U.S. bank treated as a bank holding company for purposes of Section 8 of the U.S. International Banking Act of 1978, as amended, and any affiliate or subsidiary of any of the foregoing entities) from: (i) engaging in proprietary trading as defined in the Volcker Rule; (ii) acquiring or retaining an "ownership interest" in, or "sponsoring", a "covered fund"; and (iii) entering into certain other relationships or transactions with a "covered fund".
As the Company is likely to be regarded as a "covered fund" under the Volcker Rule, any prospective investor that is or may be considered a "banking entity" under the Volcker Rule should consult its legal advisers regarding the potential impact of the Volcker Rule on its investments and other activities, prior to making any investment decision with respect to the Issue Shares or entering into other relationships or transactions with the Company. If the Volcker Rule applies to an investor's ownership of Issue Shares, the investor may be forced to sell its Issue Shares or the continued ownership of Issue Shares may be subject to certain restrictions.
The governments of the United States and Guernsey have entered into an intergovernmental agreement (the "U.S. Guernsey IGA") related to implementing FATCA which is implemented through Guernsey's domestic legislation. FATCA imposes certain information reporting requirements on a foreign financial institution ("FFI") or other non-U.S. entity and, in certain cases, U.S. federal withholding tax on certain U.S. source payments and gross proceeds from a sale of assets generating U.S. source payments. The Company is likely to be considered an FFI, and will therefore have to comply with certain registration and reporting requirements in order not to be subject to U.S. withholding tax under FATCA. In addition, the Company may be required to withhold U.S. tax at the rate of 30 per cent. on "withholdable payments" or, after 31 December 2018, certain "foreign passthru payments", to persons that are not compliant with FATCA or that do not provide the necessary information or documents, to the extent such payments are treated as attributable to certain U.S. source payments.
Guernsey has also implemented the Common Reporting Standard or "CRS" regime with effect from 1 January 2016. Accordingly, reporting in respect of periods commencing on or after 1 January 2016 is required in accordance with the CRS (as implemented in Guernsey).
The requirements under FATCA, the CRS and similar regimes and any related legislation, intergovernmental agreements and/or regulations may impose additional burdens and costs on the Company or Shareholders. There is no guarantee that the Company will be able to satisfy such obligations and any failure to comply may materially adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations, NAV and/or the market price of the Shares, and the Company's ability to deliver the target dividend yield or total NAV return to Shareholders. In addition, there can be no guarantee that any payments in respect of the Shares will not be subject to withholding tax under FATCA. To the extent that such withholding tax applies, the Company is not required to pay any additional amounts and, accordingly, the Shareholders may receive a lower return than they would otherwise be entitled to.
If the Company suffers, or considers that it might suffer, any pecuniary disadvantage as a result of the Company's failure to comply with FATCA as a result of a Non-Qualified Holder failing to provide information as requested by the Company in accordance with the Articles, then the Directors have the power under the Articles to force a transfer of that Non-Qualified Holder's Shares. In such circumstance, the ejected Non-Qualified Holder would no longer be a Shareholder and the transfer price may not be an amount which the Non-Qualified Holder considers to be the fair market value of those Shares.
Each initial purchaser and subsequent transferee of Issue Shares will be required to represent and warrant or will be deemed to represent and warrant that it is not a "benefit plan investor" (as defined in Section 3(42) of ERISA), and that it is not, and is not using assets of, a plan or other arrangement subject to provisions under applicable federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other laws or regulations that are substantially similar to Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the U.S. Tax Code unless its purchase, holding and disposition of Issue Shares does not constitute or result in a non-exempt violation of ERISA, Section 4975 of the U.S. Tax Code or any such substantially similar law. In addition, under the Articles, the Board has the power to refuse to register a transfer of Issue Shares or to require the sale or transfer of Issue Shares in certain circumstances, including any purported acquisition or holding of Shares by a benefit plan investor.
Under the Articles, the Board has the power to require the sale or transfer of Issue Shares, or refuse to register a transfer of Issue Shares, in respect of any Non-Qualified Holder. In addition, the Board may require the sale or transfer of Issue Shares held or beneficially owned by any person who refuses to provide information or documentation to the Company which results in the Company suffering U.S. tax withholding charges. Prospective investors should refer to the sections entitled "Representations, Warranties and Undertakings" in Part V (The Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes) and "Memorandum and Articles: Transfer of Shares" in Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus.
The Company intends not to be subject to the rules relating to Non-Mainstream Pooled Investments ("NMPI") by virtue of the fact that the Company would meet the criteria for investment trust status under sections 1158 and 1159 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 as if it were a UK company. If the Company fails to meet such criteria, and the rules concerning NMPI apply to the Company, then the Company will be restricted from being promoted to certain retail investors, which might adversely affect the liquidity and the market price of the Shares.
Prospective investors should rely only on the information contained in this Prospectus and any supplementary prospectus published by the Company prior to the date of Admission of the relevant Issue Shares subscribed for under the Initial Issue. No person has been authorised to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained in this Prospectus (or any supplementary prospectus published by the Company prior to the date of Initial Admission) in connection with the Initial Issue and, if given or made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorised by or on behalf of the Company, the Investment Adviser, the Joint Bookrunners or any of their respective Affiliates, officers, directors, employees or agents. Without prejudice to any obligation of the Company to publish a supplementary prospectus pursuant to section 87G(1) of FSMA, neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any subscription or sale made under this Prospectus shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the business or affairs of the Company since the date of this Prospectus or that the information contained in this Prospectus is correct as of any time subsequent to its date.
The contents of this Prospectus or any subsequent communications from the Company, the Investment Adviser, the Joint Bookrunners or any of their respective Affiliates, officers, directors, employees or agents are not to be construed as legal, business or tax advice. Each prospective investor should consult their own solicitor, financial adviser or tax adviser for legal, financial or tax advice in relation to the purchase of any Issue Shares.
Apart from the liabilities and responsibilities (if any) which may be imposed on either of the Joint Bookrunners by FSMA or the regulatory regime established thereunder, neither of the Joint Bookrunners makes any representations, express or implied, or accepts any responsibility whatsoever for the contents of this Prospectus (or any supplementary prospectus published by the Company prior to Initial Admission or the date of any Subsequent Admission) or for any other statement made or purported to be made by either of them or on behalf of either of them in connection with the Company, the Investment Adviser, the Issue Shares, the Initial Issue, the Placing Programmes, Initial Admission or any Subsequent Admission. Each of the Joint Bookrunners and their respective Affiliates accordingly disclaim all and any liability (save for any statutory liability) whether arising in tort or contract or otherwise which it or they might otherwise have in respect of this Prospectus, any such supplementary prospectus or any such statement.
In connection with the Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes, the Joint Bookrunners and their respective Affiliates acting as investor(s) for its (or their) own account, may acquire Issue Shares and, in that capacity, may retain, purchase, sell, offer to sell or otherwise deal for its (or their) own account(s) in such securities of the Company, any other securities of the Company or other related investments in connection with the Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes or otherwise. Accordingly, references in this Prospectus to the Issue Shares being issued, offered, acquired, subscribed or otherwise dealt with, should be read as including any issue or offer to, acquisition of, or subscription or dealing by, the Joint Bookrunners and any of their respective Affiliates acting as investor(s) for its (or their) own account(s). Neither the Joint Bookrunners nor any of their respective Affiliates intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligation to do so.
An investment in the Issue Shares should constitute part of a diversified investment portfolio. The Issue Shares are only suitable for investors: (i) who understand the potential risk of capital loss and that there may be limited liquidity in the underlying investments of the Company; (ii) for whom an investment in the Shares is part of a diversified investment programme; and (iii) who fully understand and are willing to assume the risks involved in such an investment portfolio. It should be remembered that the price of the Issue Shares and the income from them can go down as well as up.
The Issue Shares are designed to be held over the long term and may not be suitable as shortterm investments. There is no guarantee that any appreciation in the value of the Company's investments will occur and investors may not get back the full value of their investment. Any investment objective of, and target dividend yield and target total NAV return proposed by, the Company are targets only and should not be treated as an assurance or guarantee of performance. There can be no guarantee that the Investment Objective and Policy will be achieved or that the proposed target dividend yield and target total NAV return will be achieved or paid.
A prospective investor should be aware that the value of an investment in the Company is subject to market fluctuations and other risks inherent in investing in securities. There is no guarantee that any appreciation in the value of the Issue Shares will occur or that the Investment Objective of, or the target dividend yield and target total NAV return proposed by, the Company will be achieved or paid. The value of investments and the income derived therefrom may fall as well as rise and investors may not recoup the original amount invested in the Company.
Prospective investors should rely only on the information contained in this Prospectus and any supplementary prospectus published by the Company prior to Initial Admission or any Subsequent Admission. No broker, dealer or other person has been authorised by the Company, the Board or any Director, the Investment Adviser or either of the Joint Bookrunners to issue any advertisement or to give any information or to make any representation in connection with the Initial Issue other than those contained in this Prospectus or any supplementary prospectus published by the Company prior to Initial Admission or any Subsequent Admission and, if issued, given or made, any such advertisement, information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorised by the Company, the Board, any Director, the Investment Adviser or either of the Joint Bookrunners.
The distribution of this Prospectus in jurisdictions other than the UK may be restricted by law and persons into whose possession this Prospectus comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions.
Prospective investors should not treat the contents of this Prospectus as advice relating to legal, taxation, investment or any other matters. Prospective investors should inform themselves as to: (i) the legal requirements within their own countries for the purchase, holding, transfer, conversion, redemption or other disposal of Issue Shares; (ii) any foreign exchange restrictions applicable to the purchase, holding, transfer, conversion, redemption or other disposal of Issue Shares which they might encounter; and (iii) the income and other tax consequences which may apply in their own countries as a result of the purchase, holding, transfer, redemption or other disposal of Shares. Prospective investors must rely upon their own representatives, including their own legal advisers and accountants, as to legal, tax, investment or any other related matters concerning the Company and an investment therein.
The Joint Bookrunners do not accept any responsibility for the contents of this document.
Statements made in this Prospectus are based on the law and practice currently in force in England and Wales and Guernsey and are subject to changes therein.
This Prospectus does not constitute, and may not be used for the purposes of, an offer or an invitation to apply for any Issue Shares by any person: (i) in any jurisdiction in which such offer or invitation is not authorised; or (ii) in any jurisdiction in which the person making such offer or invitation is not qualified to do so; or (iii) to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or invitation.
The distribution of this Prospectus and the offering of Issue Shares in certain jurisdictions may be restricted. Accordingly, persons into whose possession this Prospectus comes are required to inform themselves about and observe any restrictions as to the offer or sale of Issue Shares and the distribution of this Prospectus under the laws and regulations of any jurisdiction relevant to them in connection with any proposed applications for Issue Shares, including obtaining any requisite governmental or other consent and observing any other formality prescribed in such jurisdiction.
Save for the United Kingdom and save as explicitly stated elsewhere in this Prospectus, no action has been taken or will be taken in any jurisdiction by the Company that would permit a public offering of Issue Shares in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, nor has any such action been taken with respect to the possession or distribution of this Prospectus in any other jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required.
The Company has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act and as such investors are not and will not be entitled to the benefits of the U.S. Investment Company Act. The Issue Shares have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States, and may not be offered, sold, resold, pledged, delivered, distributed or otherwise transferred, directly or indirectly, into or within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. Persons, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and in compliance with any applicable securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States and in a manner which would not result in the Company being required to register under the U.S. Investment Company Act. In connection with the Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes, subject to certain exceptions, offers and sales of Issue Shares will be made only outside the United States in "offshore transactions" to non-U.S. Persons pursuant to Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act. There has been and will be no public offering of the Issue Shares in the United States.
The Issue Shares may not be acquired by: (i) investors using assets of: (A) an "employee benefit plan" as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA that is subject to Title I of ERISA; (B) a "plan" as defined in Section 4975 of the U.S. Tax Code, including an individual retirement account or other arrangement that is subject to Section 4975 of the U.S. Tax Code; or (C) an entity whose underlying assets are considered to include "plan assets" by reason of investment by an "employee benefit plan" or "plan" described in preceding clause (A) or (B) in such entity pursuant to the U.S. Plan Assets Regulations; or (ii) a governmental, church, non-U.S. or other employee benefit plan that is subject to any federal, state, local or non-U.S. law that is substantially similar to the provisions of Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the U.S. Tax Code, unless its purchase, holding, and disposition of the Issue Shares will not constitute or result in a non-exempt violation of any such substantially similar law.
The Issue Shares are subject to restrictions on transferability and resale and may not be transferred or resold except as permitted under applicable securities laws and regulations and under the Articles. Any failure to comply with such restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws and may subject the holder to the forced transfer provisions set out in the Articles. For further information on restrictions on transfers of the Issue Shares, prospective investors should refer to the sections entitled "Representations, Warranties and Undertakings" in Part V (The Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes) and "Memorandum and Articles: Transfer of Shares" in Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus.
In relation to each Relevant Member State (other than the UK), no Issue Shares have been offered or will be offered pursuant to the Initial Issue or the Placing Programmes to the public in that Relevant Member State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the Issue Shares which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant Member State, or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant Member State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation, except that offers of Issue Shares to the public may be made at any time with the prior consent of the Joint Bookrunners, under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Regulation, if they are implemented in that Relevant Member State:
provided that no such offer of Issue Shares shall result in a requirement for the publication of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3(l) of the Prospectus Regulation in a Relevant Member State (other than the UK).
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an "offer to the public" in relation to any offer of Issue Shares in any Relevant Member State means a communication in any form and by any means presenting sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any Issue Shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for Issue Shares.
The Company, in its capacity as a self-managed AIF, has made the notifications or applications and received, where relevant, approvals for the marketing of the Issue Shares to "professional investors" (as defined in the AIFM Directive) in the United Kingdom and The Netherlands. Notwithstanding any other statement in this Prospectus, this Prospectus should not be made available to any investor domiciled in any EEA State other than the UK or The Netherlands. Prospective investors domiciled in the EEA that have received the Prospectus in any EEA States other than the UK or The Netherlands should not subscribe for Issue Shares (and the Company reserves the right to reject any application so made, without explanation) unless: (i) the Company has confirmed that the Company has made the relevant notification or applications in that EEA State and are lawfully able to market Issue Shares into that EEA State; or (ii) such investors have received the Prospectus on the basis of an enquiry made at the investor's own initiative.
The Issue Shares may not be marketed to retail investors (as this term is defined in the AIFM Directive as transposed in the relevant EEA State) in any EEA State unless the Issue Shares have been qualified for marketing to retail investors in that EEA State in accordance with applicable local laws. At the date of this Prospectus, the Issue Shares are not eligible to be marketed to retail investors in any EEA State other than the UK. Accordingly, the Issue Shares may not be offered, sold or delivered and neither this document nor any other offering materials relating to such Issue Shares may be distributed or made available to retail investors in any EEA State other than the UK.
The offer referred to in this Prospectus is available, and is and may be made, in or from within the Bailiwick of Guernsey, and this Prospectus is being provided in or from within the Bailiwick of Guernsey only:
The offer referred to in this Prospectus and this Prospectus are not available in or from within the Bailiwick of Guernsey other than in accordance with the above paragraphs and must not be relied upon by any person unless made or received in accordance with such paragraphs.
The offering of Shares is "valid in the United Kingdom" (within the meaning given to that expression under Article 8(5) of the Control of Borrowing (Jersey) Order 1958 (the "Jersey COBO")) and is circulated in Jersey only to persons similar to those to whom, and in a manner similar to that in which, it is for the time being circulated in the United Kingdom. The Company has no "relevant connection with Jersey" for the purposes of Articles 8(7) and 8(8) of the Jersey COBO. Accordingly, the consent of the Jersey Financial Services Commission under Article 8(2) of the Jersey COBO to the circulation of this Prospectus in Jersey is not required and has not been obtained.
The Prospectus and any accompanying supplement does not constitute an issue prospectus within the meaning of, and has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issue prospectuses under, article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under article 27 ff. of the SIX Swiss Exchange Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland.
The Issue Shares will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange Ltd. or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland.
The Issue Shares will not be distributed in or from Switzerland as defined by the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes ("CISA") and neither the Prospectus nor any other offering materials relating to the Company will be made available from this time through distribution in or from Switzerland. The Prospectus may only be freely circulated and the Issue Shares may only be freely offered, distributed or sold to regulated financial intermediaries, such as banks, securities dealers, fund management companies, asset managers of collective investment schemes and central banks as well as to regulated insurance companies. As such, subscribers for Issue Shares do not benefit from protection under the CISA or supervision by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority ("FINMA").
Circulating the Prospectus and offering, distributing or selling Issue Shares to other persons or entities including qualified investors as defined in the CISA may trigger, in particular, (i) licensing/ prudential supervision requirements for the distributor, (ii) a requirement to appoint a representative and paying agent in Switzerland and (iii) the necessity of a written distribution agreement between the representative in Switzerland and the distributor. Accordingly, legal advice should be sought before providing the Prospectus to and offering, distributing or selling Issue Shares to any other persons or entities.
Neither the Prospectus (including any accompanying supplement) nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering nor the Company or the Issue Shares have been or will be filed with, registered or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, the Company has not registered, and will not register itself with FINMA as a foreign collective investment scheme.
The Prospectus does not constitute investment advice. It is personal to each specific offeree and does not constitute an offer to any other person. The Prospectus (and any other offering or marketing material relating to the Issue Shares, the Initial Issue or any Subsequent Placing) may only be used by those persons to whom it has been handed out in connection with the offer described therein and may neither be copied nor be distributed or otherwise made available to other persons, directly or indirectly, without the express consent of the Company.
This Prospectus includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements typically can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including, but not limited to, terms such as "believes", "estimates", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "may", "will" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements, which include all matters that are not historical facts, appear in a number of places in this Prospectus and include statements regarding the intentions, beliefs or current expectations of the Company, the Board or the Investment Adviser concerning, amongst other things, the Company's target dividend yield and target total NAV return, the Investment Objective and Policy, investment performance, results of operations, financial condition, prospects, and dividend policy of the Company and the markets in which it invests and/or operates. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Forwardlooking statements are not guarantees of future performance. The Company's actual investment performance, results of operations, financial condition, dividends paid and its financing strategies may differ materially from the impression created by the forward-looking statements contained in this Prospectus. In addition, even if the investment performance, results of operations, financial condition of the Company and its financing strategies, are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this Prospectus, those results, its condition or strategies may not be indicative of results, its condition or strategies in subsequent periods. Important factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to:
Given these uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Prospective investors should carefully review the "Risk Factors" section of this Prospectus for a discussion of additional factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those that the forward-looking statements may give the impression will be achieved, before making an investment decision. Forward-looking statements speak only as at the date of this Prospectus. Although the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements contained herein (save where required by the Prospectus Rules, the Listing Rules, the AIFM Directive or the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules), whether as a result of new information, future events, conditions or circumstances, any change in the Company's expectations with regard thereto or otherwise, Shareholders are advised to read any communications made directly to them by the Company and/ or any additional disclosures in announcements that the Company may make via a RIS.
Each investor acknowledges that it has been informed that, pursuant to applicable data protection legislation (including the GDPR and the DP Law) and regulatory requirements in Guernsey and/or the EEA, as appropriate ("DP Legislation") the Company, the Administrator and/or the Registrar hold their personal data. Personal data will be retained on record for a period exceeding six years after which it is no longer used (subject always to any limitations on retention periods set out in the DP Legislation). The Registrar and the Administrator will process such personal data at all times in compliance with DP Legislation and shall only process such information for the purposes set out in the Company's privacy notice (the "Purposes") which is available for consultation on the Company's website www.hipgnosissongs.com (the "Privacy Notice").
Where necessary to fulfil the Purposes, the Company will disclose personal data to:
Any sharing of personal data between parties will be carried out in compliance with DP Legislation and as set out in the Company's Privacy Notice.
In providing the Registrar with personal data, the investor hereby represents and warrants to the Company, the Registrar and the Administrator that: (1) it complies in all material aspects with its data controller obligations under DP Legislation, and in particular, it has notified any data subject of the Purposes for which personal data will be used and by which parties it will be used and it has provided a copy of the Company's Privacy Notice to such relevant data subjects; and (2) where consent is legally competent and/or required under DP Legislation, the investor has obtained the consent of any data subject to the Company, the Administrator and the Registrar and their respective Affiliates and group companies, holding and using their personal data for the Purposes (including the explicit consent of the data subjects for the processing of any sensitive personal data for the Purposes).
Each investor acknowledges that by submitting personal data to the Registrar (acting for and on behalf of the Company) where the investor is a natural person he or she (as the case may be) represents and warrants that (as applicable) he or she has read and understood the terms of the Company's Privacy Notice.
Each investor acknowledges that by submitting personal data to the Registrar (acting for and on behalf of the Company) where the investor is not a natural person it represents and warrants:
Where the investor acts for or on account of an underlying data subject or otherwise discloses the personal data of an underlying data subject, he/she/it shall, in respect of the personal data it processes in relation to or arising in relation to the Initial Placing or the Placing Programmes:
The Company consents to the use of this Prospectus by Intermediaries in connection with any subsequent resale or final placement of the Issue Shares in the UK in relation to the Offer only by Intermediaries who are appointed by the Company, a list of which will appear on the Company's website.
Such consent is given for the offer period which is from the date any Intermediaries are appointed to participate in connection with any subsequent resale or final placement of the Issue Shares until the closing of the period for the subsequent resale or final placement of the Issue Shares at 11:00 a.m. on 15 October 2019, being the date upon which the Offer closes, unless closed prior to that date.
Any intermediary that uses this Prospectus must state on its website that it uses this Prospectus in accordance with the Company's consent and the conditions attached thereto. Any application made by investors to any intermediary is subject to the terms and conditions imposed by each intermediary.
Information on the terms and conditions of any subsequent resale or final placement of Issue Shares by any intermediary is to be provided at the time of the offer by the intermediary.
The Company accepts responsibility for the information in this Prospectus with respect to any subscriber for Issue Shares pursuant to any subsequent resale or final placement of Issue Shares by Intermediaries appointed by the Company.
Kepler Partners LLP has been engaged as an adviser to the Company in relation to the Intermediaries Offer (the "Intermediaries Offer Adviser") and will be responsible for liaising directly with potential financial intermediaries and processing applications made by intermediaries in relation to the Intermediaries Offer.
Any new information with respect to intermediaries unknown at the time of approval of this Prospectus will be available on the Company's website at www.hipgnosissongs.com.
The contents of the Company's website at www.hipgnosissongs.com or the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Company's website or any other website referred to in this Prospectus are not incorporated into, and do not form part of, this Prospectus. Investors should base their decision to invest on the contents of this Prospectus and any supplementary prospectus published by the Company prior to Initial Admission and, where applicable, any Subsequent Admission alone and should consult their professional advisers prior to making an application to acquire Issue Shares.
Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements contained within: (a) EU Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended ("Directive 2014/65/EU"); (b) Articles 9 and 10 of Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2017/593 supplementing Directive 2014/65/EU; and (c) local implementing measures (together, the "MiFID II Product Governance Requirements"), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any "manufacturer" (for the purposes of the MiFID II Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Ordinary Shares and C Shares have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that the Ordinary Shares and C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes are: (i) compatible with an end target market of retail investors and investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in Directive 2014/65/EU; and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by Directive 2014/65/EU (the "Target Market Assessment").
Notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment, distributors should note that: the price of the Ordinary Shares and C Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the Ordinary Shares and the C Shares offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the Ordinary Shares and/or C Shares is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Placing Programme. Furthermore, it is noted that, notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment, the Joint Bookrunners will only procure investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of Directive 2014/65/EU; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Ordinary Shares and/or the C Shares.
Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own Target Market Assessment in respect of the Ordinary Shares and the C Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels.
In accordance with the PRIIPs Regulation, a key information document in respect of an investment in the C Shares and the Ordinary Shares has been prepared by the Company and is available to investors at www.hipgnosissongs.com. If a new class of C Shares is issued under the Placing Programmes, the Company will make available a key information document in relation to such class of C Shares as required under the PRIIPs Regulation.
The Company prepares its financial information under International Financial Reporting Standards (as adopted by the EU) ("IFRS"). The financial information contained or incorporated by reference in this document, including that financial information presented in a number of tables in this document, has been rounded to the nearest whole number or the nearest decimal place. Therefore, the actual arithmetic total of the numbers in a column or row in a certain table may not conform exactly to the total figure given for that column or row. In addition, certain percentages presented in the tables in this document reflect calculations based upon the underlying information prior to rounding, and, accordingly, may not conform exactly to the percentages that would be derived if the relevant calculations were based upon the rounded numbers.
| Publication of this Prospectus | 27 September 2019 |
|---|---|
| Initial Placing, Offer for Subscription and Intermediaries Offer open |
27 September 2019 |
| Latest time and date for applications under the Offer for Subscription/Intermediaries Offer and the payment in full under the Offer for Subscription/Intermediaries Offer and settlement of relevant CREST instructions (as appropriate) |
11:00 a.m. on 15 October 2019 |
| Latest time and date for receipt of placing commitments under the Initial Placing |
12:00 p.m. on 16 October 2019 |
| Publication of results of the Initial Issue | 17 October 2019 |
| Initial Admission and commencement of dealings in the C Shares issued pursuant to the Initial Issue |
22 October 2019 |
| CREST accounts credited | 22 October 2019 |
| Where applicable, definitive share certificates despatched by post |
Approximately two weeks following Initial Admission |
————— 1 The Board may, subject to prior approval from the Joint Bookrunners, bring forward or postpone the closing time and date for the Initial Issue. In the event that such date is changed, the Company will notify investors who have applied for Issue Shares of changes by post, email, or by publication via a RIS.
References to times are to London times.
| Publication of Placing Programme Price in respect of each | As soon as practicable following the |
|---|---|
| Placing of Ordinary Shares* | closing of each Placing |
| Subsequent Admission and crediting of CREST accounts in | As soon as practicable following the |
| respect of each placing | closing of each Placing |
| Share certificates in respect of Issue Shares to be issued pursuant to the Placing Programmes dispatched (if applicable) |
As soon as practicable following the closing of each Placing |
| Last date for Issue Shares to be issued pursuant to the Placing Programmes |
25 September 2020** |
References to times are to London times.
————— 1 The Board may, subject to prior approval from the Joint Bookrunners, bring forward or postpone the closing time and date for the Placing Programme. In the event that such date is changed, the Company will notify investors who have applied for Issue Shares of changes by post, email, or by publication via a RIS.
* unless otherwise determined by the Company and the Joint Bookrunners, the Placing Programme Price for a Placing of C Shares will be set at 100 pence per C Share and will be announced at the same time as a proposed Placing of C Shares is announced.
** or, if earlier, the date on which all of the Issue Shares available for issue under the Placing Programmes have been issued (or such other date as may be agreed between the Joint Bookrunners and the Company (such agreed date to be announced by way of an RIS announcement)).
| Issue Price per C Share | 100 pence |
|---|---|
| Gross Issue Proceeds* | £300 million |
| Net Asset Value per C Share at Initial Admission | 98 pence |
————— * Assuming 300 million C Shares are issued pursuant to the Initial Issue at 100 pence per C Share. The Company is targeting Gross Issue Proceeds of £300 million, subject to a maximum of £500 million. The number of C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue, and therefore the Gross Issue Proceeds and Net Issue Proceeds, is not known as at the date of this Prospectus, but will be notified by the Company via an RIS prior to Initial Admission.
| ISIN for the Ordinary Shares | GG00BFYT9H72 |
|---|---|
| SEDOL for the Ordinary Shares | BFYT9H7 |
| Ticker code for the Ordinary Shares | SONG |
| Company's Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) | 213800XJIPNDVKXMOC11 |
| ISIN for the C Shares to be issued pursuant to Initial Issue | GG00BFYT9663 |
| SEDOL for the C Shares to be issued pursuant to Initial Issue |
BFYT966 |
| Ticker code for the C Shares to be issued pursuant to Initial Issue |
SONC |
Number of Issue Shares that may be issued under the Placing Programmes
Placing Programme Price for Placings of Issue Shares In respect of: (a) Ordinary Shares, at a
up to 1 billion
premium to the latest published NAV per Ordinary Share to be determined by Directors, in their absolute discretion, from time to time; and (b) C Shares, 100 pence per C Share
| Directors | Andrew Sutch (Chairman) Paul Burger Simon Holden Andrew Wilkinson |
|---|---|
| Registered Office | P.O. Box 286, Floor 2, Trafalgar Court, Les Banques, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 4LY |
| Investment Adviser | The Family (Music) Limited 4th Floor, East Wing, Chancery House, 53-64 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1QS |
| Financial adviser, sponsor and Joint Bookrunner and joint broker |
Nplus1 Singer Advisory LLP 1 Bartholomew Lane London EC2N 2AX |
| Joint Bookrunner and joint broker |
J.P. Morgan Securities plc 25 Bank Street London E14 5JP |
| Fund Administrator and Company Secretary |
Estera International Fund Managers (Guernsey) Limited P.O. Box 286, Floor 2, Trafalgar Court, Les Banques, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 4LY |
| Receiving Agent | Computershare Investor Services PLC The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road Bristol BS13 8AE |
| Registrar | Computershare Investor Services (Guernsey) Limited 1st Floor, Tudor House, Le Bordage, St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 1DB |
| Reporting Accountants and Auditors |
PricewaterhouseCoopers Cl LLP Royal Bank Place, 1 Glategny Esplanade, St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 2HJ |
| Legal advisers to the Company | Herbert Smith Freehills LLP Exchange House, Primrose Street London EC2A 2EG |
| Legal advisers to the Company (as to Guernsey law) |
Ogier (Guernsey) LLP Redwood House, St Julian's Avenue, St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 1WA |
| Legal advisers to the Joint Bookrunners |
Stephenson Harwood LLP 1 Finsbury Circus London EC2M 7SH |
| Principal Bankers | Barclays Bank PO Box 41, Le Marchant House St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 3BE |
| Preferred Portfolio Administrator |
Kobalt Music Services Limited The River Building 1 Cousin Lane London EC4R 3TE |
| Intermediaries Offer Adviser | Kepler Partners LLP 9/10 Savile Row London W1S 3PF |
The Company is a closed-ended investment company registered with the Guernsey Financial Services Commission under the Registered Collective Investment Scheme Rules 2018 and the Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 1987, as amended. The Company makes its investments directly or indirectly through a number of wholly owned subsidiary companies incorporated in Guernsey or the UK (or in both jurisdictions).
The Company offers pure-play exposure to Songs and associated musical intellectual property rights. The Company is self-managed, with strategic investment and risk management decisions being taken by its Board.
Pursuant to its IPO in July 2018, the Company issued 202,176,800 Ordinary Shares at £1.00 each and raised gross proceeds of £202.18m. The Ordinary Shares were admitted to trading on the Specialist Fund Segment.
On 25 October 2018, the Company declared its first interim dividend in respect of the financial period ended 30 September 2018 of 0.50 pence per Ordinary Share payable to Shareholders on the register as at 2 November 2018 with an associated ex-dividend date of 1 November 2018 and a payment date of 29 November 2018.
On 23 January 2019, the Company declared an interim dividend in respect of the financial period ended 31 December 2018 of 0.50 pence per Ordinary Share payable to Shareholders on the register as at 1 February 2019 with an associated ex-dividend date of 31 January 2019 and a payment date of 28 February 2019.
The audited NAV per Ordinary Share as at 31 March 2019 was 103.27p. The audited IFRS NAV per Ordinary Share as at 31 March 2019 was 98.21p.
On 17 April 2019, the Company issued an additional 138,750,000 Ordinary Shares at an issue price of 102 pence per Ordinary Share, raising gross proceeds of approximately £141.5 million.
On 25 April 2019, the Company declared an interim dividend in respect of the financial period ended 31 March 2019 of 1.25 pence per Ordinary Share payable to Shareholders on the register as at 3 May 2019 with an associated ex-dividend date of 2 May 2019 and a payment date of 31 May 2019.
On 24 June 2019, the Company declared an interim dividend in respect of the financial period ended 30 June 2019 of 1.25 pence per Ordinary Share payable to Shareholders on the register as at 2 August 2019 with an associated ex-dividend date of 1 August 2019 and a payment date of 30 August 2019.
On 29 August 2019, the Company issued an additional 48,429,541 Ordinary Shares at an issue price of 105.5 pence per Ordinary Share, raising gross proceeds of approximately £51.1 million. Following admission of such Ordinary Shares to trading on the Specialist Fund Segment, the Company had 389,356,341 Ordinary Shares in issue
On 25 September 2019, the Company's Ordinary Shares were migrated from the Specialist Fund Segment to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange and were admitted to listing on the premium listing category of the Official List of the FCA.
Since the Company's IPO, in accordance with its Investment Objective and Policy, the Company has acquired 27 Catalogues consisting of 7,475 Songs producing predictable long term cash flows which are uncorrelated to equity markets and global economic performance. For further details of the Company's portfolio, see paragraph 3 of this Part I (Information on the Company).
The Fund Entities have appointed The Family (Music) Limited as their Investment Adviser. The Investment Adviser is responsible for sourcing Catalogues or individual Songs and making recommendations to the Board on the Company's acquisition of Catalogues. The Investment Adviser is also responsible for managing the Songs acquired by the Company on an ongoing basis, creating opportunities to increase royalty income and maximise the earning potential of the Company's Songs, and for regularly monitoring royalty collection agents and portfolio administrators appointed by the Company.
The Investment Adviser was founded by Merck Mercuriadis, former manager of globally successful recording artists such as Elton John, Guns N' Roses, Morrissey, Iron Maiden, Nile Rodgers and Beyoncé, and hit songwriters such as Diane Warren, Justin Tranter and The-Dream, and former CEO of The Sanctuary Group plc.
The Company, through its relationship with the Investment Adviser and its Advisory Board, has access to a significant network of relationships in the music industry, particularly with songwriters, producers and recording artists. Utilising these relationships, the Investment Adviser has identified a number of Catalogues from well-known songwriters, recording artists and producers which are well suited to the Company's investment strategy.
Pursuant to the Initial Issue, the Company is seeking to raise £300 million through the issue of 300 million C Shares at an issue price of 100 pence each.
Though no binding agreements have been entered into as at the date of this Prospectus, the Investment Adviser is undertaking due diligence on, or is in advanced discussions for the Company, subject to Board approval, to acquire, Catalogues with a combined value of approximately £1 billion, of which the Investment Adviser has agreed exclusivity arrangements in respect of 9 Catalogues, with an aggregate value of approximately £300 million.
Applications will be made for all of the C Shares issued pursuant to the Initial Issue to be admitted to trading on the Main Market and to listing on the premium listing category of the Official List (the "Initial Admission"). It is expected that Initial Admission will become effective and that dealings in the C Shares will commence at 8.00 a.m. on 22 October 2019.
Applications will be made to the London Stock Exchange and to the FCA at such times as the Company may determine in its sole discretion, for the Issue Shares issued pursuant to the Placing Programmes to be admitted to trading on the Main Market and to listing on the premium listing category of the Official List (each, a "Subsequent Admission"). It is expected that each Subsequent Admission will become effective and dealings in the Issue Shares admitted to trading at such Subsequent Admission will commence on such dates as the Company may determine, in its sole discretion following consultation with the Joint Bookrunners (each such date being a "Subsequent Admission Date"), being no later than the Final Closing Date.
The Company's objective is to provide Shareholders with an attractive and growing level of income, together with the potential for capital growth, from investment in Songs and associated musical intellectual property rights, in accordance with its Investment Policy.
The Company's investment policy is to diversify risk through investment in a Portfolio of Songs and associated musical intellectual property rights (including, but not limited to, master recordings and producer royalties). The Company seeks to acquire 100 per cent. of a songwriter's copyright interest in each Song, which would comprise their writer's share, their publisher's share and their performance rights. In appropriate cases, however, the Company may not acquire all three elements of the songwriter's interest. The Company acquires interests in Songs which are sole authored or co-authored. The Company may also acquire interests in Songs jointly with another purchaser. Each Song is considered by the Company to be a separate asset.
The Company, directly or indirectly via portfolio administrators, enters into licensing agreements, under which the Company receives payments attributable to the copyright interests in the Songs which it owns. Such payments may take the form of royalties, licence fees and/or advance payments, including:
The Company focuses on delivering income growth and capital growth by pursuing efficiencies in the collection of payments and active management of the Songs it owns.
The Company may acquire Songs for consideration consisting of cash, Shares or a combination of cash and Shares, and payment of part of the consideration may be on deferred terms. The Company may acquire Songs or Catalogues directly, or indirectly by acquiring the entity through which such Songs or Catalogues are held.
Whilst the Company does not intend to sell the Songs it owns, it may make disposals of Songs where it considers such a disposal to be in the best interests of Shareholders.
The Company invests its assets and manages the Songs it acquires with the objective of constructing a high quality and diversified Portfolio of Songs. The Company acquires Catalogues from a number of different songwriters, which includes Songs diversified across music genres and sung by numerous recording artists. The Company is subject to the following investment restrictions:
The Company's uninvested capital may be invested in cash, cash equivalents, near cash instruments and money market instruments.
The Company may utilise derivatives for efficient portfolio management. In particular, the Directors may engage in full or partial foreign currency hedging and interest rate hedging. The Company does not, and will not, enter into such arrangements for investment purposes.
The Company may incur indebtedness of up to a maximum of 20 per cent. of its Net Asset Value, calculated at the time of drawdown.
Any material change to the Company's Investment Objective and Policy will be made only with the prior approval of the FCA and the Shareholders by ordinary resolution.
In the event of a material breach of any of the investment restrictions applicable to the Company, Shareholders will be informed of the actions to be taken by the Company through an announcement made via a RIS.
Since the Company's IPO, in accordance with its Investment Objective and Policy, the Company has acquired 27 Catalogues consisting of 7,475 Songs for a total cost of approximately £314 million. This represents a blended average multiple of 12.84 times the average annual income produced by the Songs in the last three years. The current Portfolio contains 1,061 Songs that have held Number 1 positions in the global charts, 4,027 Songs that have held Top 10 chart positions, 15 Grammy Award winners and includes Songs which vintages range from the 1960s through to 2018.
The Portfolio includes Songs which have been performed by globally successful artists including Journey, Eurythmics, Shaun Mendes, Camilla Cabello, Maroon 5, Al Green, Booker T & The MG's, Rudimental, Jess Glynne, One Direction, Mick Jagger, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Chic, Sister Sledge, Diana Ross, Beyonce, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Chainsmokers, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, No Doubt, Gwen Stefani, Sia, David Guetta, Michael Jackson and Santana.
Figure 1 below sets out all Catalogues owned by the Company as at the 25 September 2019 (being the latest practicable date prior to the publication of this Prospectus)
| Figure 1: The Company's Portfolio of Catalogues | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| -- | ------------------------------------------------- | -- | -- |
| Catalogue | Acquisition Date |
Interest Ownership |
Total Songs | Songwriter's copyright interests acquired |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terius Nash (The-Dream) | 11-Jul-18 | 75% | 302 | All copyright interests |
| Jason Boyd (Poo Bear) | 16-Nov-18 | 100% | 214 | All copyright interests |
| Bernard Edwards | 28-Nov-18 | 37.50% | 290 | All copyright interests |
| TMS | 07-Dec-18 | 100% | 121 | Publisher share |
| Tricky Stewart | 17-Dec-18 | 100% | 121 | All copyright interests |
| Giorgio Tuinfort | 03-Jan-19 | 100% | 182 | All copyright interests |
| Itaal Shur | 30-Jan-19 | 100% | 209 | All copyright interests |
| Rico Love | 21-Mar-19 | 100% | 245 | Writers share of performance |
| Sean Garrett | 21-Mar-19 | 100% | 588 | All copyright interests |
| Johnta Austin | 21-Mar-19 | 100% | 249 | All copyright interests |
| Ari Levine | 31-Mar-19 | 100% | 76 | All copyright interests |
| Sam Hollander | 31-Mar-19 | 100% | 499 | All copyright interests |
| Teddy Geiger | 09-Apr-19 | 100% | 6 | All copyright interests |
| Starrah | 23-Apr-19 | 100% | 73 | All copyright interests |
| Dave Stewart | 10-May-19 | 100% | 1,068 | All copyright interests |
| Jamie Scott | 21-May-19 | 100% | 144 | All copyright interests |
| Al Jackson | 30-May-19 | 100% | 185 | All copyright interests |
| Michael Knox | 10-Jun-19 | 100% | 110 | Producer royalties |
| Lyric Catalogue | 12-Jun-19 | 100% | 571 | All copyright interests |
| Brian Kennedy | 12-Jun-19 | 100% | 101 | Publisher share |
| Jon Bellion | 12-Jun-19 | 100% | 180 | All copyright interests |
| Neal Schon | 21-Jun-19 | 100% | 357 | All copyright interests |
| Master recordings royalties and writers | ||||
| Eric Bellinger | 01-Jul-19 | 100% | 242 | share of performance |
| Jason Ingram | 01-Jul-19 | 100% | 462 | All copyright interests |
| Andy Marvel | 26-Jul-19 | 100% | 740 | Writer share of performance |
| Benny Blanco | 07-Aug-19 | 100% | 93 | All copyright interests |
| The Chainsmokers | 20-Aug-19 | 100% | 47 | All copyright interests |
————— Source: The Family (Music) Limited, August 2019 Figure 2 below sets out a breakdown of income generated from the Songs (excluding post-2016 releases) in the Company's Portfolio as at 31 August 2019 by income stream for the prior three years ended 31 December 2016, 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2018:


————— Source: The Family (Music) Limited, August 2019. The information contained in this figure relates to the income from such Songs received during a period before the Company's ownership of those Songs.
Figure 4 below illustrates the diversity of the highest income earning Songs in the year ended 31 December 2018 which include Songs from 25 of the 27 Catalogues acquired. These Songs were performed by 63 artists (excluding cover versions) and represent 9 different genres of music. Figure 3 below sets out an analysis of the 2018 income generated by these topearning Songs across each of their music genres.
The Portfolio's income is earned across a diverse range of countries with 64 per cent. of the Company's revenue generated from the U.S. in the financial period ended 31 March 2019, 15 per cent. from the UK, 4 per cent. from Australia and with revenue also being received from a further 52 countries, including Germany, Japan, Canada and Brazil


| R&B / Hip Hop | 31.6% |
|---|---|
| Pop | 25.0% |
| EDM | 21.796 |
| Rock | 12.6% |
| Dance | 4.7% |
| Disco | 1.896 |
| Soul | 1.2% |
| Country | 0.996 |
| Christian | 0.5% |
Source: The Family (Music) Limited. August 2019
—————
Figure 4: Top 150 income earning Songs in 2018
| Song | Catalogue | Original Performing Artist |
Genre | % of 2018 Total Portfolio Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Something Just Like This | The Chainsmokers | The Chainsmokers | EDM | 6.7% |
| Love Yourself | Benny Blanco | Justin Bieber | Pop | 4.7% |
| Castle On The Hill | Benny Blanco | Ed Sheeran | Pop | 4.0% |
| Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This | Dave Stewart | Eurythmics | Rock | 2.8% |
| Closer (Feat. Halsey) | The Chainsmokers | The Chainsmokers | EDM | 2.8% |
| Don't Let Me Down (Feat. Daya) | The Chainsmokers | The Chainsmokers | EDM | 2.7% |
| Don't stop believin' | Neal Schon | Journey | Rock | 2.0% |
| Needed Me | Starrah | Rihanna | R&B / Hip Hop | 1.9% |
| What Do You Mean | Poo Bear | Justin Bieber | R&B / Hip Hop | 1.7% |
| Stitches | Teddy Geiger | Shawn Mendes | Pop | 1.5% |
| Paris | The Chainsmokers | The Chainsmokers | EDM | 1.3% |
| Would I Lie To You | Dave Stewart | Eurythmics | Rock | 1.2% |
| HandClap | Sam Hollander | Fitz and the Tantrums | Rock | 1.2% |
| Roses | The Chainsmokers | The Chainsmokers | EDM | 1.2% |
| Locked Out Of Heaven | Ari Levine | Bruno Mars | R&B / Hip Hop | 1.1% |
| Titanium | Giorgio Tuinfort | David Guetta | Dance | 1.1% |
| Treat You Better | Teddy Geiger | Shawn Mendes | Pop | 1.0% |
| What Lovers Do | Starrah | Maroon 5 | R&B / Hip Hop | 1.0% |
| Cold Water | Benny Blanco | major lazer | Pop | 1.0% |
| Eric B for President: Term 1 (Explicit) | Eric Bellinger | Eric B | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.9% |
| Fake Love | Starrah | Drake | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.9% |
| Baby | Tricky Stewart | Justin Bieber | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.8% |
| Issues | Benny Blanco | Julia Michaels | Pop | 0.8% |
| When I Was Your Man | Ari Levine | Bruno Mars | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.8% |
| All Time Low | Jon Bellion | Jon Bellion | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.7% |
| Let's Stay Together | Al Jackson | Al Green | Soul | 0.7% |
| Where Are Ü Now | Poo Bear | Srillex and Diplo | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.7% |
| Just The Way You Are | Ari Levine | Bruno Mars | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.7% |
| There Must Be An Angel Playing | Dave Stewart | Eurythmics | Rock | 0.7% |
| % of 2018 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Performing | Total Portfolio |
|||
| Song | Catalogue | Artist | Genre | Income |
| Don't Wanna Know | Benny Blanco | Maroon 5 | Pop | 0.7% |
| Smooth | Itaal Shur | Santana | Rock | 0.7% |
| Happier | Benny Blanco | Ed Sheeran | Pop | 0.7% |
| Trumpets | Jon Bellion | Jason Derulo | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.6% |
| Baby | The Dream | Justin Bieber | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.6% |
| Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) | The Dream | Beyonce | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.6% |
| Treasure | Ari Levine | Bruno Mars | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.6% |
| All We Know (Feat. Phoebe Ryan) | The Chainsmokers | The Chainsmokers | EDM | 0.6% |
| Now Or Never | Starrah | Halsey | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.6% |
| One Last Time | Giorgio Tuinfort | David Guetta | Dance | 0.5% |
| Dive | Benny Blanco | Ed Sheeran | Pop | 0.5% |
| 2 Phones | Starrah | Kevin Gates | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.5% |
| aSelfie | The Chainsmokers | The Chainsmokers | EDM | 0.5% |
| Supermarket Flowers | Benny Blanco | Ed Sheeran | Pop | 0.5% |
| There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back | Teddy Geiger | Shawn Mendes | Pop | 0.5% |
| Umbrella | The Dream | Rihanna | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.5% |
| Marry You | Ari Levine | Bruno Mars | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.4% |
| Mercy | Teddy Geiger | Shawn Mendes | Pop | 0.4% |
| Hey Mama | Giorgio Tuinfort | David Guetta | Dance | 0.4% |
| Feels | Starrah | Calvin Harris | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.4% |
| Cold Water | Jamie Scott | major lazer | Pop | 0.4% |
| Great Are You Lord | Jason Ingram | All Sons & Daughters | Christian | 0.4% |
| Now Or Never | Benny Blanco | Halsey | Pop | 0.4% |
| Honest | The Chainsmokers | The Chainsmokers | EDM | 0.4% |
| Havana | Starrah | Camila Cabello | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.4% |
| Holy Grail | The Dream | Jaz Z | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.4% |
| Drag Me Down | Jamie Scott | One Direction | Pop | 0.4% |
| We Are Family | Bernard Edwards | Sister Sledge | Disco | 0.4% |
| You Make It Easy | Michael Knox | Jason Aldean | Country | 0.3% |
| Anyway You Want It | Neal Schon | Journey | Rock | 0.3% |
| Without You | Giorgio Tuinfort | David Guetta | Dance | 0.3% |
| Company | Poo Bear | The Chainsmokers | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.3% |
| Eazy Call (Explicit) | Eric Bellinger | Eric B | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.3% |
| Despacito (feat. Justin Bieber) (Remix) | Poo Bear | Justin Bieber | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.3% |
| Le Freak | Bernard Edwards | Chic | Disco | 0.3% |
| Purpose | Poo Bear | Justin Bieber | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.3% |
| Here Comes The Rain Again | Dave Stewart | Eurythmics | Rock | 0.3% |
| New Man | Benny Blanco | Ed Sheeran | Pop | 0.3% |
| Grenade | Ari Levine | Bruno Mars | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.3% |
| The Lazy Song | Ari Levine | Bruno Mars | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.3% |
| Count On Me | Ari Levine | Bruno Mars | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.3% |
| XO | The Dream | John Mayer | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.3% |
| Me, Myself & I | TMS | G-Eazy x Bebe Rexha | Pop | 0.3% |
| Body | Starrah | Loud Luxury | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.3% |
| Love On Top | The Dream | Beyonce | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.3% |
| Young | The Chainsmokers | The Chainsmokers | EDM | 0.2% |
| Turn Me On | Giorgio Tuinfort | David Guetta | Dance | 0.2% |
| Ride | Tricky Stewart | Ciara | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.2% |
| It Will Rain | Ari Levine | Bruno Mars | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.2% |
| Your love | Tricky Stewart | Nicole Scherzinger | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.2% |
| Story Of My Life | Jamie Scott | One Direction | Pop | 0.2% |
| 1+1 | Tricky Stewart | Beyonce | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.2% |
| % of 2018 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Performing | Genre | Total Portfolio |
|||
| Song | Catalogue Artist |
Income | |||
| Skin Jamie Scott |
RagnBone Man | Pop | 0.2% | ||
| Sick Boy | The Chainsmokers | The Chainsmokers | EDM | 0.2% | |
| Rapper's Delight | Bernard Edwards | The Sugar Hill Gang | Disco | 0.2% | |
| Changing | TMS | Sigma | Pop | 0.2% | |
| Green Onions | Al Jackson | Broker T & the MGs | Soul | 0.2% | |
| Run The World (Girls) | The Dream | Beyonce | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.2% | |
| Children | Poo Bear | Justin Bieber | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.2% | |
| Dance for you | Tricky Stewart | Beyonce | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.2% | |
| This Town | Jamie Scott | Niall Horan | Pop | 0.2% | |
| Dangerous | Giorgio Tuinfort | David Guetta | Dance | 0.2% | |
| Eric B for President: Term 2 (Explicit) | Eric Bellinger | Eric B | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.2% | |
| Life Is Worth Living | Poo Bear | Justin Bieber | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.2% | |
| Rearview Town | Michael Knox | Jason Aldean | Country | 0.2% | |
| Benny Blanco, | |||||
| LUV | Benny Blanco | Halsey & Khalid | Pop | 0.2% | |
| Mark My Words | Poo Bear | Justin Bieber | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.2% | |
| Sexy B**** | Giorgio Tuinfort | David Guetta | Dance | 0.2% | |
| Don't Be So Hard On Yourself | TMS | Jess Glynne | Pop | 0.2% | |
| Pick Up The Phone | Starrah | Young Thug | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.2% | |
| Good Times | Bernard Edwards | Chic | Disco | 0.2% | |
| No Pressure | Poo Bear | Justin Bieber | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.2% | |
| Setting Fires (Feat. XYLO) | The Chainsmokers | The Chainsmokers | EDM | 0.2% | |
| With you | Johnta Austin | Chris Brown | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.2% | |
| Sweet Escape | Giorgio Tuinfort | Gwen Stefani | Dance | 0.2% | |
| F**** You | Ari Levine | CeeLo Green | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.2% | |
| Yeah | Sean Garrett | Usher | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.2% | |
| Too Much To Ask | Jamie Scott | Niall Horan | Pop | 0.2% | |
| The One | The Chainsmokers | The Chainsmokers | EDM | 0.2% | |
| Upside Down | Bernard Edwards | Diana Ross | Disco | 0.2% | |
| Drowns the Whiskey | Michael Knox | Jason Aldean | Country | 0.2% | |
| No Sense | Poo Bear | Justin Bieber | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.2% | |
| I'm The One | Poo Bear | DJ Khalid | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.2% | |
| Someone To You | Sam Hollander | Banners | Rock | 0.2% | |
| Open Arms | Neal Schon | Journey | Rock | 0.2% | |
| End of Time | The Dream | Beyonce | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.2% | |
| Talking To The Moon (Album Version) | Ari Levine | Bruno Mars | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.2% | |
| Rest Of My Life | Giorgio Tuinfort | Ludacris | Dance | 0.2% | |
| Diva | Sean Garrett | Beyonce | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.1% | |
| Don't Let Go Love | Lyric | En Vogue | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.1% | |
| Disturbia | Brian Kennedy | Rihanna | Pop | 0.1% | |
| GORILLA | Ari Levine | Bruno Mars | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.1% | |
| Monster | Jon Bellion | Rihanna & Eminem | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.1% | |
| Roll Up | Sam Hollander | Wiz Khalifa | Rock | 0.1% | |
| I'm Coming Out | Bernard Edwards | Diana Ross | Disco | 0.1% | |
| She Wolf (Falling to Pieces) | Giorgio Tuinfort | David Guetta | Dance | 0.1% | |
| Birthday Cake | The Dream | Rihanna | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.1% | |
| Turn Me On (Nicki Minaj Version) | Giorgio Tuinfort | Nicki Minaj | Dance | 0.1% | |
| Inside Out | The Chainsmokers | The Chainsmokers | EDM | 0.1% | |
| 1 + 1 | The Dream | Beyonce | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.1% | |
| Waterfalls | Lyric | TLC | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.1% | |
| My Type (Feat. Emily Warren) | The Chainsmokers | The Chainsmokers | EDM | 0.1% | |
| Obsessed | Tricky Stewart | Mariah Carey | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.1% |
| Song | Catalogue | Original Performing Artist |
Genre | % of 2018 Total Portfolio Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | Benny Blanco | Ed Sheeran | Pop | 0.1% |
| Thorn In My Side | Dave Stewart | Eurythmics | Rock | 0.1% |
| Novacane | Tricky Stewart | Frank Ocean | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.1% |
| Runaway Baby | Ari Levine | Bruno Mars | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.1% |
| Night Changes | Jamie Scott | One Direction | Pop | 0.1% |
| Miracle Of Love | Dave Stewart | Eurythmics | Rock | 0.1% |
| Right Now | Giorgio Tuinfort | Rihanna | Dance | 0.1% |
| Sisters Are Doing It For | Dave Stewart | Eurythmics | Rock | 0.1% |
| Trust | Poo Bear | Justin Bieber | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.1% |
| Rockstar | The Dream | Rhianna | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.1% |
| Come Lord Jesus (Even So Come) | Jason Ingram | Travis Cottrell | Christian | 0.1% |
| Faithfully | Neal Schon | Journey | Rock | 0.1% |
| Separate Ways/Worlds Apart | Neal Schon | Journey | Rock | 0.1% |
| Love Without Tragedy | The Dream | Rhianna | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.1% |
| Who's That Chick | Giorgio Tuinfort | David Guetta | EDM | 0.1% |
| Order More | Starrah | G Eazy | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.1% |
| It Won't Kill Ya (Feat. Louane) | The Chainsmokers | The Chainsmokers | EDM | 0.1% |
| Trust Nobody | Starrah | Cashmere Cat | R&B / Hip Hop | 0.1% |
————— Source: The Family (Music) Limited. August 2019
The Investment Adviser has identified 9 Catalogues from well-known songwriters, recording artists and producers which are well suited to the Company's investment strategy and on which the Investment Adviser is undertaking due diligence on, or is in advanced discussions for the Company, subject to Board approval, to acquire (the "Pipeline Catalogues"). No binding agreements have been entered into in respect of the Pipeline Catalogues, although the Investment Adviser has agreed a period of exclusivity with each songwriter (ranging from a period of 30 to 120 days), so there can be no guarantee that the Company will be able to acquire these Pipeline Catalogues, either on Initial Admission or thereafter.
It is expected that, if all 9 Pipeline Catalogues are acquired, the total purchase price will be in the region of £300 million. In addition, the Company is in initial discussions on an expanded pipeline of up to 20 Catalogues with an aggregate purchase price, together with the Pipeline Catalogues, of approximately £1 billion.
The Board and the Investment Adviser believe suitable acquisition opportunities exist which would allow the Net Issue Proceeds to be deployed within 6 months following Initial Admission.
The Company has, since the IPO, paid and intends to continue to pay interim quarterly dividends to Ordinary Shareholders in November, February, May and August of each year. Directors may, in order to maintain the payment of dividends in accordance with the Company's dividend policy, determine to pay dividends from the Company's share premium account. Dividends will be subject to compliance with the solvency test prescribed by Guernsey law.
Whilst not forming part of the Company's Investment Objective and Policy, the Company has a target dividend yield of 5 per cent. per annum on the Ordinary Shares (based on the issue price of the Ordinary Shares at IPO).2
2 The target dividend yield and target total NAV return are targets only and are not profit forecasts. There can be no guarantee that these targets will be met and they should not be taken as an indication of the Company's expected or actual future results. Potential investors should decide for themselves whether or not these targets are reasonable or achievable in deciding whether to invest in the Company.
The Directors may, in their sole discretion, resolve to pay to such holders of any class of C Shares such dividend out of the assets attributable to such class of C Shares as the Directors may determine up to the Conversion Time for such class of C Shares.
The Directors will seek to maintain and grow the dividend over the long term and may offer Shareholders the opportunity to receive dividends in the form of scrip dividends.
Whilst not forming part of the Company's Investment Objective and Policy, the Board will target a total NAV return on the Ordinary Shares of 10 per cent. or more per annum on the issue price of the Ordinary Shares at IPO over the medium term (net of fees and expenses).2
The actual return generated by the Company in pursuing the Investment Objective and Policy depends on a wide range of factors including, but not limited to: finding new opportunities to increase revenues; general conditions in the music industry; the terms of the acquisitions made by the Company; availability of investment opportunities; valuations of Songs and Catalogues; the level of income from the licensing of Songs; general economic and market conditions; and the risks highlighted in the section entitled "Risk Factors" of this Prospectus. Accordingly, investors should not place any reliance on the target dividend yield or the target total NAV return in deciding whether to invest in the Issue Shares.
The audited report and consolidated financial statements of the Group are prepared in Sterling under IFRS on a consolidated basis and will be sent to Shareholders within four months of the year end to which they relate. The Company's annual report and consolidated financial statements are prepared to 31 March each year. Unaudited half yearly reports, made up to 30 September in each year, will be sent to Shareholders within three months of that date.
The audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited half yearly reports will also be available at the registered office of the Fund Administrator and the Company and on the Company's website, www.hipgnosissongs.com.
The Company held its first annual general meeting ("AGM") on 10 September 2019.
The Company has, since its IPO, published and intends to continue to publish its operative Net Asset Value, as calculated in accordance with the process described below, on a semiannual basis. This Net Asset Value will be calculated in Sterling and published by an RIS announcement and also published on the website of the Company at www.hipgnosissongs.com. The Company has, since the IPO, published and intends to continue to publish an IFRS NAV calculated in accordance with IFRS with the Company's annual and half-yearly reports and consolidated financial statements. The Company also intends to publish a quarterly factsheet on its website. The Net Asset Value and IFRS NAV will be audited annually, at the year end.
The Directors believe that the most meaningful NAV for investors is one which is calculated so as to reflect a fair market value for the Company's Catalogues or Songs, but otherwise in accordance with IFRS. In determining this operative Net Asset Value, the Board appoints an independent third party valuer to value each Catalogue or Song owned by the Company on a semi-annual basis. In preparing its valuation the Company's independent valuer takes into account a minimum of three years of historical revenues (normalised) earned by each Catalogue or Song, recent acquisition/bid prices for market transactions for comparable Catalogues, duration of the copyrights, quality of the Songs and other relevant factors as may be agreed between the Board and the Company's independent valuer from time to time.
Under IFRS, the Group consolidates all of its subsidiaries and the value of the gross assets of the Group are calculated by reference to amortised cost for the purchase of Catalogues and Songs. The Company calculates the IFRS NAV by reference to the value of its gross assets from which all liabilities are deducted (including accrued but unpaid fees) in accordance with the accounting policies adopted by the Board.
The Net Asset Values per Ordinary Share is the Net Asset Values attributable to the Ordinary Shares divided by the number of Ordinary Shares in issue at the relevant time. The Net Asset Value per C Share of a class is the Net Asset Values attributable to the C Shares of that class divided by the number of C Shares of that class in issue at the relevant time.
The Directors may at any time, but are not obliged to, temporarily suspend the calculation of the Net Asset Values if:
Any suspension in the calculation of the Net Asset Values will be notified through an RIS as soon as practicable after such suspension occurs.
In the event that the calculation of the Net Asset Values is suspended as described above, trading in the Shares on the Main Market may also be suspended.
The Directors will propose an ordinary resolution that the Company continues its business as a closed-ended investment company (a "Continuation Resolution") at the first AGM of the Company following the fifth anniversary of its IPO. If the Continuation Resolution is passed, the Directors will put a further Continuation Resolution to Shareholders at the AGM of the Company every five years thereafter.
If a Continuation Resolution is not passed, the Directors are required to put forward proposals for the reconstruction, reorganisation or winding-up of the Company to the Shareholders for their approval within six months following the date on which the relevant Continuation Resolution is not passed. These proposals may or may not involve winding-up the Company or liquidating all or part of the Company's then existing portfolio of investments and, accordingly, failure to pass a Continuation Resolution will not necessarily result in the winding-up of the Company or liquidation of all or some of its investments.
The Directors will consider repurchasing Ordinary Shares in the market if they believe it to be in the interest of Shareholders as a whole and as a means of correcting any imbalance between supply and demand for the Ordinary Shares.
The Directors have been granted general authority to purchase in the market up to 14.99 per cent. of the number of Ordinary Shares in issue at its first AGM held on 10 September 2019, with such authority expiring at the conclusion of the Company's next AGM. The Directors intend to seek annual renewal of this authority from the Shareholders at the Company's next AGM.
The timing, price and volume of any buy-back of Ordinary Shares will be at the absolute discretion of the Directors and is subject to the Company having sufficient working capital for its requirements and surplus cash resources available. Ordinary Shares acquired pursuant to this authority are subject to compliance with the solvency test and any other relevant provisions of the Companies Law.
In the event that the Board decides to repurchase Ordinary Shares, purchases will only be made through the market for cash at prices not exceeding the last reported Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share at the relevant time and such purchases will only be made in accordance with: (a) the Listing Rules, which currently provide that the maximum price to be paid per Share must not be more than the higher of: (i) five per cent. above the average of the midmarket values of the relevant Ordinary Shares for the five Business Days before the purchase is made; or (ii) the higher of: (1) the price of the last independent trade; and (2) the highest current independent bid for a Share on the trading venues where the market purchases by the Company pursuant to the authority conferred by that resolution will be carried out; and (b) the Companies Law, which provides among other things that any such purchase is subject to the Company passing the solvency test contained in the Companies Law at the relevant time.
The Directors will not buy back any C Shares in issue prior to Conversion. Therefore, the Company will not assist any class of C Shares in limiting discount volatility or provide an additional source of liquidity.
Ordinary Shares purchased by the Company may be cancelled or held in treasury (or a combination of both). Ordinary Shares may be reissued from treasury but not at a price per share which would be less than the last reported Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share at the relevant time.
The Company is permitted to hold Shares acquired by way of market purchase in treasury, rather than being obliged to cancel them. A maximum of 10 per cent. of the Shares in issue at the relevant time may be held in treasury. Such Shares may be subsequently cancelled or sold for cash. Holding Shares in treasury would give the Company the ability to sell Shares from treasury quickly and in a cost-efficient manner, and would provide the Company with additional flexibility in the management of its capital base. However, the issue of Shares from treasury will be subject to the Articles and the provisions relating to rights of pre-emption contained therein, further details of which are referred to in paragraph 10 of this Part I (Information on the Company) of this Prospectus. As at the date of this Prospectus, the Company does not hold any Shares in treasury.
Following the Initial Issue, the Directors will have authority to allot further Ordinary Shares and/ or C Shares pursuant to the Placing Programmes following Initial Admission. Further issues of Shares will only be made if the Directors determine such issues to be in the best interests of Shareholders and the Company as a whole. Relevant factors in making such determination include the Company's performance, the discount/premium at which the Ordinary Shares trade to the prevailing Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share, perceived investor demand and investment opportunities. Ordinary Shares will only be issued at prices per Ordinary Share which, after taking into account any issue costs payable in respect of such issues, are not less than the last reported Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share at the relevant time.
There are no provisions of Guernsey law which confer rights of pre-emption in respect of the issue of Shares, but such rights are provided for in the Listing Rules. As such, the Articles contain pre-emption rights in relation to the issue of Shares for cash. Such pre-emption rights have, however, been disapplied, by way of a written special resolution dated 25 June 2018, in respect of up to one billion Ordinary Shares or C Shares for a period concluding immediately prior to the AGM of the Company to be held in 2023 (or, if earlier, five years from the date of the passing of such resolution) so as to assist the Company in managing market demand for Shares through the issue of further Shares. Out of this authority, the Company has issued 389,356,341 Shares as at the date of this Prospectus. Accordingly, the Company has authority to allot and issue a further 610,643,659 Shares over such period as stated above. In addition, the Company will publish a shareholder circular on or around the date of this Prospectus containing a resolution (the "Resolution") to be tabled at an extraordinary general meeting of the Company on or around 17 October 2019 (the "EGM") proposing that pre-emption rights be disapplied in respect of a further one billion Ordinary Shares or C Shares to enable the Company to issue all the Issue Shares comprised in the Placing Programmes. Further, the Directors intend to request that the authority to allot Ordinary Shares or C Shares on a nonpre-emptive basis is renewed at the AGM of the Company to be held in 2023 (or any earlier AGM or extraordinary general meeting as may be required in the event that the disapplication of pre-emption rights have been exhausted) and at each subsequent AGM of the Company.
As set out in Part V (The Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes) of this Prospectus, following Initial Admission, pursuant to the Placing Programmes, the Directors may, at their sole and absolute discretion, decide to carry out one or more Placings after Initial Admission and before the Final Closing Date, should the Board determine that market conditions are appropriate. The Board expects that any Placings pursuant to the Placing Programmes will only be carried out after at least 85 per cent. of the Company's Gross Issue Proceeds following the Initial Issue (or 85 per cent. of the gross proceeds of a Subsequent Placing) has been invested or committed in accordance with the Investment Objective and Policy. The maximum number of Shares that may be issued under the Placing Programmes is 1 billion.
The actual number of new Shares to be issued under the Placings will be determined by the Company (in consultation with the Joint Bookrunners) after taking into account demand for the new Shares. The Placing Programmes are intended to be flexible and may have a number of Interim Closing Dates in order to provide the Company with the ability to issue and allot new Shares over a period of time.
The Articles contain provisions that permit the Directors, subject to Companies Law, to issue one or more classes of C Shares (also known as convertible shares) from time to time. C Shares convert into Ordinary Shares only when a specified proportion of the net proceeds of issuing such C Shares have been invested in accordance with the Company's Investment Policy or, if earlier, within a specified timeframe (prior to which the assets of the Company attributable to such C Shares are segregated from the assets of the Company attributable to the other classes of Shares). The issue of C Shares would therefore permit the Board to raise further capital for the Company in circumstances where the issue of further Ordinary Shares would have the potential to exert "cash drag" on the performance of the Ordinary Shares already in issue pending the deployment of such issue proceed. It is for these reasons that the Issue Shares being issued pursuant to the Initial Issue are C Shares, as further detailed in Part V (The Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes) of this Prospectus.
The C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue or any Subsequent Placing will carry the right to vote in accordance with the Articles. For Shareholder resolutions in respect of amendments to the Articles or in respect of a winding up of the Company, each class of Shares will vote as a separate class. For all other resolutions, the holders of Ordinary Shares and each class of C Shares shall vote as one class.
To the extent permissible by applicable law and the Articles, where the Company has sufficient authority to allot Ordinary Shares and the Ordinary Shares are trading at a premium to NAV, the Company's obligation to pay the Performance Fee will be satisfied by issuing new Ordinary Shares to the Investment Adviser in such aggregate value, calculated by reference to the Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share at the relevant time, as is equal to the Performance Fee due ("Performance Shares"). For more information on the terms and conditions of the issue of Performance Shares, prospective investors should refer to the section entitled "Fees and Expenses" in Part IV (Directors and Administration) of this Prospectus.
The Company may acquire Songs or Catalogues for consideration consisting of cash, Shares or a combination of cash and Shares and part of the consideration may be on deferred terms.
The provisions of Chapter 5 of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (as amended from time to time) ("DTR 5") of the Financial Conduct Authority Handbook apply to the Company on the basis that the Company is a "non-UK issuer", as such term is defined in DTR 5. As such, a person is required to notify the Company of the percentage of voting rights it holds as a holder of Shares and/or C Shares or holds or is deemed to hold through the direct or indirect holding of financial instruments falling within DTR 5 if, as a result of an acquisition or disposal of Shares and/or C Shares (or financial instruments), the percentage of voting rights held by them reaches, exceeds or falls below the relevant percentage thresholds being, in the case of a non-UK issuer, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 50 and 75 per cent. The Directors have, however, determined that, pursuant to the Articles, DTR 5 should be deemed to apply to the Company as though the Company were a UK "issuer" as such term is defined by DTR 5. As such, the relevant percentage thresholds that apply to the Company are 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 per cent. and each 1 per cent. threshold thereafter up to 100 per cent., notwithstanding that in the absence of those provisions of the Articles such thresholds would not apply to the Company.
The Company confirms that it conducts its affairs and intends to continue to conduct its affairs, so that the Shares are "excluded securities" under the FCA's Conduct of Business Sourcebook. This is on the basis that the Company, which is resident outside the EEA, would qualify for approval as an investment trust by the Commissioners for HMRC under sections 1158 and 1159 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 if resident and listed in the United Kingdom. The Shares will not, therefore, be non-mainstream pooled investments. Accordingly, promotion of the Ordinary Shares is not, and the promotion of C Shares will not, be subject to the FCA's restriction on promotion of non-mainstream pooled investments.
The Company conducts its affairs so that the Ordinary Shares and C Shares can be recommended by financial advisers to retail investors in accordance with the rules on distribution of financial instruments under MiFID II. The Directors consider that the requirements of Article 57 of the MiFID II delegated regulation of 25 April 2016 are met in relation to the Ordinary Shares (and will be met in relation to the C Shares) and that, accordingly, the Ordinary Shares and C Shares should be considered "non-complex" for the purposes of MiFID II.
The Company has been advised that the Ordinary Share are, and the C Shares should be, "transferable securities" and, therefore, should be eligible for investment by UCITS or NURS on the basis that: (i) the Company is a self-managed, closed-ended investment company incorporated in Guernsey which is subject to the corporate governance mechanisms of Guernsey company law; and (ii) the Ordinary Shares are, and the C Shares will be, admitted to trading on the Main Market and admitted to listing on the premium listing category of the Official List. The manager of a UCITS or NURS should, however, satisfy itself that the Shares are eligible for investment by that UCITS or NURS, including the factors relating to that UCITS or NURS itself, specified in the Collective Investment Scheme Sourcebook of the FCA Handbook.
This Part II (Market Background, Investment Strategy and Approach) of this Prospectus contains the Investment Adviser's current assessment of a complex and evolving market by reference to which the Company has adopted its Investment Objective and Policy, and also sets out the investment strategy and approach which the Investment Adviser and the Board will follow when implementing the Investment Objective and Policy.
Intellectual property is the framework which underpins the economics of the music industry and copyright is the currency of that framework. The economic value of music flows from the copyright associated with original works, their performance and dissemination and the royalties which accrue from these events. These rights shape and underpin the multiple commercial deals that take place within the music industry every day. The rights associated with copyright ownership are defined within national copyright laws which are, in large part, shaped by international treaties. Copyright law establishes the rights conferred on songwriters of original works, and those who perform them, as well as those who support their widespread dissemination (i.e. record companies and broadcasters).
Copyright protection arises once a musical work has been created. A musical work constitutes musical notes (with lyrics, where relevant) written down, arranged or recorded and exploitation of musical notes, lyrics or works triggers the payment of royalties. Unlike other forms of intellectual property, music royalties have a strong linkage to individuals. There is no formal obligation to register a work with a national authority, although in some countries, such as the U.S., registering a work with the U.S. Copyright Office enables the copyright owner to claim a higher level of damages against someone who is found to have infringed that copyright and to recover legal costs. The Company intends to register the musical works it owns or acquires in order to protect its copyright ownership to the extent legally permissible and where the Investment Adviser and the Board considers it to be commercially prudent to do so.
Royalty payment obligations are based on the value of music sales. Royalties will accrue to a songwriter, as owner of the copyright in the Song, or a subsequent owner of the copyright (e.g. the Company), when that Song is played, published or used (as further detailed below).
Royalties have historically been regarded as investable assets due to their attractive, consistent and protected cash flows and the fact that those returns are uncorrelated to equity or fixed income markets. These income streams are protected by copyright law. For example, in the UK and as at today, copyright in written, dramatic and musical work endures for 70 years after the death of the last co-songwriter, and copyright in a sound and music recording endures for 70 years from first production. The appeal of royalties as an investment has increased significantly as the majority of all hit Songs are now co-written by someone other than the recording artist. As such, it might be argued that there exists currently an "era of the song" rather than it being an "era of the artist". With the rise in televised talent shows, increase in cover bands and cover versions of Songs and increased usage of music in everyday lives, ownership of the copyright to a proven Song can result in steady royalty payments.
An investor typically pays a fixed amount to the songwriter (or a subsequent owner of the copyright) to acquire the copyright in Songs. This entitles the investor to receive the corresponding royalty payments either for the duration of the copyright or for some lesser agreed specified period.
Global recorded music revenues peaked historically in 1999 at US\$29 billion after which there was a 15 year decline, with a corresponding decline in royalty income for songwriters, which occurred as a result of value destruction led by piracy.
In recent years, significant evolutionary changes in the global music industry driven by technology advances have dramatically altered the position. Primarily attributable to a rapid transition from an era of piracy and illegal downloading to one of chargeable streaming and cloud-based services, commentators estimate that the downward revenue trend has been reversed so as to position the industry at a tipping point where revenues are rising and could by 2027 once3 again have reached their 1999 peak levels (in nominal terms). In the first half of 2019, the U.S. recorded music market continued the overall trends and double digit growth rates of 2018. Revenue increases were driven by the number of paid subscriptions exceeding 60 million for the first time. Total revenues grew 18 per cent. to US\$5.4 billion at the retail value level (being the value of shipments at recommended or estimated list price) in the first half of 2019. At the wholesale value level (being formats with no retail value equivalent), revenues rose 16 per cent. to US\$3.5 billion. Streaming music accounted for 80 per cent. of the U.S. recorded music market revenues, with revenues from streaming from such U.S. recorded music growing by 26 per cent. to US\$4.3 billion for the first half of 20194 . The popularity of DSPs is underscored by recent, and projected, increases in paid streaming subscribers: (i) Spotify passed 100 million paid subscribers worldwide in April 2019, which is a 32 per cent. increase from the previous year (ii) Apple Music is reported to have approximately 50 million paid subscribers as at April 2019, as compared with approximately 40 million as at May 20185 ; and (iii) commentators predict that there will be 950 million paid streaming subscribers by 2022.
In addition, the payouts to songwriters or copyright owners have increased. In January 2018, the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board ruled to increase songwriter rates for interactive streaming by 44 per cent. by 2023, though, as set out further in the Risk Factor entitled "A limited number of DSPs significantly influence the pricing structure for online music stores" on page 16, this decision is subject to appeal from certain DSPs.
An opportunity exists to acquire Catalogues containing proven hit Songs at prices which the Investment Adviser considers to be attractive having regard to the long term royalty revenue potential of the underlying Songs.
There are high barriers to entry in relation to the acquisition and active management of Catalogues. In the Investment Adviser's view, the market experience, reputation and relationships of the Investment Adviser's Team and its Advisory Board has enabled it, and should continue to enable it, to overcome those barriers, so as to position the Company as an attractive potential purchaser of Catalogues from songwriters or assorted owners of music intellectual property rights who are selective to whom they are willing to sell. Further, the Investment Adviser believes that the combination of its expertise and the expertise of the portfolio administrators the Company works, and intends to work, with, has resulted in the Company being well-positioned to manage the Songs it owns successfully, increasing royalty collection, improving the speed and accuracy of collection of royalty income, and improving synch placement of the Songs.
All of the major music publishing houses are reporting strong growth in revenues and attributing this to streaming growth. In 2018 Universal, Sony, and Warner generated a combined US\$6.93 billion from streaming – an increase of approximately 31 per cent. compared to 2017. Across all income types the 'Big Three' earned a combined US\$13.14 billion, which was an increase of approximately 8 per cent. compared to 20176 .
This is now having a material impact on the valuation of such major publishing house, with the Chinese media giant Tencent Holdings Limited being reported to have entered into discussions to buy 10 per cent. of Universal Music Group at a valuation of approximately US\$34 billion on a fully-diluted basis7 , which represents a significant increase when compared to the same company's reported valuation of US\$22 billion as at April 20178 .
3 Goldman Sachs report 2019 4 http://www.riaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Mid-Year-2019-RIAA-Music-Revenues-Report.pdf 5 https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/29/18522297/spotify-100-million-users-apple-music-podcasting-free-users-advertisingvoice-speakers 6 https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/the-major-labels-generated-over-1-5bn-more-from-streaming-in-2018-than-they-did-
in-the-previous-year/ 7 https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/tencent-in-talks-to-buy-10-of-universal-music-group/
8 https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-music-group-valued-at-22bn-three-times-what-it-was-worth-in-2013/
After a 15 year decline in music revenues influenced by piracy and illegal downloading, global revenues from recorded music have steadily increased since 2014.9 Certain commentators forecast that by 2027 revenues will once again reach the previous peak of 1999 (in nominal terms).
Music streaming has driven the recent growth in recorded music revenues as the music industry continues to embrace the technology which caused it great damage in the first decade of this Century. The global uptake of broadband and mobile technology, the global penetration of new technology and the proliferation of social networking sites have made music more accessible than ever before. DSPs allow listeners to play music of their choice without the need to download it first. The DSPs pay royalties to the copyright owners of the Songs played via the premium and free service on the DSP's platforms. The establishment and growth of DSPs such as Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, YouTube Music and Pandora, and Amazon Music coupled with innovation in mobile technology, has transformed the way in which music can be accessed. The Investment Adviser believes that the advent of streaming is the single most significant positive change in the music industry since the launch of the Sony Walkman in 1979.
These streaming revenues are substantially replacing revenues from the sale of physical recordings and permanent download revenues. In 2018 global streaming revenues grew by approximately 34 per cent. and now constitutes approximately 47 per cent. of global revenues. In contrast physical and download revenue fell by approximately 10 per cent. and 21 per cent. respectively.10
Further advances in technology aimed at simplifying streaming and increasing ease of use can reasonably be expected to drive growth in streaming revenues. Advances in technology have also provided access to particular categories of customers and opened up potentially attractive new markets. For example, older users of the internet (known as "silver-surfers"), have proved to be a lucrative source of additional income. They increasingly consume music online whereas they may not have visited high-street stores to buy physical music records or CDs.
Many commentators in the industry advocate that as the Song is no longer restricted by formats used by the record industry, this provides opportunities for new partnerships to monetise the use of music. The delivery of a direct-to-consumer personalised service with music as a key constituent is increasingly being established as a revenue source with "buildyour-own playlists" or "favourites" indicating this is a marketplace that can be monetised further.
A songwriter may be able to realise further revenues from their Songs by licensing them for use in films, advertisements, TV shows, video blogs or video games. This is known as synchronisation, a phrase which dates back to the early days of the "talkie" films, when music was first synchronised with film. There is a growth in revenues from synchronisation primarily driven by the increase in DSPs, multimedia sales of films and TV shows through DVDs and the continued growth in popularity of video games. Publishers are also entitled to participate in any synchronisation fee, and any split will depend on the ratio negotiated between the songwriter and the publisher. The Company will, however, seek to acquire both the writer's share and publisher's share of the rights to the synchronisation fee and therefore, in most cases, the synchronisation fee will not have to be split.
Music is often used to enhance advertising. Over the past few years, the John Lewis' Christmas advert has provided many examples of successful synchs, with the advert becoming known for its chosen background song. This is often a cover of a popular, older song. The YouTube clip of John Lewis' 2016 "Buster" advert has received over 1 billion views, each of which generated a royalty payment for the songwriter and the publisher. The "Buster" advert
9 IFPI Global Music Report 2018
10 IFPI Global Music Report 2018
included a cover of Randy Crawford's 1980s hit "One Day I'll Fly Away", demonstrating the potential to drive revenues from old Songs. Previous covers include: (i) Keane's 2004 hit "Somewhere Only We Know", which was covered by Lily Allen and used in John Lewis' 2013 advert; and (ii) the lesser known John Lennon song, "Real Love", covered by Tom Odell and used in John Lewis' 2014 advert. The 2014 advert is a good example of using a lesser-known Song from an established songwriter to generate revenues by way of granting a licence to a popular modern recording artist to cover the Song, and then using it in a popular advertisement. In 2018, John Lewis opted to use "Your Song", performed by Elton John. Whilst breaking the mould of covering famous old songs, this advert still generated over 13 million hits on YouTube for a song that was originally released in 1970, proving that the advert can be used to rekindle, or at least maintain, popularity of old songs.
Synchronisation can also benefit emerging recording artists where management of their Songs through active placement can generate significant income even in the early stages of a career. An example of this is the Tom Odell cover of John Lennon's song in the John Lewis advert, referred to above.
The Investment Adviser uses its extensive network of relationships with broadcasting networks, TV studios and advertising agencies to create synchronisation opportunities for the Company and enable it to increase its income. Having a diversified Portfolio of Songs enables the Company to capitalise on multiple synch opportunities.
Typically songwriters will be protective over the use of their Songs. Accordingly, even if they want to sell they will be very selective about who they sell to. They will want to know the buyer understands their values and will treat their songs with respect. This plays into the hands of the Investment Adviser in being able to secure opportunities to invest in "off market" Catalogues for the Company, due to its strong industry relationships and experience.
It is estimated that there is in excess of 2,200 recorded versions of the Beatles' Song, "Yesterday", with royalties being payable in respect of each to the songwriters, Sir Paul McCartney and John Lennon, pursuant to the copyright law that protects songwriters. Popular contemporary recording artists frequently cover older songs. For example, Leonard Cohen's song "Hallelujah", covered by Jeff Buckley in 1994, also benefited from a placement in the film "Shrek". It has now been covered over 90 times and finally entered the American Billboard Hot 100 in 2016, 32 years after it was written. Notable synchronisation deals were delivered across the Portfolio in the prior financial year ending 31 March 2019, particularly from The-Dream Catalogue which included the Beyoncé Song "XO" which was licensed to Louis Vuitton. The Bernard Edwards Catalogue is one of the Company's most synchronised Catalogues and has earned synchronisation revenues of more than US\$750,000 in the prior 12 months of received statements, with the Company's share of such revenues being 37.5 per cent. Recent synchronisation examples include a six figure license for "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)" that was approved by the Company in September 2019 and the Sam Hollander song "High Hopes" which received 14 license requests within August 2019 alone.
Where a mainstream recording artist samples or interpolates part of a Song, it is common for that recording artist to obtain prior authorisation from the songwriters or publishers of that Song. Parties typically negotiate a payment for the use of such a sample, either by way of a one-off payment or a share of the future royalties. However, payments are not necessarily agreed before a Song is sampled or interpolated. On occasion payments are agreed at a later date by way of settlement, particularly where a sample has been used without the songwriter's prior permission. For example, Vanilla Ice sampled the bassline of the 1981 Song "Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie in his hit Song, "Ice Ice Baby". Vanilla Ice, whose real name is Rob Van Winkle, claimed in a 2006 interview that he subsequently paid Freddie Mercury and David Bowie an undisclosed sum and added their names to the credits of the Song. In March 2017, Ed Sheeran added the co-songwriters of TLC's "No Scrubs", Kandi Burruss and Tameka Cottle, its producer, Kevin Briggs, to the writing credits of his recent hit Song "Shape of You", following reports of a similarity in lyrical rhythm between the two Songs. As co-songwriters, Kandi Burruss, Tameka Cottle and Kevin Briggs will be entitled to an undisclosed share of past and future revenues due in respect of Ed Sheeran's hit Song.
There remains a number of growth opportunities to capitalise on royalty income:
Royalty payments, whether negotiated individually or as part of industry-wide arrangements, are effectively licence fees for a permitted use of material which is subject to copyright.
As the owner of the copyright in a Song, a songwriter is entitled to a royalty publishing payment each time that Song is played, published or otherwise used. A songwriter's publishing royalty, the "writer's share", is distinct from the royalty payable to the publisher of that Song, the "publisher's share". Until such time as a songwriter enters into a publishing arrangement with a publishing company both the writer's share and the publisher's share will be paid to the songwriter. When administration or co-publishing arrangements come to an end the entire publisher's share will revert to the songwriter. Figure 5, set out below, provides details of the different types of royalty payment that the Company can expect to receive.
| Type of licence and associated royalty |
Background | Explanation and How it works | Rates | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical licences and royalties |
Originally, a recording was reproduced mechanically using mechanical piano rolls. The licence to reproduce the song on a sound recording is accordingly called a mechanical licence. |
If a record company wishes to record or reproduce a performance of a Song, it must obtain permission from the songwriter, the publisher or the person who administers the Song. The record company will then pay a licence fee to the owner of the rights in the song. The fee for this is the mechanical royalty. |
This is either fixed by negotiation between representatives of the record and publishing companies in the country concerned or set by law or legal tribunal. In the UK, the current licence fee on physical CDs is 8.5 per cent. of the dealer price of the CD. |
|
| This remains a major source of income for owners of copyright, and is triggered when a copy of a Song is made, whether physical (e.g. CDs, DVDs) or digital (e.g. permanent downloads, streaming, webcast); |
||||
| In the UK, the mechanical royalty rate for digital downloads or streaming is 8 per cent. of gross revenues of the relevant DSP. |
||||
| In the U.S., the minimum statutory rate for mechanical royalties (both physical and permanent digital downloads) is set at 9.1 cents per composition or 1.75 cents per minute (for songs over 5 minutes). |
||||
| However, in the U.S., the royalties due when a Song is streamed are calculated by reference to an agreed proportion of the gross revenues earned by the relevant DSP. The |
Figure 5: Music royalties and licence fees for song exploitation
earned by the relevant DSP. The Song copyright owners' proportion of the gross revenues is split between mechanical and performance royalties. Each element of the revenues is divided by the total number of plays across all Songs through
| Type of licence and associated royalty |
Background | Explanation and How it works | Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| the relevant DSP, with the Song copyright owner being paid a royalty per play of each Song. |
|||
| In January 2018, the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board ruled to increase songwriter rates for interactive streaming by 44% by 2023, though it is noted that certain DSPs are challenging this increase. |
|||
| Synchronisation licences and fees |
This licence is called a synchronisation licence because it gives the right to synchronise music with visual images (e.g. TV and video games). Synchronisation fees have become much more important as a source of revenues with the rise in advertising agencies using music creatively to enhance advertising. |
An advertising agency, film/TV production company or other end customer will pay a synchronisation fee to the publisher or the owner of the copyright (depending on the arrangement). |
In some countries, there is a fixed rate for synchronisation licences although in most cases, this is agreed on a case-by-case basis. |
| Performance licences and royalties |
This is the right to publicly perform or broadcast a song. This includes live concerts, playing music in shops, in restaurants, on the radio, on TV, and in clubs or bars. |
Songwriters will register with PRS or another PRO, recording their proportionate entitlement to the royalties which are due in respect of such performances. Performance rights royalties largely come from licences taken out by broadcasters, shops, restaurants, clubs and bars etc. In the UK, these are known as "blanket licences" issued by PRS or another PRO. |
The share of the royalty due to the songwriter members of PRS is paid out four times per year after the PRS (or other PROs) has deducted its administration fee. PRS will pay each songwriter based on the proportions recorded in PRS's systems. The PRS rules require that at least six-twelfths (i.e. 50 per cent.) of the performing income is paid to the songwriter (or owner of the copyright in the Song) directly. |
| Print rights | Although not as significant today, there is also the right to issue licences for a song to be reproduced in printed form as sheet music. |
||
| Grand Rights | This is the right to use songs in theatrical stage productions and musicals. |
These deals may be based on a flat fee income and/or share of box office (and also may include |
income from spin-offs, e.g. cast albums).
In the U.S., the rates for interactive streams and limited downloads are determined by a number of factors, including: service offering type, licensee type, service revenues, recorded content expense, and applicable performance royalty expense. Against the background of the statutory royalty rates the DSPs, such as Spotify and Apple Music, have agreed medium term gross revenues sharing arrangements with the sound recording owners and the copyright owner of the relevant Songs (either directly with the songwriter/publisher or indirectly through the relevant PRO) under which the record companies and the songwriters and publishers receive specified proportions of each DSP's gross revenues. The record companies currently receive around 58 per cent. and the Song copyright owners around 12 or 13 per cent. of those gross revenues, dependent on the DSP and the nature of the service: paid subscription, free or advertisement-supported. The Song copyright owners' portion of the gross revenues is then divided broadly equally between mechanical and performance royalties, with each element of the royalty revenues being divided by the total number of plays across all Songs through the relevant DSP so as to generate a royalty per play, which is then paid proportionately to the relevant Song copyright owners of each Song played.
For all countries that are signatories to the Berne Convention, an original work is protected for a minimum of 50 years after the songwriter's death, but in other jurisdictions that figure can be 70 years or more. In the UK, U.S. and Australia, copyright in most works (for example, written and musical) in a Song lasts for 70 years after the death of the songwriter or last living cosongwriter. Unpublished works may also attract different copyright rules. In the U.S., the copyright duration rules are more complicated for works created before 1978 or in respect of certain works. In addition, whilst the copyright duration in the UK for sound and music recordings is 70 years from first publication, copyright duration in sound and music recordings is more variable across other jurisdictions.
Songs which perform well in the U.S. and the UK generally perform well internationally and generate royalties all over the world. This is in spite of the Song being in the English language. The songwriter may grant a licence for their work to be translated into different languages in return for a fee. Further, a combination of technology adoption and improved legal and regulatory environments for enforcement of intellectual property rights worldwide may be expected to lead to an increase in royalty revenues earned from other countries, including those which are currently emerging markets. In 2015, recorded music sales in emerging markets accounted for only 10 per cent. of global recorded music sales and this share can be reasonably expected to increase. For example, Chinese online music users are projected to reach 570 million in 2018 as compared with 500 million in 2015.
In the music industry a portfolio administrator may wish to make an offer to a songwriter to administer his or her Catalogue and, as part of that bid, will often offer to pay advances to songwriters. In such circumstances, the portfolio administrator will off-set the future royalties received in respect of such Song or Catalogue against the value of the advance payment. The advance payment is not normally refundable, provided that the songwriter fulfils their part of the contract, so if the Song or Catalogue fails to generate revenues above the value of the advance payment, the songwriter will not be obliged to repay the advance payment. Any royalties received above the amount of the advance payment will still be paid to the songwriter, after deduction of the portfolio administrator's fees. As such, advance payments are seen as upside-only, providing the songwriter with cash up-front, whilst ensuring that the songwriter will also benefit from any success the Song or Catalogue has over and above the value of the advance payment.
Figure 6 below sets out an overview of the various revenue streams that the Company expects to receive by way of mechanical royalties, performance royalties and synchronisation fees. It is expected that, following the acquisition of each Song, the Company will step into the songwriter's position with regard to the collection of their share of the royalties and payments (which could comprise their writer's share, their publisher's share and/or their performance rights) due in respect of each Song.

————— Source: The Family (Music) Limited, March 2019
Following the acquisition of a Song, any of the Fund Entities will enter into a licence or other form of contractual relationship with various counterparties in relation to the royalty and other revenue streams in respect of each Song. These revenue streams are as follows:
Performance Rights Organisations represent the rights and interests of songwriters and publishers. They collect royalties, create collection policies and set royalty rates for the use of music copyrights in the relevant jurisdiction. There are over 120 such rights organisations around the world and most of them have agreements and frameworks in place with each other.
A songwriter will, typically, sign up to only one PRO depending on the location of the songwriter or other personal circumstances or preferences. When a songwriter has contracted with a PRO, all of the songwriter's work goes through that PRO, which will collect, through their arrangements with other PROs, all performance royalties due from the territories covered by those other PROs for onward payment to the songwriter or to the owner of the copyright.
The performance rights organisation in the UK is PRS for Music, comprising PRS and MCPS. PRS collects and pays performance royalties to its members when Songs are broadcast on TV or radio, performed or played in public (whether live or through a recording) or streamed or downloaded. MCPS collects and pays mechanical royalties to its members when Songs are copied as physical products (such as CDs or DVDs), streamed or downloaded, or used as a synch in film, TV or radio. In the U.S., performance royalties are collected by a number of PROs, principally ASCAP or BMI, depending on where the songwriter or publisher registers the copyright to the Song.
The PRO will pay the writer's share of the performance royalties directly to the songwriter, or in this instance directly to the Company. The writer's share is typically 50 per cent. of the gross performance royalty as well as a percentage of the remainder, being the publisher's share of the performance royalty.
The Company is a member of PRS, and has registered with BMI and ASCAP.
Performance royalties, the royalties due when a Song is performed live, is broadcast on TV or radio or is streamed through DSPs, are paid out on a fixed point value basis. Public performance royalties are calculated and distributed on a census basis and sample basis. This value is based on the outlet and the duration of the performance. In the UK, PRS for Music represents members in respect of their performing rights, seeking payment whenever a piece of music is performed or played in any public space or outside of the home.
Mechanical royalties are due when a Song is copied, for example by way of a CD being manufactured. A permanent digital download, or a play of a Song through a DSP, is also a copying of the Song for these purposes. Certain mechanical royalties, known as broadcast mechanical royalties, are also paid on a fixed point value basis. The amounts due to the songwriter will depend on the country in which the royalty is triggered. The amount and terms on which other mechanical royalties are paid varies depending on the type of mechanical royalty. An illustration of the payments due in respect of streaming and downloads are set out in Figure 6 above.
In the UK, MCPS represents its members in respect of their mechanical rights and is responsible for collecting the royalty due whenever a piece of music is reproduced as a physical product. The licensing of MCPS rights is handled by PRS for Music. The major DSPs including YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify, are likely to be licensed on behalf of the Company on a collective basis by PRS and MCPS (in the UK) with the relevant licences covering the utilisation of the Company's Songs by the DSPs across Europe. Smaller DSPs are licensed on behalf of the Company by PRS and MCPS on a local basis. PRS will deduct an administration fee from the Company's share of the relevant royalty. This fee is then split between PRS for Music and MCPS depending on the type of service. For permanent downloads, for example, MCPS receives 75 per cent. of the fee and PRS for Music receives 25 per cent. whereas for on-demand DSPs (such as Spotify), each of MCPS and PRS for Music receive 50 per cent. of the fee. This licence fee is then paid to the relevant songwriter or publisher, less any administration fee that is retained by PRS for Music (which can range from 2 to 20 per cent., depending on the scope of PRS's role in collecting the royalties). In the United States, BMI and ASCAP collect royalties on a similar basis to PRS and MCPS. In the U.S. there is a set mechanical royalty rate of 9.1 cents per Song for a permanent download or physical sale.
DSPs pay both performance royalties and mechanical royalties every time a Song is streamed. This is because the streaming of a Song is treated as both: (i) a public performance of that Song (similar to the airing of a Song on the radio); and (ii) the making of a copy of that Song (similar to Songs being included in a CD). Accordingly, DSPs are required to pay the performance royalties due, through the relevant local PRO, and the mechanical royalties due, through the relevant portfolio administrator or PRO. For mechanical royalties, the process is similar in most countries worldwide: the retailer (such as iTunes, Spotify or Amazon) will pay the mechanical royalty due to the relevant portfolio administrator or PRO for each Catalogue or Song.
Synchronisation fees, being fees due to the owner of the copyright when a Song is used in a synch (for instance, when music is used in a TV or radio advertisement or as the soundtrack of a video game, or at a corporate event), are negotiated directly between the copyright owner or their publisher, and the licensee. With respect to the Company, such negotiations will usually be undertaken by the Investment Adviser acting on behalf of the Company. The Company will also grant Kobalt and other relevant portfolio administrators permission on a nonexclusive basis to negotiate synchronisation opportunities and fees. Typically, synchronisation fees are paid directly by the licensee without involvement of a rights society.
Performance royalties are paid to a PRO from the underlying end-user, whether that is a radio station, TV station, concert hall or a DSP. The frequency of such payments from the end-user will depend on the relationship with the PRO and varies between end-users. In many circumstances, royalty payments are accrued by the end-user on a quarterly basis and paid to the PRO the following quarter. However, it is not uncommon for PROs to be paid on a less frequent basis. Certain end-users, such as broadcasters, would pay royalties to PRS across a negotiated, blanket licence, for a fixed term (which is typically for a 12-month period), rather than accruing royalty payments on a quarterly basis. The amount received from PRS, for example, for the duration of such a licence is then paid to the songwriter or publisher applying the relevant fixed point values, and are reconciled following the end of the licence term.
Once a PRO has received a performance royalty from the broadcaster, DSP or overseas PRO, it will account for the writer's share of that performance royalty in the proportions set out against each songwriter or copyright owner for each Song on the PRO's system. Each PRO will accrue the performance royalties due to a songwriter, aggregated across all Songs on that PRO's system, and pay those performance royalties to the relevant party on a regular basis. The frequency of the payments depends on the accrual policy of the relevant PRO as set out in Table 2 below. PRS, for example, accrues performance royalties four times a year, and pays the writer's share four times a year.
| PRS | BMI | ASCAP | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Period | January – March 2019 | Oct. 2018 – March 2019 | January – March 2019 | |
| Payment Dates | TV: July 2019 Radio*: July 2019 Online: October 2019 |
September 2019 September**/October 2019 |
||
| Period | April – June 2019 | January – June 2019 | April – June 2019 | |
| Payment Dates | TV: October 2019 Radio*: October 2019 Online: December 2019 |
January 2020 Dec. 2019**/Jan. 2020 |
||
| Period | July – September 2019 | April – September 2019 | July – September 2019 | |
| Payment Dates | TV: Dec. 2019/April 2020** Radio: December 2019 Online: April 2020 |
March 2020 | March**/April 2020 | |
| Period | Oct. – December. 2019 | July – December 2019 | Oct. – December 2019 | |
| Payment Dates | TV: April 2020 Radio*: April 2020 Online: July 2020 |
June 2020 | June**/July 2020 |
| Table 2: The 2019 payment schedules for PRS, BMI and ASCAP | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
————— Source: The Family (Music) Limited, compiled from publicly available data
* includes all performances on the radio, cinema, live (except concerts), background music and music channels.
** denotes the payment date for the publishing rights whereas all other payment dates are in relation to the payment to the songwriters or the owners of the copyright.
*** performances in September 2018 will be paid in April 2019.
For physical copies of music, mechanical royalties are triggered every time a copy of a Song is made, such as through the manufacturing of a CD. In order to copy the Song in this manner, the manufacturer must possess the relevant licence. The payment obligation is typically triggered upon the manufacture of the product, and is calculated by reference to the volume of the product which is to be distributed to the retailer.
For downloads and digital streaming, the mechanical royalty becomes due when a copy of the master is made from the DSP's server and is transmitted to the purchaser as a permanent download or by way of streaming.
Once the portfolio administrator has been paid the mechanical royalty by the relevant broadcaster, DSP or record company, it will accrue such royalties for each Song in the proportions set out against each songwriter on the relevant portfolio administrator's system. The frequency with which the portfolio administrator will pay the songwriter or copyright owner will vary between portfolio administrators. Some portfolio administrators will accrue mechanical royalties on a six-monthly basis and will typically account to the songwriter or copyright owner within three months following the expiration of such period. Other portfolio administrators, such as Kobalt, offer a more frequent accrual and payment service. In addition, Kobalt will allow songwriters and copyright owners access to its platform so as to track the mechanical royalties due on a Song in real time.
The Company intends to appoint a number of portfolio administrators and royalty collection agents to manage the collection of mechanical royalties (and in certain circumstances, performance royalties) across different jurisdictions. In the UK, the Company will register with MCPS with respect to the collection of mechanical royalties. The Company has entered into a master portfolio administration agreement with Kobalt, further details of which are set out in paragraph 5.3 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus.
As described in paragraph 1.3 of this Part II (Market Background, Investment Strategy and Approach) of this Prospectus, occasionally advance payments are paid by portfolio administrators to the songwriter, and the Company may take advantage of such arrangements. In such circumstances, the owner of the copyright would be paid an agreed amount by the portfolio administrator on entering into an agreement and the portfolio administrator would offset any royalties or payments it receives from the DSPs, record companies or broadcasters against such advance payments over the duration of the contract. Accordingly, the delays which the copyright owner would experience before receiving royalty payments as described above would be mitigated. To the extent that the offsetting payments ultimately prove to be less than the advance, any excess is not recoverable by the portfolio administrator and any excess in royalty payments above the advance amount will be paid to the benefit of the copyright owner.
Given that synchronisation fees are paid in accordance with the terms of each individual licence agreement entered into between the copyright owner or publisher and the end-user, the timing and frequency of such payments vary between synchronisation deals. Such arrangements could require the end-user to pay the agreed licence fee: up-front, on airing of the production, or before the programme/film is produced (or in the case of a video game, before the product is manufactured), depending on the type of product, profile of the recording artist and licence that is granted. Synch licences are granted for a set term. The terms of renewal of a synch licence are typically agreed at the time of granting the original synch licence. The Investment Adviser, in accordance with the terms of such licence, monitors payments made by the end-user to ensure that they are made on time.
Catalogues are typically valued based on a multiple of the normalised historical revenues, calculated after deduction of all payments due to the existing royalty collection agents and portfolio administrators, together with any other relevant adjustments. The multiple is often applied on three to five years of historical normalised revenues for proven/mature Catalogues, but for newer Catalogues, some purchasers may look at forecast revenues, often by reference to a discounted cash flow model, whereby allowances are made for future earnings to reduce over time to reflect the view that such Song's popularity will decrease in its early years. A purchaser will also give consideration to other factors such as spread of income generated by Songs in the Catalogue, length of copyright and opportunities to increase revenues from underperforming Songs.
Current valuations are attractive because, set against the background of the factors influencing revenues described in the preceding and following sections of this Part II (Market Background, Investment Strategy and Approach), the Investment Adviser believes that current valuations of Catalogues do not fully recognise the inherent value and enhanced medium to long-term earnings potential of these Catalogues. Those earnings will reflect a range of factors such as: the increasing use of the Songs; the growth of streaming; improved collection; access to emerging markets; new technology using music (e.g. virtual reality); and increasing synch usage.
The Investment Adviser is responsible for identifying Catalogues for potential investment by the Company, in accordance with the Company's Investment Objective and Policy and subject to approval by the Board. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser is also responsible for the ongoing management of Songs acquired by the Company with a view to increasing royalty income and collection as well as developing strategies to maximise the earning potential of a Song through improved placement and usage, and regular supervision of portfolio administrators and royalty collection agents, subject to the oversight of the Directors.
The Investment Adviser continues to believe that a combination of its expertise in selecting and managing Songs (in cooperation with portfolio administrators), should enable attractive returns to be realised from the Songs that the Company acquires. The Investment Adviser believes that its relationships are key to sourcing Catalogues and synch opportunities. The Investment Adviser believes that the Company has a competitive advantage over most of the major publishers because the Company is advised by the Investment Adviser and its Advisory Board, a carefully assembled panel of leading music industry figures, from recording artists to songwriters, producers to managers, and lawyers to consultants, who the Investment Adviser believes are better placed to advise on any given Song's potential market, reach and popularity. The Investment Adviser's Team will also have a lower ratio of Songs to each individual in the team managing the Songs, thereby, in the opinion of the Investment Adviser, allowing the Investment Adviser to target synchronisation opportunities more effectively, generating enhanced returns.
The Company's Portfolio comprises Catalogues, and the Investment Adviser is seeking to continue to identify Catalogues, which include Songs with the following characteristics:
As further disclosed in paragraph 4 of Part I (Information on the Company) of this Prospectus, the Investment Adviser believes that its extensive experience across a broad spectrum of music genres, together with its relationships with songwriters and recording artists in the music industry, means it is well positioned to continue to source opportunities for the Company to invest in a diverse range of attractive Catalogues and then assist the Company in maximising earnings from them.
The Board intends to grow the Company's current Portfolio through the deployment of the Net Issue Proceeds and the net proceeds of any Subsequent Placing, provided that opportunities arise to acquire suitable, attractive Catalogues that meet the criteria set out within the Investment Objective and Policy. The Investment Adviser will endeavour to source such suitable, attractive Catalogues in accordance with the Company's investment strategy. In order to acquire such Catalogues, the Company may seek to raise additional capital through the Placing Programmes or, following the Final Closing Date, through subsequent issues of Shares. In addition, the Company uses borrowing tactically for short term investment purposes, with the intention of repaying such borrowings over the short term. It is not the Company's current intention to deploy any structural leverage, but the Board does reserve the right to do so, within the borrowing limits set out in the Investment Objective and Policy, if it considers it to be in the best interests of the Company. In order to provide the Company with flexible capital to fund investments and for working capital purposes, the Company, the UK MidCo and JPM have entered into the RCF pursuant to which JPM (as lead arranger and lender) has agreed to provide a revolving credit facility of up to £65 million. The RCF will be available for three years and the Company may request an increase in the RCF commitment by a further £35 million subject to certain conditions and commitments from willing lenders. In accordance with the borrowing limits set out in the Company's Investment Objective and Policy, any borrowings by the Company will not exceed 20 per cent. of the Company's Net Asset Value. As at the date of this Prospectus, the Company has drawn down £13.75 million on this facility.
The Investment Adviser follows a diligent approach to sourcing potential Catalogues for acquisition by the Company, which includes careful assessment of the underlying Songs. Once the relevant Catalogues have been acquired by the Company, the Investment Adviser proactively manages the Songs on an ongoing basis so as to maximise their earning potential, including through improved placement and usage.
The Investment Adviser actively manages the Songs acquired by the Company by promoting them for synchronisation usage, the fees from which will be managed through dedicated, experienced "synch manager" staff, employed by the Investment Adviser.
The Investment Adviser believes that having a smaller Portfolio of Songs to manage per synch manager helps to create a competitive advantage for the Company over most of the major music publishers. The Investment Adviser believes that, as a result of managing relatively fewer Songs, each manager within the Investment Adviser will be able to focus on each Song in order to extract more revenues from it and invest more time into key relationships with recording artists, songwriters, producers, studios, platforms and potential businesses who may wish to use a particular Song for an upcoming commercial, film, TV show (whether this be through conventional, terrestrial DSP means or via online video streaming services, such as YouTube). The Investment Adviser believes that this increased focus, and tailored marketing on a more granular level, does, and will continue to, generate more interest for the Songs. This is part of a strategy for increasing long term value by tailoring the Catalogue to fit the new requirements of popular culture and media, including social and virtual reality platforms.
The Investment Adviser seeks to exploit all variations of potential synchronisation opportunities, from placing Songs in commercials, popular TV shows and films to encouraging popular recording artists to cover older Songs within a Catalogue. The Investment Adviser seeks to source Catalogues for the Company which it believes contain Songs which have been overlooked, or Songs that do not have strong, historic revenue figures but for which the Investment Adviser sees potential synchronisation opportunities. This is an area that the Investment Adviser sees as upside-only: identifying little known or unpopular Songs within Catalogues acquired by the Company and generating a fresh revenue stream from them. The Investment Adviser seeks to leverage its expertise and deep relationships, and to utilise the innovative technology and business relationships of portfolio administrators, in order to pursue these synchronisation opportunities.
The Company may acquire Songs or Catalogues for consideration consisting of cash, Shares or a combination of cash and Shares and part of the consideration may be on deferred terms. The deferred consideration would be: (i) conditional upon the Song or Catalogue achieving certain specified milestones; or (ii) related to the fair market value of the Song or Catalogue. Such a strategy would seek to reduce the Company's exposure to Catalogues that do not perform as well as forecasted, by reducing the amount the Company pays up front.
Once the Company has acquired a Song, the Investment Adviser then actively manages and promotes that Song on an ongoing basis. By owning the publishing rights to the Songs, the Company will be able to generate and collect revenues from three main royalty sources: mechanical publishing, performance and synchronisation, as outlined above.
The large volume and variety of different payments owed to a copyright owner are collected by an array of collection societies around the world, who normally then make payments via territorial publishers and then local publishers to the songwriter. The Investment Adviser believes that the publisher registration, tracking and payment process can be substantially enhanced and streamlined by collecting mechanical publishing and performance royalties through the appointment of specialist royalty collection agents. The Company has entered into agreements with PRS, BMI, ASCAP and Kobalt for royalty collection and/or portfolio administration and with any other royalty collection agent or portfolio administrator whose services the Company may require from time to time.
Kobalt, as the Company's preferred portfolio administrator, has been operating as a specialist music royalty collection and portfolio administration service since 2000. Its technology bears the administrative burden of managing a large number of payments, which transforms such costs from expensive, fixed administrative costs to variable costs, calculated by reference to sales. This approach provides an economy of scale and ensures that it is financially viable for Kobalt, and in turn the Company, to pursue smaller revenue figures and make more regular royalty payments. Kobalt will also provide the Company and the Investment Adviser with a mobile application which allows weekly tracking of a Song's usage, enabling the Investment Adviser to monitor, quickly, accurately and more regularly, the projected revenues that a Song should achieve. This provides increased transparency and certainty for songwriters or copyright owners as compared to traditional methods, whereby the songwriter would be presented with a statement every six months (or, on occasions, every three months), which the songwriter would then need to be reviewed to ensure all royalty payments were accurately captured. The traditional method is less robust and it can be disproportionately costly to review such statements. The Investment Adviser believes that the modern, transparent, interactive system used by Kobalt enables more cost-efficient monitoring and, accordingly, reduces the risk of leakage from missed royalty payments.
The Investment Adviser expects that the application of Kobalt's systems to the Catalogues the Company acquires should result in an uplift in revenues for a Song compared with the revenues from the methods historically deployed in relation to the Songs administered among the major music publishers or portfolio administrators.
Kobalt uses technology to capture when a payment is due, increasing efficiencies and reducing the risk that payment triggers will be missed, which is a particular problem with manual collection methods. The Company has agreed with Kobalt that the Company will be provided with a rolling advance that will constantly keep it ahead in respect to payments, compared to the six month standard payment in arrear process deployed among other portfolio administrators in the industry. Kobalt's approach minimises the potential for multiple layers of international sub-distributers, with each charging commission. The revenues Kobalt provides to the copyright owner are "at source" (i.e. without deductions for multiple layers of commission), which again should maximise revenues for each Catalogue. Kobalt's focus is on minimising leakage, no matter how small. In broad terms, Kobalt's systems enable it to pursue small sums, whereas the approach adopted among the traditional portfolio administrators and major music publishers is, typically, only to actively pursue larger sums. Through its innovative use of technology, the Investment Adviser believes that Kobalt collects royalty payments more often and more reliably, irrespective of amounts.
The Investment Adviser anticipates that, through its active monitoring of payment, yields previously achieved from the Songs should be increased compared with the present levels. The Investment Adviser believes that Kobalt's technology-based approach to royalty collection allows quicker and more efficient royalty collection. It is for these reasons that Kobalt is the Company's preferred portfolio administrator, which is why the Investment Adviser will attempt, at the earliest opportunity following acquisition of a Catalogue or Song, to move the relevant Song from its previous portfolio administrator onto Kobalt's platform. However, a combination of certain other portfolio administrators improving their collection methodology and transparency, and an increase of the Company's bargaining position, has led to circumstances where it is desirable, in the Board's and the Investment Adviser's opinion, for some Catalogues to remain, at least in the short to medium term, with the relevant incumbent portfolio administrator.
In addition, Kobalt and certain other portfolio administrators may also provide the Company with synch opportunities, on a non-exclusive basis, through which the relevant portfolio administrator will licence one or more Songs to end users (such as TV companies, broadcasters or producers), and will account to the Company for the synchronisation fees (less any commissions retained by the relevant portfolio administrator for arranging such opportunities).
The Company has acquired, and will seek to continue to acquire, Catalogues which include what the Investment Adviser considers to be proven Songs; namely Songs with a sufficient proven track record of producing royalty income to enable them to be viewed as being evergreen, or Songs that the Investment Adviser believes will continue to deliver strong royalty income for several years after being written such that they will be viewed as evergreen in the future. The Company has acquired, and will continue to seek to acquire, these Catalogues from well-known songwriters who have a track record of writing hit Songs and/or Songs that impact cultural behaviour. To deliver future growth for Shareholders, the Investment Adviser also seeks to identify proven Songs whose revenues have declined due to neglect, but have the potential to be a strong future earner through active synchronisation placement or being covered by another recording artist.
The Investment Adviser leverages its extensive network of relationships with songwriters and recording artists to source attractively priced Catalogues. As songwriters may be protective over their legacy, some are selective about the purchasers to whom they would be willing to sell, seeking comfort that their Song will be used in line with their tastes and beliefs; acknowledgement and trust of the industry is therefore important. The Investment Adviser believes that, through its relationships, the composition of its Advisory Board and through Mr Mercuriadis' reputation in the music industry, songwriters have been, and will continue to be, more likely to trust the Investment Adviser to protect their legacy compared to some of the major music publishers.
Once a potential Catalogue is identified by the Investment Adviser or a member of the Advisory Board, the opportunity and potential acquisition price is discussed with Mr Mercuriadis and, where relevant, other members of the Advisory Board. If approved by Mr Mercuriadis, an initial notification is made to the Board that the Investment Adviser has identified a potential Catalogue that it believes falls within the scope of the Company's investment strategy, and that the Investment Adviser will proceed with due diligence and further negotiations, subject to the final decision to acquire such Catalogue being made by the Board in accordance with the section entitled "Approval of acquisitions by the Board of Directors" below.
As the Song's intellectual property is, in most cases, held by multiple parties, the Investment Adviser seeks to determine how best to reach, and work with, these different owners. With a view to minimising such complexities, generally speaking, the Investment Adviser seeks to acquire 100 per cent. of a particular songwriter's copyright interest in each Song, which would comprise their writer's share, their publisher's share and their performance rights.
During the early negotiation stages, the Investment Adviser will typically submit an offer letter to the selling songwriter, which will set out the key parameters of the proposed acquisition including the terms of any period of exclusivity. An offer letter will expressly state that the offer is made subject to the Investment Adviser undertaking its due diligence on the Catalogue.
The Investment Adviser undertakes or procures full legal and financial due diligence prior to recommending the acquisition of a Catalogue, focusing on: (i) the nature and extent of the intellectual property rights to be acquired ("IPR"); (ii) whether Songs within a Catalogue are cowritten and the nature of such co-authorship; (iii) restrictions on the sale or exploitation of the IPR; (iv) whether there are any actual, potential or threatened lawsuits or claims against the IPR; (v) the terms of any publishing arrangement and portfolio administration agreement in place with respect to the Catalogue; and (vi) financial diligence including reviewing or auditing the historic revenues of the Catalogue over the past three years (as a minimum) and identifying whether there are unrecouped advances. To the extent that the Investment Adviser is not satisfied that any aspect of the IPR is compatible with the Investment Adviser's intended marketing strategy for each Song, or that there is any indication of a potential or threatened IPR claim (including a claim for infringement of copyright), the Investment Adviser would generally not proceed with recommending the Catalogue to the Board. In particular, the Investment Adviser is looking to acquire Songs without any restrictions on the ability of the Company, as the owner of the IPR, to sell, license or assign their interest in the Song. Where a Song or Catalogue is co-authored, the Investment Adviser also carries out due diligence into the co-songwriter relationship to ensure that there is no obvious risk that such co-authorship will act as a barrier to the Investment Adviser being able to exploit the Song in its preferred manner.
The Investment Adviser seeks to understand all material aspects of the IPR position relating to the Songs it is considering recommending for purchase, so that it is buying only the commercial risk related to an asset, i.e. the risk that a particular Song will perform in accordance with its projected income and the risk that there is a suitable market for the Investment Adviser to exploit the Song in its preferred manner. Consequently, the Investment Adviser seeks to arrive at a position pre-acquisition where it is confident, based on the information available to it at the time of acquisition, that there are unlikely to be factors which would result in a material loss of capital for the Company, for example, due to a costly and potentially damaging IPR claim for either breach of usage restrictions or infringement of another recording artist's or songwriter's copyright.
The Company appoints an independent valuer to provide an independent valuation report on the acquisition being recommended by the Investment Adviser.
Following completion of its due diligence, the Investment Adviser, in accordance with the Investment Advisory Agreement, presents its recommendation of the acquisition to the Board. In that regard, the Investment Adviser provides a report to the Board, which contains: (i) a summary of its legal and financial due diligence findings; (ii) the financial history of the Catalogue; (iii) the Company's independent valuer's report; (iv) the Investment Adviser strategy for managing the Songs in the Catalogue and potential exploitation opportunities; (v) details of any structuring arrangements that the Investment Adviser considers necessary; (vi) details of any conflicts of interest of the Investment Adviser or its Advisory Board in relation to the acquisition; (vii) details on the financial consideration structure; and (viii) any other information that the Investment Adviser considers relevant to the Board in deciding whether to acquire the particular Catalogue. The Board also obtains any additional independent advice as may be required when it is considering making an investment in Songs by acquiring an interest in a company in which the Songs are held.
Whilst the Company does not intend to sell the Songs it acquires, the Company may, from time to time, dispose of one or multiple Songs where it considers such disposal to be in the best interests of Shareholders. Where a disposal is proposed by the Investment Adviser, any such disposals of Songs will only be made with the prior approval of the Board and a similar report to that prepared for acquisitions will be prepared by the Investment Adviser and provided to the Board prior to the Board taking any decision to dispose of a Song.
Whilst the terms of each acquisition agreement may vary from one to the other (in particular, to deal with specific factors related to individual Catalogues that are discovered as part of the due diligence process), the key terms of each acquisition agreement typically cover the following points:
The Investment Adviser, in conjunction with each portfolio administrator, continually monitors the income and performance of the Songs in the Portfolio. The Investment Adviser also reviews all royalty statements and chases the relevant royalty collection agent or portfolio administrator for delayed payments.
The Investment Adviser continually endeavours to source new opportunities to increase the revenue potential for a Song. When opportunities are identified, the Investment Adviser is responsible for negotiation and agreement of the commercial terms. Where the Investment Adviser is able to negotiate a favourable fee or payment structure with an incumbent portfolio administrator, and where the Investment Adviser is satisfied with the services provided by that portfolio administrator, it may recommend to the Board to retain such portfolio administrator, at least in the short to medium term, rather than transferring the Catalogue immediately to its preferred portfolio administrator, Kobalt.
The financial team within the Investment Adviser reviews royalty statements for any inconsistencies between payments due and payments made, including analysing the payments due across all types of royalties (e.g. mechanical, performance and synch) and from all sources (e.g. TV, radio, streaming) to ensure that the receipts are consistent with the Investment Adviser's expectations. The team is also responsible for the regular review of the performance of Company's portfolio administrators.
The Investment Adviser updates the Board on its progress on a quarterly basis with additional updates where significant events have occurred.
The Family (Music) Limited has been appointed by the Company to act as the Investment Adviser to the Company. The Investment Adviser was incorporated in England and Wales on 20 June 2018 under the UK Companies Act 2006 with company number 11425132. Its registered office is at 4th Floor, East Wing, Chancery House, 53-64 Chancery Lane, London, England, WC2A 1QS and its majority owner is Merck Mercuriadis. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser will source Songs and provide recommendations to the Board on acquisition and disposal strategies, manage and monitor royalty and/or fee income due to the Company from its copyrights and royalty collection agents, and develop strategies to maximise the earning potential of the Songs in the Portfolio through improved placement and coverage of Songs.
The Investment Adviser is not currently authorised or regulated by the FCA.
Mr Mercuriadis is the founder and CEO of the Investment Adviser. Mr Mercuriadis founded Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited in 2018 to offer investors a pure play exposure to music royalties and their associated intellectual property rights. Mr Mercuriadis, as Investment Adviser, has helped the Company to grow to manage over £310 million of assets acquiring 27 Catalogues of proven hit Songs from some of the most influential Songwriters of the last 70 years.
Mr Mercuriadis has also established an artist management business which includes a Song publisher and record label based in London and Los Angeles,
Formerly CEO of the Sanctuary Group plc ("Sanctuary"), he is the manager or former manager of globally successful recording artists such as Elton John, Guns N' Roses, Morrissey, Iron Maiden, Nile Rodgers and Beyoncé, hit songwriters such as Diane Warren, Justin Tranter and The-Dream.
Mr Mercuriadis, as founder of his artist management business and through his time at Sanctuary, has extensive experience of managing recording artists and songwriters, which includes promoting, managing and marketing to maximise the profitability of their Catalogues, and the Songs they contain. During his time at Sanctuary, Mr Mercuriadis worked on what the Investment Adviser believes is still the highest paying synch placement of all time with Cadillac and Led Zeppelin, which set new industry standards for synch payments.
The Investment Adviser's management team and the Advisory Board have long-standing experience in the music industry and several of the individuals are notable figures. Collectively, the members of the Investment Adviser and its Advisory Board have over 300 years of combined experience in the management of music rights. It is through extensive relationships and industry knowledge that the Investment Adviser has been able to source the Portfolio that the Company has acquired and the Pipeline Catalogues, and believes that it is well placed to continue to source attractive Catalogues for the Company to acquire in the future.
In addition to this, the Investment Adviser is responsible for the active ongoing management of the Songs acquired by the Company. Mr Mercuriadis has assembled a team to act as the Company's synch managers with experience and strong relationships in the media community. In addition, they have brought the technical skills required to support the Company in its day to day activity.
The synch managers are responsible for:
(c) supervising and managing the Company's relationships with all of its royalty collection agents.
The Investment Adviser's business strategy is to have each synch manager focus on a comparatively small number of Songs, which will allow for the attention to detail required to add significant value to every acquisition and enhance Shareholder returns.
Mr Mercuriadis founded Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited in 2018 to offer investors a pure play exposure to music royalties and their associated intellectual property rights. Mr Mercuriadis, as Investment Adviser, has grown the Company to own over £310 million of assets acquiring 27 Catalogues of proven hit Songs from some of the most influential Songwriters of the last 70 years. Mr Mercuriadis also has an established artist management business which includes a Song publisher and record label based in London and Los Angeles.
Mr Mercuriadis served as a director and CEO of Sanctuary, a major independent artist management company and record label (1986 – 2007, being first employed in 1986, becoming a director in 1998 and CEO in 2005). During this time he was responsible for overseeing the management, development and recording work of a number of globally successful and notable recording artists.
Mr Mercuriadis is the manager and/or former manager of globally successful recording artists including Nile Rodgers, Guns N' Roses, Iron Maiden, Elton John, Morrissey, Pet Shop Boys, Beyoncé, Macy Gray, Mary J. Blige, Joss Stone and Jane's Addiction, and hit songwriters such as Diane Warren, Justin Tranter and The-Dream.
Mr Helm is responsible for the provision of various services relating to the analysis and financial performance of Catalogues. Mr Helm was most recently employed to consult for PRS for Music. His mandate was to deliver a programme to improve and optimise the royalty payment process. Throughout his career Mr Helm has also been directly involved with deal modelling and negotiations for recording artist and songwriter contracts, and various high profile Catalogue acquisitions.
Mr Helm was formerly UK Finance Director at EMI Music Publishing and has worked as a senior finance professional at both Universal Music Group and Sony Records. In total, his experience in the financial management of music publishing rights spans 16 years.
Mr Lindvall is a highly experienced banker with a background from Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley and a large Real Estate Private Equity fund. He currently runs CreditSquare, specialising in advising small and medium sized companies on a wide range of mergers and acquisitions, capital raising and financings. Mr Lindvall has a deep and wide network of relationships amongst financial investors, family offices and entrepreneurs.
The Investment Adviser is supported by an experienced team who will comprise the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board is a carefully selected group of some of the most successful entrepreneurs, executives, legal advisers, producers, investment bankers and songwriters in both the music and business communities, with a remit to provide expert advice as well as checks and balances on both the creative and financial aspects of all acquisitions, and the subsequent management of the Company's Songs. The Investment Adviser has appointed the members of the Advisory Board to provide it with advice from time to time. No members of the Advisory Board are directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Investment Adviser. It is envisaged that the Advisory Board will be fluid and will expand over time, with additional experts being added or substituted as and when required. As at the date of this Prospectus, the Advisory Board will comprise the following members:
Mr Rodgers is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee, and the chairman of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Mr Rodgers is a Grammy award-winning songwriter, producer and musician. Founder of the band Chic. Mr Rodgers is also a co-writer and producer of iconic hits for David Bowie, Madonna, Duran Duran and Daft Punk.
Mr Leibowitz is an attorney, and is the founding partner of Roberts, Leibowitz and Hafitz PLLC. He is the former Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel for Sanctuary, and continued in this capacity after Sanctuary was acquired by the Universal Music Group until Mr Leibowitz returned to private practice. Mr Leibowitz specialises in intellectual property law and during his legal career of 35 years he has represented many renowned recording artists and major international intellectual property companies. Mr Leibowitz has been retained by the Company to provide legal services in connection with Song acquisitions as well as ongoing royalty/ licensing issues and other legal services.
Mr Montone is an attorney, and is the founder of Monotone Management and Third Man Records. Mr Montone is the manager of Jack White of The White Stripes, Vampire Weekend, The Shins and Danger Mouse.
Mr Flom is an American music industry executive and CEO of Lava Records and Lava Music Publishing. Mr Flom previously served as chairman and CEO at Atlantic Records, Virgin Records and Capitol Music Group and is personally responsible for launching acts such as Kid Rock, Katy Perry, and Lorde. The New Yorker described him as "one of the most successful record men of the past 20 years…known for his specialty in delivering 'monsters'".
The-Dream is a Grammy award-winning songwriter, producer and musician. He has written and produced iconic hits for Beyoncé, Jay Z, Kanye West, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears and Justin Bieber.
Mr Tuinfort is a Grammy award winning songwriter and is considered to be one of the most important pop writers of the last 10 years. He is the partner of choice for David Guetta and Akon and has written number 1 Songs for Sia, Gwen Stafani and Ariana Grande.
Starrah is considered to be amongst the most important young songwriters of recent times, having written 14 hit Songs which include the No. 1 hits "Havana" by Camilla Cabello and "Girls Like You" by Maroon 5.
Mr Jarjour is the manager of several songwriters and producers, such as Starrah. He began his music career at 16 for what was to become the youngest partnership at Maverick Management, a division of Maverick Entertainment.
Mr Stewart is considered to be one of the most successful songwriters, artists and producers of all time. His work with Eurythmics, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Shakespears Sister, No Doubt, Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton amongst many others is considered to be definitive of its era.
The Board is comprised of four Directors who are responsible for managing the business affairs, investment management and risk management of the Company on a self-managed basis and have overall responsibility for the Company's activities, including the review of investment activity and performance and the overall control and supervision of the Company's service providers. The Directors may delegate certain functions to other parties such as the Investment Adviser, the Fund Administrator and the Registrar. The Directors will receive advice from the Investment Adviser on the acquisition, management and disposal of Songs pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Investment Adviser will provide recommendations to the Directors who will then assess that advice and make the key investment decisions themselves regarding the acquisition, management and disposal of Songs on behalf of the Company.
The Directors are all non-executive and all are independent of the Investment Adviser. Details of each of the Directors are set out below.
The address of the Directors is the registered office of the Company. The Directors of the Company are as follows:
Mr Sutch is a corporate lawyer and a consultant to Stephenson Harwood LLP. He was a partner of that firm for over 30 years and its senior partner for 10 years. He has extensive experience in advising investment funds and investment managers. He is chairman of JPMorgan Claverhouse Investment Trust Plc and Jupiter European Opportunities Trust Plc, and a council member of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
Mr Burger's career spans more than 40 years working with music artists of very diverse backgrounds in a variety of locations. Having previously served as President, Europe, Middle East, and Africa for Sony Music Europe, his last corporate posting after having worked for 27 years in senior management positions within Sony Music (including chairman and chief executive officer of Sony Music UK & Ireland; president Sony Music Canada; VP Marketing Sony Music Europe), Paul founded Soho Artists in 2003, a boutique artist management company focused largely on new and developing talent. In addition to artist management, Soho Artists runs a consultancy arm for artists, labels and entertainment companies.
From 2012-2018 Paul served as chair of the board of governors of England's BRIT School for Performing Arts & Technology, a state-funded school sponsored by the British music industry focussed on providing training for careers in the creative industries, and he continues to serve as a governor of the school. Some of the school's famous graduates include Adele, Jessie J, Rizzle Kicks, Leona Lewis, Rex Orange County, and Katie Melua. Furthermore, Paul is also a board member of the Music Managers Forum (UK), is a long-time director of The Brit Trust Ltd and continues to serve as a trustee of the University of Pennsylvania Foundation (UK) Ltd.
Mr Holden, a Guernsey resident, brings board experience from both private equity and portfolio company operations roles at Candover Investments and then Terra Firma Capital Partners. Since 2015, Simon has become an independent director to listed alternative investment companies (HICL Infrastructure Company Limited, Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited, Trian Investors 1, Limited and Merian Chrysalis Investment Company Limited), private equity funds and trading company boards which include a trading asset owned by the States of Guernsey.
Mr Holden holds the DipIoD in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors, graduated from the University of Cambridge with an MEng and MA in Manufacturing Engineering and is an active member of Guernsey's GIFA, NED Forum and IP Commercial Group.
Mr Wilkinson is a chartered accountant who has worked at Peat Marwick Mitchell and merchant bankers Leopold Joseph. Mr Wilkinson was a founder of the Promo Group, which managed the business affairs of the Rolling Stones. In 1981, he became a partner of Prince Rupert Loewenstein, providing business management services to clients in the entertainment and sports sectors.
Mr Wilkinson is co-founder and CEO of Music Plus Sport Ltd. and its subsidiary Live at the Races Limited. The group specialises in large-scale concerts at sporting events. Further, Mr Wilkinson was founder and chief executive of Kingstreet Tours Limited, a company that was in the forefront of concert tour production for over 30 years and delivered worldwide concert tours for artists including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Elton John, Robbie Williams and Shakira. Mr Wilkinson is a member of the fundraising committee and former treasurer of Nordoff Robbins, a charity that uses music therapy in the treatment and care of autistic children
The Takeover Code applies to the Company.
The Company is committed to complying with the corporate governance obligations which apply to Guernsey registered companies admitted to trading on the Main Market and to listing on the premium listing category of the Official List.
The Company has committed to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code. In addition, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules require the Company to: (i) make a corporate governance statement in its annual report and consolidated financial statements based on the code to which it is subject, or with which it complies; and (ii) describe its internal control and risk management arrangements.
The Board reports against the principles and recommendations of the AIC Code of Corporate Governance (the "AIC Code"), produced by the Association of Investment Companies ("AIC"). The AIC Code addresses all the principles set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code, as well as setting out additional principles and recommendations on issues that are of specific relevance to the Company. The Board considers that reporting against the principles and recommendations of the AIC Code (which incorporates the UK Corporate Governance Code), provides better information to Shareholders. The Company complies with the recommendations of the AIC Code, the relevant provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code (except as set out below) and associated disclosure requirements of the Listing Rules.
The UK Corporate Governance Code includes provisions relating to:
For the reasons set out in the AIC Code, the Board considers these provisions are not relevant to the Company. In particular, all of the Company's day-to-day management and administrative functions are outsourced to third parties. As a result, the Company has no executive directors, employees or internal operations. The Company will, therefore, not report further in respect of these provisions.
The GFSC's "Finance Sector Code of Corporate Governance", as amended in February 2016 (the "GFSC Code") applies to all companies that hold a licence from the GFSC under the regulatory laws or which are registered or authorised as collective investment schemes. The GFSC has stated in the GFSC Code that companies which report against the UK Corporate Governance Code or the AIC Code are deemed to meet the requirements of the GFSC Code.
The Directors have adopted a share dealing code that is compliant with the Market Abuse Regulation. The Board is responsible for taking all proper and reasonable steps to ensure compliance with the share dealing code by the Directors and PDMRs.
The Company's Audit and Risk Management Committee meets formally at least twice a year. The principal duties of the Audit and Risk Management Committee are to consider the appointment of external auditor, to discuss and agree with the external auditor the nature and scope of the audit, to keep under review the scope, results and cost effectiveness of the audit and the independence and objectivity of the auditor, to review the external auditor's letter of engagement and management letter, to examine the effectiveness of the Company's internal control systems and to analyse the key procedures adopted by the Company's service providers. Where non-audit services are to be provided by the auditor, full consideration of the financial and other implications on the independence of the auditor arising from any such engagement will be considered before proceeding. Mr Wilkinson acts as chairman of the Audit and Risk Management Committee, and all of the other Board members attend each meeting.
The principal duties of the Portfolio Committee are to undertake the following functions:
The Portfolio Committee meets on an ad hoc basis as so requested on reasonable prior notice from the Investment Adviser. The quorum for any meeting of the Portfolio Committee is at least one director. All Board members use reasonable endeavours to attend each meeting of the Portfolio Committee.
The principal duties of the Asset Management Committee are to consider the ongoing management and revenue maximisation of the Songs acquired by the Company, which will include performing the following functions:
The Asset Management Committee meets on an ad hoc basis as so requested on reasonable prior notice from the Investment Adviser. The quorum for any meeting of the Asset Management Committee is at least one director. Mr Sutch acts as chairman of the Asset Management Committee and all other Board members use reasonable endeavours to attend each meeting of the Asset Management Committee. Mr Sutch does not receive additional remuneration in respect of his role as chairman of the Asset Management Committee.
The Company has appointed Paul Burger as Senior Independent Director. The Senior Independent Director will provide a sounding board for the Chairman and serve as an intermediary for the other directors and Shareholders.
The Board has also established a nomination committee. a remuneration committee and a management engagement committee, which will be responsible for appointment and remuneration of Directors, and reviewing the actions and judgments of those parties undertaking management, advisory and administration services to the Company in relation to the interim and annual financial statements and the Company's compliance with the AIC Code, the Listing Rules, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, MAR and the AIC Code. In addition, the management engagement committee will review the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement and the performance of the Investment Adviser, the Fund Administrator, the Registrar and other major service providers such as Kobalt.
The Board is responsible for the determination of the Company's Investment Objective and Policy and has overall responsibility for its activities. The Company has, however, entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Investment Adviser under which the Investment Adviser will advise the Company on the terms summarised in paragraph 5.2 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus.
As the Company is a self-managed AIF under the AIFM Directive and there are no employees of the Company, the Board performs certain management functions, which include the overseeing of the Company's Investment Objective and Policy and investment strategy, the supervision of any delegated responsibilities to third-party service providers, such as the Investment Adviser, the Fund Administrator and the Registrar, and any necessary risk management and portfolio management functions.
To execute such management functions, the Board:
Pursuant to the Administration Agreements: (i) Estera International Fund Managers (Guernsey) Limited has been appointed as Fund Administrator of the Company; and (ii) Estera Administration (UK) Limited has been appointed as administrator to UK SubCo (further details of which are set out in paragraph 5.4 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus). The Fund Administrator or Estera Administration (UK) Limited (as applicable) are responsible for the day to day administration of the Company, the UK SubCo, the UK MidCo and any subsidiary which accedes to the relevant Administration Agreement (including but not limited to the calculation and publication of the semiannual NAV and the IFRS NAV) and general secretarial functions required by the Companies Law (including but not limited to maintenance of the Company's accounting and statutory records). For the purposes of the RCIS Rules, the Fund Administrator is the designated manager of the Company.
Investors should note that it is not possible for the Fund Administrator or Estera Administration (UK) Limited to provide any investment advice to investors.
PricewaterhouseCoopers Cl LLP provides audit services to the Company. The auditor's responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements of the Group in accordance with applicable law and auditing standards. The annual report and consolidated financial statements will be prepared according to accounting standards laid out under IFRS.
Computershare Investor Services (Guernsey) Limited (a company incorporated in Guernsey on 3 September 2009 with registered number 50855) has been appointed as registrar to the Company pursuant to the Registrar Agreement (further details of which are set out in paragraph 5.5 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus). In such capacity, the Registrar is responsible for the transfer and settlement of Shares held in certificated and uncertificated form. The Registrar is also entitled to reimbursement of all out of pocket costs, expenses and charges properly incurred on behalf of the Company.
In relation to transactions in which a Director is interested, the Articles provide that as long as the Board authorises the transaction in good faith after the nature and extent of the Director's interest has been disclosed or the transaction is fair to the Company at the time it is approved, a Director shall not be disqualified by his office from entering into a contract or arrangement with the Company, and no such contract or arrangement or any contract or arrangement entered into by or on behalf of the Company with any person, firm or company of or in which any Director shall be in any way interested, shall be avoided. A Director may not, however, vote in respect of any such contract or arrangement in which he has an interest which (together with any interest of any person connected with him) is, to his knowledge, a material interest. For further details prospective investors should refer to paragraph 3 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus. The Directors are also required by the RCIS Rules to take all reasonable steps to ensure that there is no breach of any of the conflict of interest requirements in the RCIS Rules. As at the date of this Prospectus, no Directors have any interest in any Catalogue or any other transaction in relation to the business of the Company.
The Investment Adviser shall not provide services similar to the services under the Investment Advisory Agreement to any person, association, body corporate, fund or third party other than the Company (and its Affiliates) with an investment objective and policy similar to that of the Company without the prior written consent of the Board provided that where 85 per cent. of the Net Issue Proceeds (together with 85 per cent. of any net capital proceeds raised through any subsequent issue of Shares or C Shares) are invested at the time when the Investment Adviser seeks the Board's consent, such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed by the Board.
The Investment Adviser shall offer to the Company any opportunity to acquire a Song or Catalogue which meets the Investment Objective and Policy and investment strategy of the Company and would be consistent with the Company's current target total NAV return in priority to itself and any third party (including any member of the Investment Adviser's group of companies or its Affiliates) in the following manner:
The Investment Adviser has undertaken to take all reasonable steps to avoid conflicts of interest. Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser has agreed to put in place procedures to ensure decisions are made on an arms-length basis and that all potential conflicts of interest between the Investment Adviser (or any member of its Advisory Board) and the Company are fully disclosed to the Board. Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser is obliged to provide the Board with details of any conflicts of interest of the Investment Adviser or any member of its Advisory Board in relation to each potential acquisition or disposal. In addition, each member of the Advisory Board is required, pursuant to their arrangement with the Investment Adviser, to notify the Investment Adviser of any interest they have in a Catalogue or Song which the Investment Adviser proposes to recommend to the Board. Further, in order to mitigate any risk that the Investment Adviser's (or any member of its Advisory Board's) interest in a Catalogue or Song will result in the Board approving the acquisition of a Catalogue or Song at an inflated price (or the disposal of a Catalogue or Song at an undervalue), the Catalogues and Songs will be valued by the Company's independent valuer, and the Company's independent valuer's report will be provided to the Board prior to the Board deciding whether to acquire (or dispose of) a Catalogue or Song.
Any transaction fees, commissions, topping fees, break-up fees, closing fees, consulting fees or other similar fees which the Investment Adviser receives or is offered by a third party in connection with the acquisition, management or disposal of any Songs, whether organised into Catalogues or not, shall be held for the benefit of the Fund Entities and will be offset against the Advisory Fee.
As a principal of a recording artist management company, Hipgnosis Songs Limited, Mr Mercuriadis undertakes other activities in the music industry and this may result in an actual conflict or a potential conflict of interest involving the Company and/or Hipgnosis Songs Limited. Where an actual or potential conflict arises the Investment Adviser will at the time put in place appropriate provisions to ensure the interests of the Shareholders and the Company are protected to the maximum extent possible.
The target size of the Initial Issue is £300 million through the issue of 300 million C Shares at an Initial Issue Price of 100 pence per C Share. No Ordinary Shares will be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue. The costs and expenses of the Initial Issue are not expected to exceed 2 per cent. of the Gross Issue Proceeds. Assuming that 300 million C Shares are issued at the Initial Issue Price pursuant to the Initial Issue, the costs and expenses of, and incidental to, Initial Admission and the Initial Issue payable by the Company will not exceed £6 million. These expenses include commissions payable to the Joint Bookrunners and will be paid on or around the date of Initial Admission by the Company from the Gross Issue Proceeds. No such costs and expenses will be directly charged to the subscribers of the C Shares in connection with the Initial Issue and such costs and expenses will instead be borne by the Company as a whole.
On the basis of the Gross Issue Proceeds being at least £300 million, and the costs and expenses of the Initial Issue not exceeding 2 per cent. of the Gross Issue Proceeds, the Net Issue Proceeds are expected to be in excess of £294 million. Based on these estimations, the Company expects to have an unaudited NAV per C Share on Initial Admission of at least 98 pence.
The total costs of the Placing Programmes are not expected to exceed 2 per cent. of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Placing Programmes. With respect to the Ordinary Share Placing Programme, the Directors anticipate that these costs will be substantially recouped through the premium to the latest published NAV per Ordinary Share at which such Ordinary Shares are trading at the relevant time resulting from the relevant issue price. The total costs of the C Share Placing Programme will be borne out of the Gross Placing Programme Proceeds of such C Share Placing Programme and are not expected to exceed 2 per cent. of the aggregate gross proceeds of the C Share Placing Programme.
The Investment Adviser is entitled to an advisory fee (payable in cash) and a performance fee (usually payable predominantly in Ordinary Shares subject to an 18 month lock up arrangement). The aggregate amount for both the advisory fee and the performance fee in respect of any Accounting Period will not exceed 5 per cent. of the lower of: (i) Net Asset Value; or (ii) Ordinary Share Closing Market Capitalisation at the end of that Accounting Period.
1.3 The Investment Adviser (or, where the Investment Adviser so directs, any member of the Investment Adviser's Team) is entitled to receive a performance fee, in respect of each Accounting Period, a fee equal to 10 per cent. of the Ordinary Share Excess Total Return relating to that Accounting Period (the "Performance Fee"), provided that the Performance Fee is capped such that the sum of the Advisory Fee and the Performance Fee paid in respect of that Accounting Period is no more than 5 per cent. of the lower of: (i) Net Asset Value; or (ii) the Ordinary Share Closing Market Capitalisation at the end of that Accounting Period.
(together, a "Disposal") for a period of 18 months immediately following the relevant Payment Due Date in relation to such Performance Shares (the "Lock-up Period"). To the extent that the Performance Shares are issued to any members of the Investment Adviser's Team, the Investment Adviser shall procure that such persons are bound by similar restrictions on Disposal for the Lock-Up Period (and each Fund Entity has third party rights to enable any of them to enforce such restrictions on Disposal).
provided that unless waived by the Company (in its sole discretion), the transferee in each case is bound by similar restrictions on Disposal for the remainder of the Lock-Up Period as set out in paragraph 1.5 (and each Fund Entity has third party rights to enable any of them to enforce such restrictions on Disposal);
"Average Market Capitalisation" means, in relation to each month where the Advisory Fee is payable, ("A" multiplied by "B") plus ("C" multiplied by "D"), where:
"A" is the average of the middle market quotations of the Ordinary Shares for the five day period ending on the last Business Day of that month (adjusted as appropriate to exclude any dividend where the Ordinary Shares are quoted ex such dividend at any time during that five day period);
"B" is weighted average of the number of Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding any Shares held in treasury) at the end of each day during that month;
"C" is the average of the middle market quotations of a class of C Shares in issue for the five day period ending on the last Business Day of that month (adjusted as appropriate to exclude any dividend where the C Shares of that class are quoted ex such dividend at any time during that five day period); and
"D" is weighted average of the number of that class of C Shares in issue (excluding any Shares held in treasury) at the end of each day during that month;
"Average Trading Price" means the average of the middle market quotations of the Ordinary Shares (as adjusted to exclude any dividend which is included in such quotations if the Ordinary Shares delivered are ex that dividend) for the five day period ending on the Business Day immediately preceding the Payment Due Date;
"Investment Adviser's Team" means any Affiliates of the Investment Adviser and any directors, officers, employees, partners or members of the Advisory Board of the Investment Adviser or its Affiliates from time to time;
"Ordinary Share Closing Market Capitalisation" means, in relation to each Accounting Period, "J" multiplied by "K", where:
"J" is the Ordinary Share Performance Price; and
"K" is the weighted average of the number of Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding any Shares held in treasury) at the end of each day during the Accounting Period;
"Ordinary Share Excess Total Return" means, in relation to each Accounting Period, the amount by which the Ordinary Share Closing Market Capitalisation exceeds "L" multiplied by "M", where:
"L" is the higher of: (i) the Ordinary Share Performance Hurdle and (ii) Ordinary Share High Watermark; and
"M" is the weighted average of the number of Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding any Shares held in treasury) at the end of each day during that Accounting Period;
"Ordinary Share High Watermark" means the Ordinary Share Performance Price in respect of the last Accounting Period in respect of which a Performance Fee was payable by the Company;
"Ordinary Share Performance Hurdle" means an increase in the issue price of the Ordinary Shares as at IPO equal to 10 per cent. per annum (calculated from the Company's IPO and compounded annually) subject to adjustments from time to time to take into account any consolidation or sub-division of Ordinary Shares or any other reconstruction, amalgamation or adjustment relating to the share capital of the Company (or any share, stock or security derived therefrom or convertible therein);
"Ordinary Share Performance Price" means, in relation to each Accounting Period, the average of the middle market quotations of the Ordinary Shares for the one month period ending on the last Business Day of that Accounting Period (which shall be adjusted as appropriate: (i) to include any dividend declared but not paid where the Ordinary Shares are quoted ex such dividend at any time during that month; (ii) to exclude any dividend paid in respect of the Ordinary Shares during that month; and (iii) for the OSPP Adjustments); and
"OSPP Adjustments" means adjustments to the Ordinary Share Performance Price to (i) include the gross amount of any dividends and/or distributions paid in respect of an Ordinary Share since the Company's IPO; and (ii) take account of C Shares as were agreed between the Company and the Investment Adviser, acting reasonably and in good faith, at the time of issuance of such C Shares.
"Payment Due Date" means the date of invoice from the Investment Adviser in respect of the Performance Fee;
Further details of the Investment Advisory Agreement are set out at paragraph 5.2 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus.
The Company incurs ongoing annual fees and expenses other than the Advisory Fee or any Performance Fee. In the first year, the expenses incurred by the Company (other than the Advisory Fee, any Performance Fee and the costs incurred pursuant to the IPO, and excluding any amortisation of Catalogues carried out under IFRS) were approximately 1.00 per cent. of the gross issue proceeds of the IPO, being approximately £202 million.
These fees and expenses include the following:
Under the terms of the Registrar Agreement, the Registrar is entitled to a fixed fee of £7,500 per annum in respect of the Ordinary Shares and £8,000 per annum in respect of the C Shares (if applicable), together with additional ad hoc fees in respect of additional out of scope services provided by the Registrar. The Registrar is also entitled to reimbursement of all out of pocket costs, expenses and charges properly incurred on behalf of the Company.
Pursuant to the Administration Agreements, the Fund Administrator and Estera Administration (UK) Limited is entitled to an aggregate annual fee of approximately £300,000 together with additional ad hoc fees in respect of certain additional services, such fees being payable monthly in arrear and subject to periodic review. Additional fees may be charged in respect of any subsidiary that accedes to the terms of the relevant Administration Agreement from time to time or in respect of acquisitions of additional Catalogues. As at the date of this Prospectus, all Fund Entities incorporated in the UK have acceded to the terms of the UK Administration Agreement.
The Directors are remunerated for their services at a fee of £50,000 per annum (£57,500 for the Chairman). The chairman of the Audit and Risk Management Committee receives an additional £5,000 per annum for his services in this role. Mr Sutch does not receive additional remuneration for his role as chairman of the Asset Management Committee. Mr Burger receives an additional £5,000 per annum for his role as chairman of the Portfolio Committee. Each Director will be paid an additional one-off fee of £10,000 in consideration for the additional services that they have provided in connection with the publication of this Prospectus. The Directors intend to apply this additional fee to the purchase of either C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue or to acquire Ordinary Shares in the market on or around the date of Initial Admission. Further information in relation to the remuneration of the Directors is set out in Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus.
All other ongoing operational expenses of the Company (excluding fees paid to service providers as detailed above) are borne by the Company including, without limitation, the incidental costs of making its investments and the implementation of the Investment Objective and Policy; a retainer for legal services in connection with Song acquisitions as well as ongoing royalty/licensing issues and other legal services (pursuant to the agreement summarised out in paragraph 5.7 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus); travel, accommodation and printing costs; the cost of directors' and officers' liability insurance and website maintenance; audit and legal fees; and annual FCA and LSE fees. All reasonably and properly incurred out of pocket expenses of the Investment Adviser (including travel expenses as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement) and all other third party services providers relating to the Company are and will be borne by the Company.
The target size of the Initial Issue is £300 million through the issue of 300 million C Shares at an Initial Issue Price of 100 pence per C Share, provided that the maximum number of C Shares issued pursuant to the Initial Issue shall not exceed 500 million. The actual number of C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue is not known as at the date of this Prospectus and will be determined by the Company and the Joint Bookrunners after taking into account the demand for C Shares and prevailing market conditions.
The number of C Shares issued pursuant to the Initial Issue will, once determined, be notified by the Company by an RIS announcement and on its website, on or around 17 October 2019. The Initial Issue is not being underwritten.
Following completion of the Initial Issue, pursuant to the Placing Programmes the Directors may, at their sole and absolute discretion, decide to carry out one or more Placings after Initial Admission and before the Final Closing Date, should the Board determine that market conditions are appropriate. The Board expects that any Placings of a new class of C Shares pursuant to the C Share Placing Programme will only be carried out after at least 85 per cent. of the Company's Gross Issue Proceeds following the Initial Issue (or 85 per cent. of the gross proceeds of a Subsequent Placing) has been invested or committed in accordance with the Investment Objective and Policy. The maximum number of Shares that may be issued under the Placing Programmes is 1 billion.
The Shares are only suitable for investors: (i) who understand the potential risk of capital loss; (ii) for whom an investment in the Shares is part of a diversified investment programme; and (iii) who fully understand and are willing to assume the risks involved in such an investment portfolio.
It should be remembered that the price of the Shares and the returns from them can go down as well as up and that investors may not receive, on a sale, redemption or cancellation of Shares, the amount that they invested.
The Joint Bookrunners have agreed, pursuant to the Placing Agreement, to use their reasonable endeavours to procure Placees to subscribe for Shares pursuant to the Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes. Details of the Placing Agreement are set out in paragraph 5.1 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus.
The terms and conditions which shall apply to any subscription for C Shares pursuant to the Initial Placing are contained in Part IX (Terms and Conditions of Placings) of this Prospectus.
The Initial Placing closes at 12:00 p.m. on 16 October 2019. The results of the Initial Placing are expected to be announced on 17 October 2019.
The Initial Placing is conditional on, among other things:
The Initial Placing is not being underwritten.
The Company is also offering the C Shares to investors in the United Kingdom pursuant to the Offer.
The Terms and Conditions of the Offer for Subscription are set out in Part IX (Terms and Conditions of the Offer for Subscription) of this Prospectus and notes on how to complete the Application Form and the Application Form are set out in Appendix I and Appendix II, respectively, to this Prospectus. The Terms and Conditions of the Offer for Subscription should be read carefully before an application is made. Application Forms must be posted to Computershare Investor Services PLC, Corporate Actions Projects, Bristol, BS99 6AH, or delivered by hand (during normal business hours only) to Computershare Investor Services PLC, The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS13 8AE, so as to arrive by no later than 11:00 a.m. on 15 October 2019. Unless extended, the Offer will be closed at that time.
Applications under the Offer must be for C Shares with a minimum subscription amount of £1,000 and thereafter in multiples of £100. Application Forms accompanied by a cheque or banker's draft in Sterling made payable to "CIS re Hipgnosis OFS A/C" and crossed "A/C Payee Only" for the appropriate sum should be returned to the Receiving Agent by no later than 11:00 a.m. on 15 October 2019. If the Offer is extended, the revised timetable will be notified to any investors who have returned Application Forms.
For applicants sending subscription monies by electronic bank transfer (CHAPS), payment must be made for value by 11:00 a.m. on 15 October 2019. Please contact Computershare Investor Services PLC by email at [email protected] (quoting HIP OFS) and Computershare will then provide applicants with a unique reference number which must be used when sending payment.
Applicants choosing to settle via CREST, that is DVP, will need to match their instructions to Computershare Investor Services PLC's participant account RA64 by no later than 1:00 p.m. on 17 October 2019, allowing for the delivery and acceptance of C Shares to be made against payment of the Initial Issue Price per C Share, following the CREST matching criteria set out in the Application Form. Applications may be rejected in whole or in part at the sole discretion of the Company.
In connection with the Offer, the Company may appoint Intermediaries to market the Issue Shares to potential retail investors in the United Kingdom.
Each Intermediary will, on appointment, agree to terms and conditions which will regulate, among other things, the conduct of the Intermediaries in relation to the offering of Issue Shares on market standard terms and provide for the payment of commission to any such Intermediaries that elect to receive commission from the Company.
Each Intermediary will submit an Intermediaries Offer Application Form in its own name, as nominee, for the aggregate number of Issue Shares procured by it via subscriptions from underlying retail investors.
Each applicant who applies for Issue Shares via an Intermediary must comply with the appropriate money laundering checks required by the relevant Intermediary. Where an application is not accepted or there are insufficient Issue Shares available to satisfy an application in full (due to scaling back of subscriptions or otherwise), the relevant Intermediary will be obliged to refund the applicant as required and such refunds may be made, at the discretion of the relevant Intermediary, without interest. The Company and the Joint Bookrunners accept no responsibility with respect to the obligation of any Intermediary to refund monies in such circumstances.
The publication of this Prospectus and any actions taken by the Company and/or the Joint Bookrunners, any Intermediary or other persons in connection with the Offer for Subscription should not be taken as any representation or assurance as to the basis on which the number of Issue Shares to be offered under the Offer for Subscription or allocations between applications in the Offer for Subscription (from any Intermediary or otherwise) will be determined and any such actions or statements are hereby disclaimed by the Company and the Joint Bookrunners.
All the C Shares issued pursuant to the Initial Issue will be issued at the Initial Issue Price of 100 pence per C Share.
The Company is targeting an issue of 300 million C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue, provided that the maximum number of C Shares issued pursuant to the Initial Issue shall not exceed 500 million.
The Directors have discretion (following consultation with the Joint Bookrunners) to determine the basis of allocation within the Initial Issue, including any required scaling back of orders from investors.
The Company will notify investors of the number of C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue in respect of which their application has been successful. The results of the Initial Issue will be announced by the Company on or around 17 October 2019, in each case by an RIS announcement.
As there are no C Shares in issue at the date of this Prospectus, there will be no immediate dilution resulting from the Initial Issue.
If 500 million C Shares were to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue (being the maximum number of C Shares that the Directors will be authorised to issue under the Initial Issue) based on the issued share capital at the date of this Prospectus, assuming a Conversion Ratio of 1:1 and assuming that an existing Shareholder did not participate in any of the Initial Issue, an investor holding 1 per cent. of the Company's issued share capital at the date of this Prospectus would then hold 0.44 per cent. of the Company's issued share capital following Conversion of such class of C Shares.
Further, on Conversion of C Shares, any dilution resulting from the issue of C Shares may increase or decrease depending on the Conversion Ratio used for such Conversion.
Initial Admission is expected to take place and dealings in C Shares are expected to commence on the London Stock Exchange at 8:00 a.m. on 22 October 2019. There will be no conditional dealings in the C Shares prior to Initial Admission.
The ISIN of the C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue will be GG00BFYT9663 and the SEDOL will be BFYT966.
The Company does not guarantee that at any particular time market maker(s) will be willing to make a market in the C Shares, nor does it guarantee the price at which a market will be made in the C Shares. Accordingly, the dealing price of the C Shares may not necessarily reflect changes in the NAV per C Share.
Where applicable, definitive share certificates in respect of the C Shares issued pursuant to the Initial Issue are expected to be despatched, by post at the risk of the recipients, to the relevant holders, not later than the week commencing 28 October 2019. The C Shares are in registered form and can also be held in uncertificated form. Prior to the despatch of definitive share certificates in respect of any C Shares which are held in certificated form, transfers of those C Shares will be certified against the Register. No temporary documents of title will be issued.
The Company's objective is to provide Shareholders with an attractive and growing level of income, together with the potential for capital growth, from investment in Songs and associated musical intellectual property rights. The Net Issue Proceeds and the net proceeds of any Subsequent Placing will be invested in accordance with the Investment Objective and Policy. The Company invests, and will continue to invest, in a Portfolio of Songs and associated musical intellectual property rights (including, but not limited to, master recordings and producer royalties) and will seek to acquire 100 per cent. of a songwriter's copyright interest in each Song, which would comprise their writer's share, their publisher's share and their performance rights. Any announcement made by the Company in connection with the acquisition of a Catalogue contains, and will continue to contain, details of the copyright interests in such Catalogue that the Company has acquired.
Pursuant to the Articles and absent any Force Majeure Circumstances, the C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue will convert to New Ordinary Shares within one month from the Calculation Time, being the earlier of: (i) the close of business on the date on which the Board becomes aware or is notified by the Investment Adviser that at least 80 per cent. of the Net Issue Proceeds has been invested in accordance with the Company's Investment Objective and Policy; or (ii) the close of business on 21 October 2020 (being the date that is 12 months following Initial Admission).
On the relevant Calculation Time, the net assets attributable to the Ordinary Shares then in issue, the net assets attributable to the C Shares issued pursuant to the Initial Issue and the resultant Conversion Ratio will be calculated.
Holders of a class of C Shares will receive such number of New Ordinary Shares as results from applying the Conversion Ratio to their holdings in the C Shares on the Conversion Time, with fractions of New Ordinary Shares being dealt with by the Directors in such manner as they see fit.
Following the Calculation Time, the Directors shall procure that the Conversion Ratio and the number of New Ordinary Shares due to each holder of the C Shares is calculated and that the Company's independent valuer prepares the fair valuations of the assets attributable to the Company's Ordinary Shares and the relevant class of C Shares in accordance with the Company's latest published valuation methodology.
Pursuant to the Articles, the Directors have determined that the holders of the C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue will be entitled to participate in any dividends of the Company in relation to assets attributable to that class of C Shares. Such amount will depend on the revenues received from Catalogues attributable to that class of C Shares, which is not known at the time of this Prospectus. C Shareholders will be informed of any dividends declared by the Company in respect of the C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue by way of an RIS announcement.
No dividend or other distribution shall be made or paid by the Company on any of its C Shares between the Calculation Time and the Conversion Time (both dates inclusive) provided that any dividend announced prior to the relevant Calculation Time shall be taken into account as an adjustment in the calculation of the Conversion Ratio and no dividend shall be declared with a record date falling between the relevant Calculation Time and the relevant Conversion Time (both dates inclusive).
Pursuant to the Placing Programmes, the Directors may, at their sole and absolute discretion, decide to carry out one or more Placings after Initial Admission and before the Final Closing Date, should the Board determine that market conditions are appropriate. The Placing Programmes are flexible and may have a number of closing dates (each, an "Interim Closing Date"). The Board expects that any Placings of new classes of C Shares pursuant to the C Share Placing Programme will only be carried out after at least 85 per cent. of the Company's Gross Issue Proceeds following the Initial Issue (or 85 per cent. of the gross proceeds of a Subsequent Placing) has been invested or committed in accordance with the Investment Objective and Policy.
The maximum number of Shares that may be issued under the Placing Programmes is 1 billion.
Each Placing under the Placing Programmes will be conditional on, among other things:
(e) the Joint Bookrunners confirming to the Placees their allocation of Shares pursuant to such Placing.
The Joint Bookrunners have also agreed, pursuant to the Placing Agreement, to use their reasonable endeavours to procure Placees to subscribe for new Shares pursuant to the Placing Programmes. Details of the Placing Agreement are set out in paragraph 5.1 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus.
The actual number of new Shares to be issued under the Placing Programmes will be determined by the Company (in consultation with the Joint Bookrunners) after taking into account demand for the new Shares.
The Placing Programmes will not be underwritten and there will be no minimum subscription for Shares that are made available under the Placing Programmes. The actual number of C Shares issued pursuant to the Initial Issue and Shares to be issued pursuant to the Placing Programmes is not known. The number of C Shares issued pursuant to the Initial Issue and available Shares to be issued pursuant to the Placing Programmes should not be taken as an indication of the number of Shares finally to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue or the Placing Programmes, respectively.
The minimum price at which new Ordinary Shares will be issued pursuant to a Placing under the Ordinary Share Placing Programme will be set at a premium to the latest published NAV per Ordinary Share at the relevant time, with a view to covering the costs and expenses of the Placing (including, without limitation, any placing commissions). The Placing Programme Price for an the Ordinary Shares issued under the Ordinary Share Placing Programme shall be disclosed by way of an RIS announcement at the relevant time.
No fractions of Shares will be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue or the Placing Programmes. If a fractional entitlement to a Share arises on an application, the number of Shares issued will be rounded down to the nearest whole number. Any rounding will be retained for the benefit of the Company.
Further details about any Placings (including the issue price for any such Placing or the maximum size of such Placing) will be notified by the Company by an RIS announcement and on the Company's website prior to each Subsequent Admission Date.
The terms and conditions applicable to any subscription for new Shares pursuant to the Placing Programmes are contained in Part IX (Terms and Conditions of Placings) of this Prospectus.
The Board intends to issue C Shares pursuant to the C Share Placing Programme (rather than Ordinary Shares pursuant to the Ordinary Share Placing Programme), in circumstances where there is substantial investor demand for Shares in the Company but the issue of further Ordinary Shares would have the potential to exert "cash drag" on the performance of the Ordinary Shares already in issue pending the deployment of such issue proceeds. The Directors are authorised to issue such classes of C Shares as they may determine in accordance with the provisions of the Articles and with C Shares of each such class being convertible into New Ordinary Shares as the Directors may determine at the time of issue of the relevant C Shares.
The Company may, at its discretion, issue additional classes of C Shares prior to the Conversion of any previously issued classes of C Shares. Each class of C Shares will form a distinct and separate class of Shares from other classes of C Shares. Each class of C Shares will have the same rights and characteristics as any other class of C Shares. A new class of C Shares may be issued prior to the Conversion of any existing class(es) of C Shares in a number of circumstances including where the existing cash attributable to Ordinary Shares and any existing class(es) of C Shares is considered to be potentially insufficient to fund the acquisition of one or more pipeline Catalogues (which may or may not ultimately materialise). Further details of the rights attaching to the C Shares and the mechanism for converting them into Ordinary Shares are set out in paragraph 4.22 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus.
The issue price of any C Shares issued pursuant to the C Share Placing Programme will be 100 pence per C Share.
By way of a written special resolution dated 25 June 2018, the Board was granted the authority to allot and issue up to 1 billion Shares on a non-pre-emptive basis, such authority being expressed to expire immediately prior to the AGM of the Company to be held in 2023 (or, if earlier, five years from the date of the passing of such resolution). Out of this authority, the Company has issued 389,356,341 Shares as at the date of this Prospectus. Accordingly, the Company has authority to allot and issue a further 610,643,659 Shares over such period as stated above. The maximum number of C Shares that can be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue is 500 million. The maximum number of Shares that can be issued pursuant to the Placing Programmes is 1 billion. Accordingly, the maximum number of Shares that can be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes is 1.5 billion, which exceeds the current authority of the Board to allot Shares. Accordingly, the Company will publish a shareholder circular on or around the date of this Prospectus containing details of the Resolution to be tabled at the EGM, proposing that pre-emption rights be disapplied in respect of a further one billion Ordinary Shares or C Shares to enable the Company to issue all the Issue Shares comprised in the Placing Programmes. The Company's ability to issue the entire 1.5 billion Shares pursuant to the Initial Issue and Placing Programmes is, therefore, dependent on the Resolution being passed at the EGM or the Board otherwise renewing such authority during the Placing Programmes.
If 1 billion Shares were to be issued pursuant to the Subsequent Placings (being the maximum number of Shares that the Directors will be authorised to issue under the Placing Programmes) and assuming that: (i) 300 million C Shares had been issued pursuant to the Initial Issue; (ii) those C Shares had converted to Ordinary Shares at the time of the Subsequent Placing at a Conversion Ratio of 1:1; (iii) no other Ordinary Shares or C Shares had been issued between the date of this Prospectus and the date of the relevant Subsequent Placing; and (iv) a subscriber to the Initial Issue did not participate in any of the Subsequent Placings, an investor holding 1 per cent. of the Company's issued share capital after the Initial Issue would then hold 0.41 per cent. of the Company's issued share capital following completion of all of the Subsequent Placings.
The potential dilution in any Subsequent Placing will be communicated by a Regulatory Information Service announcement in connection with such Subsequent Placing.
Further, on Conversion of C Shares, any dilution resulting from the issue of C Shares may increase or decrease depending on the Conversion Ratio used for such Conversion.
Opportunities to invest in Catalogues or Songs (including funding any unfunded commitments under existing Catalogues or Songs) will be allocated as between the Ordinary Shares and various classes of C Shares as follows:
For the avoidance of doubt, the Company will not have regard to the concentration in the portfolio attributable to a specific class of C Shares prior to its Conversion. The investment limits set out in the Company's Investment Objective and Policy will apply to the Company's gross assets as a whole. Therefore, a class of C Shares may, prior to Conversion, have a lower number of Songs or a greater exposure to any one Song within their respective portfolios than the investment limits set out in the Company's Investment Objective and Policy.
Any person acquiring New Ordinary Shares upon Conversion will be deemed to have agreed, represented and warranted to each of the Company, the Investment Adviser, the Registrar and the Joint Bookrunners to all of the statements that the subscriber for the relevant C Shares is deemed to have agreed, represented and warranted to each of the aforementioned persons at the time of subscription as set out in this Prospectus.
The Directors may, in their absolute discretion, decline to convert any C Shares into New Ordinary Shares with respect to any person who has not established to the satisfaction of the Directors that such person is not a Non-Qualified Holder and any such C Shares shall be subject to the forced transfer and other provisions relating to Non-Qualified Holders set out in the Articles and this Prospectus.
On Conversion, such number of C Shares of the relevant class as shall be necessary to ensure that, upon Conversion being completed, the aggregate number of New Ordinary Shares into which those C Shares are converted equals the number of C Shares in issue on the Calculation Time multiplied by the Conversion Ratio and rounded down to the nearest whole Ordinary Share, shall automatically convert into an equal number of New Ordinary Shares.
The New Ordinary Shares arising on Conversion shall be divided amongst the former holders of the relevant class C Shares pro rata according to their respective former holdings of that class of C Shares (provided always that the Directors may deal in such manner as they think fit with fractional entitlements to New Ordinary Shares arising upon Conversion, including, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, selling any such shares representing such fractional entitlements and retaining the proceeds for the benefit of the Company).
Each issued C Share of a class which does not convert into a New Ordinary Share in accordance with this paragraph shall, immediately upon Conversion, be redeemed by the Company for an aggregate consideration of £0.01 for all of the C Shares of that class to be so redeemed and the notice referred to in this paragraph shall be deemed to constitute notice to each holder of C Shares of that class (and any person or persons having the right to acquire or acquiring C Shares of that class on or after the Calculation Time) that such C Shares shall be so redeemed. The Company shall not be obliged to account to any holder of C Shares for the redemption monies in respect of such shares.
Upon request following Conversion, the Company shall issue to each former holder of C Shares a new certificate in respect of the New Ordinary Shares in certificated form which have arisen upon Conversion.
The New Ordinary Shares arising upon Conversion shall rank pari passu with all other Ordinary Shares for dividends and other distributions declared, made or paid by reference to a record date falling after the relevant Calculation Time and will entitle the newly converted holders thereof to participate in any future share buybacks on the same terms and subject to the same conditions as holders of the Ordinary Shares. For further details on the Company's policies around share buybacks and discount control management, please refer to the section entitled "Discount Control Provisions" in Part I (Information on the Company) of this Prospectus.
Pursuant to anti-money laundering laws and regulations with which the Company must comply in the UK and/or Guernsey, the Company (and their agents) may require evidence in connection with any application for Shares, including further identification of the applicant(s), before any Shares are issued.
In the event that there are any significant changes affecting any of the matters described in this Prospectus or where any significant new matters have arisen after the publication of this Prospectus and prior to Initial Admission or any Subsequent Admission, the Company will publish a supplementary prospectus. The supplementary prospectus will give details of the significant change(s) or the significant new matter(s).
The Directors (in consultation with the Joint Bookrunners) may in their absolute discretion waive the minimum application amounts in respect of any particular application for C Shares under the Initial Issue.
Should the Initial Issue be aborted or fail to complete for any reason, monies received will be returned without interest at the risk of the applicant.
Definitive certificates in respect of C Shares in certificated form will be despatched by post in the week commencing 28 October 2019.
In the case of any Placing, payment for the Shares should be made in accordance with settlement instructions to be provided to Placees by (or on behalf of) the Company or the Joint Bookrunners. In the case of the Offer, payment for the C Shares should be made in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the Offer in Part IX (Terms and Conditions of the Offer for Subscription) of this Prospectus and in the Application Form. To the extent that any application for Shares is rejected in whole or in part (whether by scaling back or otherwise), monies received will be returned without interest at the risk of the applicant.
The Shares will be issued in registered form and may be held in either certificated or uncertificated form and settled through CREST. In the case of any Shares to be issued in uncertificated form pursuant to the Initial Issue or the Placing Programmes, these will be transferred to successful applications through the CREST system.
CREST is a paperless settlement procedure operated by Euroclear enabling securities to be evidenced otherwise than by a certificate and transferred otherwise than by written instrument. The Articles permit the holding of Shares under the CREST system. The Company has applied for the C Shares issued pursuant to the Initial Issue to be admitted to CREST with effect from Initial Admission and it is expected that the C Shares will be admitted to CREST with effect from that time. Accordingly, settlement of transactions in C Shares following Initial Admission may take place within the CREST system if any Shareholder so wishes. The Company will similarly apply for any new Shares that may be issued pursuant to the Placing Programmes to be admitted to CREST with effect from the relevant Subsequent Admission and it is expected that such new Shares will be admitted to CREST with effect from that time. Accordingly, settlement of transactions in new Shares following the relevant Subsequent Admission may take place within the CREST system if any Shareholder so wishes.
It is expected that the Company will arrange for Euroclear to be instructed on 22 October 2019 to credit the appropriate CREST accounts of the subscribers concerned or their nominees with their respective entitlements to the C Shares issued pursuant to the Initial Issue. Similarly, where new Shares are issued pursuant to the Placing Programmes, the Company will arrange for Euroclear to be instructed from time to time to credit the appropriate CREST accounts of the subscribers concerned or their nominees with their respective entitlements to the new Shares. The names of subscribers or their nominees investing through their CREST accounts will be entered directly on to the Register.
The transfer of Shares out of the CREST system at any time following Initial Admission should be arranged directly through CREST. However, an investor's beneficial holding held through the CREST system may be exchanged, in whole or in part, only upon the specific request of the registered holder to CREST for share certificates or an uncertificated holding in definitive registered form.
CREST is a voluntary system and Shareholders who wish to receive and retain share certificates will be able to do so. An investor applying for new Shares may elect to receive such new Shares in uncertificated form if such investor is a system-member (as defined in the CREST Regulations) in relation to CREST. If a Shareholder or transferee requests Shares to be issued in certificated form and is holding such Shares outside CREST, a share certificate will be despatched either to them or their nominated agent (at his risk) within 21 days of completion of the registration process or transfer, as the case may be, of the Shares. Shareholders (other than U.S. Persons) holding definitive certificates may elect at a later date to hold such Shares through CREST or in uncertificated form provided they surrender their definitive certificates.
Shares issued by the Company should be eligible to be held in a stocks and shares ISA, subject to applicable annual subscription limits (£20,000 in the tax year 2019 to 2020).
Selling shares within an ISA to reinvest would not count towards the Shareholder's annual limit and for "flexible" ISAs (which does not include junior ISAs). Shareholders are entitled to withdraw and replace funds in their stocks and shares ISA, in the same tax year, without using up their annual subscription limit.
The Board have been advised that the Shares should be eligible for inclusion in SIPP or SSAS, subject to the discretion of the trustees of the SIPP or the SSAS, as the case may be.
Individuals wishing to invest in Shares through an ISA, SSAS or SIPP should contact their professional advisers regarding their eligibility.
C Shares allotted under the Offer will be eligible for inclusion in an ISA, subject to the applicable subscription limits to new investments into an ISA, as set out above, being complied with.
Shares allotted under the Initial Placing and/or the Placing Programmes are not eligible for inclusion in an ISA.
Shares acquired by an account manager by purchase in the secondary market, subject to applicable subscription limits, as set out above, will be eligible for inclusion in an ISA.
Applications will be made to the London Stock Exchange for the C Shares issued pursuant to the Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes to be admitted to trading on the Main Market and to listing on the premium listing category of the Official List.
It is expected that Initial Admission will become effective and that unconditional dealing in the C Shares will commence at 8:00 a.m. on 22 October 2019.
The ISIN of the Ordinary Shares is GG00BFYT9H72 and the SEDOL is BFYT9H7. The ISIN of the C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue will be GG00BFYT9663 and the SEDOL will be BFYT966.
Each class of C Shares will have separate ISINs, SEDOLs and ticker symbols issued. The announcement of any Subsequent Placing of a class of C Shares made pursuant to the C Share Placing Programme will contain details of the relevant ISIN, SEDOL and ticker symbol for such class of C Shares being issued.
The Company does not guarantee that at any particular time any market maker(s) will be willing to make a market in the Shares, nor does it guarantee the price at which a market will be made in the Shares. Accordingly, the dealing price of the Shares may not necessarily reflect changes in the Net Asset Value.
The Company has elected to impose the restrictions described below on the Initial Issue, the Placing Programmes and on the future trading of the Shares so that the Company will not be required to register the offer and sale of the Shares under the U.S. Securities Act, and will not have an obligation to register as an "investment company" under the U.S. Investment Company Act and related rules, and in order to address certain ERISA, U.S. Tax Code and other considerations. These restrictions will remain in effect until the Company determines in its sole discretion to remove them, and may adversely affect the ability of holders of the Shares to trade such securities. The Company and its agents will not be obligated to recognise any resale or other transfer of the Shares made other than in compliance with the restrictions described below.
Unless otherwise expressly agreed with the Company, each subscriber of Shares in the Initial Issue and/or the Placing Programmes and each subsequent transferee of the Shares, by acquiring Shares or any beneficial interest therein, will be deemed to have represented, warranted, undertaken, agreed and acknowledged as follows as of the date it subscribes for or otherwise acquires such Shares or any beneficial interest therein:
HIPGNOSIS SONGS FUND LIMITED (THE "COMPANY") HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940, AS AMENDED (THE "U.S. INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT"). IN ADDITION, THE SECURITIES OF THE COMPANY REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "U.S. SECURITIES ACT"), OR WITH ANY SECURITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES. ACCORDINGLY, THE SECURITIES OF THE COMPANY REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED, EXERCISED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT (I) IN AN "OFFSHORE TRANSACTION" COMPLYING WITH THE PROVISIONS OF REGULATION S UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT TO A PERSON OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES AND NOT KNOWN BY THE TRANSFEROR TO BE A "U.S. PERSON" AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT (A "U.S. PERSON") OR ACTING FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF A U.S. PERSON, BY PRE-ARRANGEMENT OR OTHERWISE, OR (II) TO THE COMPANY OR A SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, IN EACH CASE UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH WILL NOT REQUIRE THE COMPANY TO REGISTER UNDER THE U.S. INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS
The information below, which relates only to Guernsey and the UK, summarises the advice received by the Board and is applicable to the Company and (except in so far as express reference is made to the treatment of other persons) to persons who are resident in Guernsey or the United Kingdom for taxation purposes and who hold Shares as an investment. It is based on current Guernsey and UK tax law and published practice, respectively, which law or practice is, in principle, subject to any subsequent changes therein (potentially with retrospective effect). It is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice. Certain Shareholders, such as dealers in securities, collective investment schemes, insurance companies and persons acquiring their Shares in connection with their employment may be taxed differently and are not considered. The tax consequences for each Shareholder of investing in the Company may depend upon the Shareholder's own tax position and upon the relevant laws of any jurisdiction to which the Shareholder is subject.
If you are in any doubt about your tax position, you should consult your professional adviser.
The Directors have been advised that following certain changes to the United Kingdom tax rules regarding "alternative investment funds" implemented by the Finance Act 2014 and contained in section 363A of the Taxation (International and other Provisions) Act 2010 the Company should not be resident in the United Kingdom for United Kingdom tax purposes. Accordingly, the Company will only be subject to UK income tax or corporation tax on any UK source income and to the extent it carries on a trade in the UK (whether or not through a branch, agency or permanent establishment situated therein).
If the Company meets the definition of an "offshore fund" for the purpose of UK taxation, then in order for a UK Shareholder to be taxed under the regime for tax on chargeable gains (rather than on an income basis) on a disposal of Shares, the Company must apply to HM Revenue & Customs to be treated as a reporting fund and maintain reporting fund status throughout the period in which the UK Shareholder holds the Shares.
The Directors are of the opinion that, under current law, the Company should not be an "offshore fund" for the purposes of UK taxation, and legislation contained in Part 8 of the Taxation (International and Other Provisions) Act 2010 (other than section 363A referred to above), should not apply.
Accordingly, Shareholders (other than those holding Shares as dealing stock, who are subject to separate rules) who are resident in the UK, or who carry on business in the UK through a branch, agency or permanent establishment with which their investment in the Company is connected, may, depending on their circumstances and subject as mentioned below, be liable to UK tax on chargeable gains realised on the disposal of their Shares.
A disposal of Shares (including a disposal on a winding-up of the Company) by a Shareholder who is resident in the United Kingdom for tax purposes, or who is not so resident but carries on a trade in the UK through a branch agency or permanent establishment in connection with which their investment in the Company is used, held or acquired, may give rise to a chargeable gain or an allowable loss for the purposes of UK taxation of chargeable gains, depending on the Shareholder's circumstances and subject to any available exemption or relief.
UK-resident and domiciled individual Shareholders have an annual exemption, such that capital gains tax is chargeable only on gains arising from all sources during the tax year in excess of this figure. The annual exemption is £12,500 for the tax year 2019-2020. For such individual Shareholders, capital gains tax will be chargeable on a disposal of Shares at the applicable rate (currently 10 per cent. (for basic rate taxpayers) or 20 per cent. (for higher or additional rate taxpayers)).
Generally, an individual Shareholder who has ceased to be resident in the UK for tax purposes for a period of five years or less and who disposes of Shares during that period may be liable on their return to the UK to UK taxation on any chargeable gain realised (subject to any available exemption or relief). Special rules apply to Shareholders who are subject to tax on a "split-year" basis, who should seek specific professional advice if they are in any doubt about their position.
Corporate Shareholders who are resident in the UK for tax purposes will generally be subject to corporation tax at the rate of corporation tax applicable to that Shareholder (currently at a rate of 19 per cent. and reducing to 17 per cent. from 1 April 2020) on chargeable gains arising on a disposal of their Shares.
Shareholders who are neither resident in the UK, nor temporarily non-resident for the purposes of the anti-avoidance legislation referred to above, and who do not carry on a trade in the UK through a branch, agency or permanent establishment with which their investment in the Company is connected, should not be subject to United Kingdom taxation on chargeable gains on a disposal of their Shares.
For the tax year 2019-2020, UK resident individuals are entitled to a nil rate of income tax on the first £2,000 of dividend income in a tax year (the "Nil Rate Amount"). Any dividend income received by a UK resident individual Shareholder in excess of the Nil Rate Amount will be subject to income tax at a rate of 7.5 per cent. to the extent that it is within the basic rate band, 32.5 per cent. to the extent that it is within the higher rate band and 38.1 per cent. to the extent that is within the additional rate band.
Dividend income that is within the Nil Rate Amount counts towards an individual's basic or higher rate limits – and will therefore affect the level of savings allowance to which they are entitled, and the rate of tax that is due on any dividend income in excess of the Nil Rate Amount. In calculating into which tax band any dividend income over the Nil Rate Amount falls, savings and dividend income are treated as the highest part of an individual's income. Where an individual has both savings and dividend income, the dividend income is treated as the top slice.
A corporate Shareholder who is tax resident in the UK or carries on a trade in the UK through a permanent establishment in connection with which its Shares are held will be subject to UK corporation tax on the gross amount of any dividends paid by the Company, unless the dividend falls within one of the exempt classes set out in Part 9A of the Corporation Tax Act 2009. It is anticipated that dividends paid on the Shares to UK tax resident corporate Shareholders (other than those which are a "small company" for the purposes of Part 9A) would generally (subject to anti-avoidance rules) fall within one of those exempt classes, however, such Shareholders are advised to consult their independent professional tax advisers to determine whether such dividends will be subject to UK corporation tax. If the dividends do not fall within any of the exempt classes, the dividends will be subject to tax currently at a rate of 19 per cent. and reducing to 17 per cent. from 1 April 2020.
No UK stamp duty or SDRT will arise on the issue of Shares. No UK stamp duty will be payable on a transfer of Shares, provided that all instruments effecting or evidencing the transfer (or all matters or things done in relation to the transfer) are not executed in the UK and no matters or actions relating to the transfer are performed in the UK.
Provided that the Shares are not registered in any register kept in the UK by or on behalf of the Company and that the Shares are not paired with shares issued by a company incorporated in the UK, any agreement to transfer the Shares will not be subject to UK SDRT.
Investors resident in the United Kingdom who are considering acquiring Shares are recommended to consult their own tax and/or investment adviser in relation to the eligibility of the Shares for ISAs and SSAS/SIPPs.
C Shares acquired pursuant to the Offer (but not the Initial Placing) should be eligible for inclusion in a stocks and shares ISA. On Admission, Shares acquired in the market should be eligible for inclusion in a stocks and shares ISA, subject to applicable subscription limits.
The annual ISA investment allowance is £20,000 for the tax year 2019 to 2020.
The Shares should be eligible for inclusion in a SSAS or SIPP, subject to the discretion of the trustees of the SSAS or SIPP, as the case may be.
The attention of individuals resident in the UK for taxation purposes is drawn to Chapter 2, Part 13 of the Income Tax Act 2007, which may render them liable to income tax in respect of the undistributed income of the Company.
The UK "controlled foreign company" provisions subject UK resident companies to tax on the profits of companies not so resident in which they have a controlling interest, subject to certain "gateway" provisions and exemptions. UK corporate Shareholders are advised to consult their own professional tax advisers as to the implications of these provisions.
The attention of persons resident in the UK for taxation purposes is drawn to the provisions of section 13 Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 under which, in certain circumstances, a portion of chargeable gains made by a non-UK resident company can be attributed to UK resident participators to whom more than one quarter of any gain made by the company would be attributable. This applies if the non-UK resident company would be a close company were the company to be resident in the United Kingdom for taxation purposes.
The Company has been granted an exemption from income tax in Guernsey under The Income Tax (Exempt Bodies) (Guernsey) Ordinance, 1989, as amended (the "Exempt Ordinance"). Under the provisions of the Exempt Ordinance, exemption is granted annually by the Director of the Revenue Service, provided the Company continues to comply with the requirements of the Exempt Ordinance and upon payment of an annual fee which is currently fixed at £1,200. It is the intention of the Directors to apply annually for exemption from income tax in Guernsey and to continue to conduct the affairs of the Company to ensure that it qualifies for such exemption.
Guernsey does not currently impose stamp duty or capital duty on the issue or transfer of Shares.
On the assumption that the C shares will convert into Ordinary shares on a like-for-like basis (i.e. there is no loss or gain as a result of the relevant Conversion) within the same Guernseyresident company, and that there is no 'distribution' as a result of such Conversion, then no adverse tax implications are expected to arise from a Guernsey Income Tax perspective as a result of such Conversion. Shareholders should note that , as at the date of this Prospectus, Guernsey does not levy capital gains tax, nor does it have a stamp duty (or equivalent) regime.
Guernsey resident shareholders will be liable to income tax at the rate of twenty (20) per cent. on the receipt of income as discussed in more detail below.
Guernsey resident-only shareholders (i.e. resident for more than ninety (90) days in a calendar year or thirty five (35) days or more in the current year and three hundred and sixty five (365) days over the preceding four (4) years) are liable to tax in Guernsey only on Guernsey sourced income. Alternatively, such individuals can elect to pay the standard charge (£30,000 in 2018).
Principally resident shareholders in Guernsey (i.e. resident for one hundred and eighty two (182) days in a calendar year) are liable to income tax on their worldwide income. This means that all assessable income will be subject to Income Tax at a rate of twenty (20) per cent. In Guernsey, it is possible for individuals to cap their income tax exposure in Guernsey.
For individuals with Guernsey and non-Guernsey source income there are two choices available:
Non-Guernsey resident shareholders are not subject to any income tax in Guernsey in respect of, or, in connection with the acquisition, holding or disposal of any shares owned by them. Any Shareholders who are resident in Guernsey will be subject to Guernsey income tax on any dividends paid to such persons but will not suffer any deduction of tax by the Company from any such dividends payable where the Company is granted tax exempt status. Exempt companies may pay actual distributions to a Guernsey resident individual on a gross basis. The Company will be required to make a return to the Director of Revenue Service providing details of distributions to Shareholders resident in Guernsey.
Guernsey has a wide-ranging anti-avoidance provision. This provision targets transactions where the effect of the transaction or series of transactions is the avoidance, reduction or deferral of a tax liability. At his discretion, the Director of Income Tax will make such adjustments to the tax liability to counteract the effects of the avoidance, reduction or deferral of the tax liability.
In December 2017, Jersey and Guernsey, in common with a number of other jurisdictions, were requested by the EU Code of Conduct Group on Business Taxation ("COCG") to give reassurances to EU member states on the issue of lack of a substance requirement for companies tax resident in their territories, and to discuss with the COCG what further steps could better ensure businesses have sufficient economic substance. Legislation has now been released imposing substance requirements on certain Guernsey resident entities generating income in Guernsey.
The governments of the United States and Guernsey have entered into the U.S. Guernsey IGA related to implementing FATCA which is implemented through Guernsey's domestic legislation.
Guernsey has also implemented the Common Reporting Standard or "CRS" regime with effect from 1 January 2016. Accordingly, reporting in respect of periods commencing on or after 1 January 2016 is required in accordance with the CRS (as implemented in Guernsey).
Under the CRS and legislation enacted in Guernsey to implement the CRS certain disclosure requirements are imposed in respect of certain investors who are, or are entities that are controlled by one or more natural persons who are, residents of any of the jurisdictions that have also adopted the CRS, unless a relevant exemption applies. Where applicable, information to be disclosed will include certain information about investors, their ultimate beneficial owners and/or controllers, and their investment in and returns from the Company. The CRS will be implemented through Guernsey's domestic legislation in accordance with guidance issued by the OECD as supplemented by guidance notes in Guernsey.
Under the CRS, disclosure of information will be made to the Director of Income Tax in Guernsey for transmission to the tax authorities in other participating jurisdictions.
In subscribing for or acquiring Shares, each Shareholder is agreeing, upon the request of the Company or its delegate, to provide such information as is necessary to comply with FATCA, the Common Reporting Standard and other similar regimes and any related legislation, intergovernmental agreements and/or regulations.
Investors should consult with their respective tax advisers regarding the possible implications of FATCA, the Common Reporting Standard and similar regimes concerning the automatic exchange of information any other related legislation, intergovernmental agreements and/or regulations.
It is further recommended that Shareholders who are entities consider themselves whether they have any obligations to notify their respective investors, shareholders or account-holders about the information that the Company requests, and the potential disclosures that the Company will be obliged to make in connection with those persons in complying with its obligations under FATCA.
3.1 As at the date of this Prospectus, the Directors hold Ordinary Shares and intend to subscribe for C Shares pursuant to the Initial Issue in the amounts set out below:
| Name | Current Number of Ordinary Shares held |
Number of C Shares to be subscribed for in the Initial Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Sutch | 10,090 | 20,000 |
| Paul Burger | 22,500 | 10,000 |
| Simon Holden | 35,000 | 10,000 |
| Andrew Wilkinson | 25,000 | 10,000 |
3.2 The below table sets out the persons who had notified the Company of an interest which represents 3 per cent. or more of the voting share capital of the Company as at 25 September 2019 (being the latest practicable date prior to the publication of this Prospectus):
| Shareholder | Number of Ordinary Shares |
% of total issued share capital |
|---|---|---|
| Invesco Asset Management | 46,351,350 | 11.90 |
| CCLA Investment Management | 43,430,400 | 11.15 |
| Newton Investment Management | 37,073,904 | 9.52 |
| Investec Asset Management | 33,623,409 | 8.64 |
| Schroder Investment Management | 30,732,149 | 7.89 |
| JO Hambro Capital Management | 26,839,706 | 6.89 |
| Miton Asset Management | 12,211,558 | 3.14 |
| Ruffer Investment Management | 11,908,213 | 3.06 |
| Name | Current directorships/ partnerships |
Past directorships/partnerships |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Sutch | JP Morgan Claverhouse Investment Trust PLC Jupiter European Opportunities Trust PLC Luberon Holdings Limited |
Evenmerit Limited Hipgnosis OldCo Limited Stephenson Harwood LLP |
| Paul Burger | Amplify Songs 134 Ltd. Amplify Records 134 Limited BRIT School Productions Ltd. British Record Industry Trust Music Managers Forum Limited New Israel Fund |
Forward Music & Media Ltd. |
| Name | Current directorships/ partnerships |
Past directorships/partnerships |
|---|---|---|
| Soho Artists LLP The BRIT School Limited The Belsize Square Synagogue University of Pennsylvania (USA) Foundation Ltd. |
||
| Simon Holden | BWE GP II Limited BWE GP Limited Global Petro Storage Limited Golf 19 Limited HICL Infrastructure Company Limited (in liquidation) HICL Infrastructure plc JamesCo 750 Limited JPMorgan Global Core Real Assets Limited LCH Partners Limited Merian Chrysalis Investment Company Limited Permira (Europe) Limited Permira Europe III GP Limited Permira IV GP Limited Permira IV Managers Limited Permira V GP Limited Permira VI GP Limited Permira VII GP Limited The 1994 Portfolio Limited The Global Enterprise Exchange Limited Trian Investors 1 Limited Trian Investors 1 Midco Limited |
Belasko Administration Limited Belasko Group Limited Change Capital Investment Management (Guernsey) II Limited Change Capital Investment Management (Guernsey) III Limited Elli Investments Ltd Hipgnosis OldCo Limited Hipgnosis Songs Fund Guernsey Limited LSREF3 Hotels (London PR) Limited Odeon Cinemas Group Limited |
| Andrew Wilkinson | Live at The Races Limited Motor Contracts Limited Music Plus Sport Ltd. Music Plus Sport Live Ltd. Oakes Bros. Limited Weldon & Waring Limited WilTog Ltd |
Ace Investment Partners Ltd Acorn Group Limited Acorn HoldCo Limited Hipgnosis OldCo Limited Kingstreet Tours Ltd. (in liquidation) Kingstreet Tours (KM) Ltd. Kingstreet Tours (K) Ltd. (in liquidation) Kingstreet Tours (S-EUR) Ltd. (in liquidation) Kingstreet Tours (PC17) Ltd. KT (KMROW) Ltd. Oakes Holdco Limited |
3.10 As at the date of this Prospectus, there are no potential conflicts of interest between any duties to the Company of any of the Directors and their private interests and/or other duties. There are no lock-up provisions regarding the disposal by any of the Directors of any Shares.
Weldon & Waring Propco Limited
The following definitions apply for the purposes of this Part VII (Additional Information) in addition to, or (where applicable) in substitution for, the definitions applicable elsewhere in this Prospectus:
"CFTC" means the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission;
"Commodity Exchange Act" means the United States Commodity Exchange Act or any substantially equivalent successor legislation;
"CREST UK system" means the facilities and procedures for the time being of the relevant system of which Euroclear has been approved as operator pursuant to the Regulations;
"Disclosure Notice" has the meaning set out in sub-paragraph 4.7.1 below;
"ERISA" means the United States Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and applicable regulations thereunder;
"equity securities" means shares or a right to subscribe for or convert securities into shares;
"Regulations" means The Uncertificated Securities (Enabling Provisions) Guernsey Law, 2005, The Uncertificated Securities (Guernsey) Regulations 2009 (as amended), The Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 (SI 2001 No 3755), as amended by the Uncertificated Securities (Amendment) (Eligible Debt Securities) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003 No. 1633), and such other regulations as are applicable to Euroclear and/or the CREST relevant system and are from time to time in force; and
"U.S. Tax Code" means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
4.4.1 Dividends
Holders of Ordinary Shares are entitled to participate in any dividends and other distributions of the Company in relation to assets attributable to the Ordinary Shares.
4.4.2 Winding-up
On a winding-up of the Company, the holders of Ordinary Shares shall have the rights set out in the Articles, as summarised in paragraph 4.20 below.
Subject to any special rights, restrictions or prohibitions regarding voting for the time being attached to any Shares, holders of Shares shall have the right to receive notice of and to attend, speak and vote at general meetings of the Company. For Shareholder resolutions in respect of amendments to the Articles or in respect of a winding up of the Company, each class of Shares will vote as a separate class. For all other resolutions, the holders of Ordinary Shares and each class of C Shares shall vote as one class.
Each Shareholder being present in person or by proxy or by a duly authorised representative (if a corporation) at a meeting shall, upon a show of hands have one vote and upon a poll each such holder present in person or by proxy or by a duly authorised representative (if a corporation) shall, have one vote in respect of each Share that they hold.
The Directors may, if they consider it appropriate, issue further Shares as "C Shares". C Shares constitute a temporary and separate class of Shares which are issued at a fixed price determined by the Company. The rights attaching to the C Shares are set out in paragraph 4.22 of this Part VII (Additional Information).
provided that the Directors may impose such exclusions and/or make such other arrangements as they deem necessary or expedient in relation to fractional entitlements or having regard to any legal or practical problems arising under the laws of any overseas territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange in any territory or otherwise.
provided that such special resolution must:
4.8.8 Notwithstanding that any such special resolution may have expired, the Directors may issue or sell from treasury equity securities in pursuance of an offer or agreement previously made by the Company if the resolution enabled the Company to make an offer or agreement that would or might require equity securities to be issued or sold from treasury after it expired.
The pre-emption rights described above have been disapplied in relation to the issue of Shares in connection with the Initial Issue and subsequent Placings of Ordinary Shares and C Shares by the passing of the special resolution referred to in paragraph 2.3 of this Part VII (Additional Information).
4.9 Untraced Shareholders
The Company may sell the Share of a member or of a person entitled by transmission at the best price reasonably obtainable at the time of sale if, in accordance with the terms of the Articles, that person has not claimed or accepted dividends declared over a period of time and has not responded to advertisements of the Company.
Transfer Notice in accordance with the provisions of the Articles summarised in subparagraph 4.10.8 above. Every such request shall, in the case of certificated Shares, be accompanied by the certificate(s) for the Shares to which it relates.
The Company may by ordinary resolution alter its share capital, including, among other things consolidating share capital, sub-dividing Shares, cancelling untaken shares, converting Shares into Shares of a different currency and denominating or redenominating the currency of share capital.
4.12 Notice of General Meetings
Any general meeting shall be called by at least ten days' notice. A general meeting may be deemed to have been duly called by shorter notice if it is so agreed by all the members entitled to attend and vote thereat. The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to, or the non-receipt of notice of a meeting by, any person entitled to receive notice shall not invalidate the proceedings at the meeting.
Subject as hereinafter provided, the Directors may exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow or raise money (including the power to borrow for the purpose of redeeming Shares) and secure any debt or obligation of or binding on the Company in any manner including by the issue of debentures (perpetual or otherwise) and to secure the repayment of any money borrowed raised or owing by mortgage, charge, pledge or lien upon the whole or any part of the Company's undertaking property or assets (whether present or future) and also by a similar mortgage charge pledge or lien to secure and guarantee the performance of any obligation or liability undertaken by the Company or any third party.
Unless otherwise determined by the Company by ordinary resolution, the Directors shall be remunerated for their services at such rate as the Directors shall determine provided that the aggregate amount of such fees shall not exceed the annual equivalent of £250,000 per annum (or such sum as the Company in general meeting shall from time to time determine).
Upon a winding-up of the Company
The Company is authorised to take any action it determines is desirable to comply with certain U.S. tax provisions colloquially referred to as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act and any other law of any other jurisdiction relating thereto including laws promulgated pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement relating thereto (together, "FATCA"), and may enter into an agreement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or the taxing and revenue services of any other country. The Company shall not pay any additional amounts to any person in respect of any withholding of taxes, including those relating to FATCA.
The Company is not required to make available the information necessary for any person to make a so-called "qualified electing fund" election under U.S. tax law.
The following definitions apply for the purposes of this paragraph 4.22:
"Calculation Time" means, in relation to any class of C Shares, the earliest of:
"Conversion" means, in relation to any class of C Shares, the conversion of that class of C Shares into New Ordinary Shares in accordance with the Articles;
"Conversion Ratio" means, in relation to each class of C Shares, A divided by B calculated to four decimal places (with 0.00005 being rounded upwards) where:
$$\mathbf{A} = \frac{\mathbf{C} \cdot \mathbf{D}}{\mathbf{E}}$$
and
$$\frac{\mathbf{B}}{\mathbf{E}} = \mathbf{B}$$
where:
"C" is the aggregate of;
(i) the value of the investments of the Company attributable to the relevant class of C Shares (as determined by the Directors), calculated in the case of Songs by reference to an independent valuer's determination of the current value for such Songs at the Calculation Time which is to be calculated in accordance with the Company's latest published valuation methodology, among other things, as regards the fair market value of the Songs and otherwise in the same manner as the NAV was calculated as at the previous NAV Calculation Date; and
(ii) the amount which, in accordance with the Company's latest published valuation methodology, fairly reflects, at the Calculation Time, the value of the other assets of the Company attributable to the relevant class of C Shares);
"D" is the amount which (to the extent not otherwise deducted in the calculation of C) in accordance with the Company's latest published valuation methodology fairly reflects the amount of the liabilities attributable to the relevant class of C Shares of the relevant class at the Calculation Time (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the full amount of all dividends declared by not paid);
"E" is the number of shares of the relevant class of C Shares in issue at the Calculation Time (excluding any Shares held in treasury);
"F" is the aggregate of:
"G" is the amount which (to the extent not otherwise deducted in the calculation of F) in accordance with the Company's latest published valuation methodology fairly reflects the amount of the liabilities and expenses attributable to the Ordinary Shares at the Calculation Time (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the full amount of all dividends declared but not paid); and
"H" is the number of Ordinary Shares in issue at the Calculation Time (excluding any Shares held in treasury);
Provided always that:
"Conversion Time" means, in relation to any class of C Shares, a time following the Calculation Time being the earlier of:
"Force Majeure Circumstances" means in relation to any class of C Shares as a class: (i) any political and/or economic circumstances and/or actual or anticipated changes in fiscal or other legislation which, in the reasonable opinion of the Directors, renders Conversion necessary or desirable; (ii) the issue of any proceedings challenging, or seeking to challenge, the power of the Company and/or its Directors to issue the C Shares of the relevant class with the rights proposed to be attached to them and/or to the persons to whom they are, and/or the terms upon which they are, proposed to be issued; or (iii) the giving of notice of any general meeting of the Company at which a resolution is to be proposed to wind up the Company, whichever shall happen earliest;
"NAV" means the value of the Gross Assets of the Company less its liabilities (including accrued but unpaid fees) determined by the Directors in their absolute discretion in accordance with the accounting policies adopted by the Directors, from time to time, to be adjusted so as to reflect the fair value of intangible assets held at the relevant reporting date;
"NAV Calculation Date" means 31 March and 30 September in each year or such other date as the Directors may, in their discretion, determine; and
"New Ordinary Shares" means the Ordinary Shares arising on conversion of any class of C Shares.
Subject to the Articles and the Companies Law, the Directors shall be authorised to issue C Shares of any class on such terms as they determine provided that such terms are consistent with the provisions of the Articles. The Directors shall, on the issue of each class of C Shares, determine the latest Calculation Time and Conversion Time together with any amendments to the definition of Conversion Ratio attributable to each such class. Following the Calculation Time in respect of each class of C Shares, the Directors shall select the Conversion Time and effect Conversion in accordance with the Articles in order that the holders of C Shares become the holders of New Ordinary Shares in accordance with the Conversion Ratio.
Each class of C Shares, if in issue at the same time, shall be deemed to be a separate class of shares. The Board may, if it so decides, designate each class of C Shares in such manner as it sees fit in order that each class of C Shares and the assets and liabilities of such class can be identified.
The C Shareholders of any class of C Shares will be entitled to participate in any dividends of the Company in relation to assets attributable to that class of C Shares.
The New Ordinary Shares arising on Conversion of the C Shares shall rank in full for all dividends and other distributions declared after the Conversion Time save that, in relation to any classes of C Shares, the Directors may determine, as part of the terms of issue of such class, New Ordinary Shares arising on Conversion will not rank for any dividend declared by reference to a record date falling on or before the Conversion Time.
The capital and assets of the Company shall on a winding-up or on a return of capital prior, in each case, to Conversion be applied as follows:
The C Shares shall carry the right to receive notice of and to attend and vote at any general meeting of the Company. The voting rights of holders of C Shares will be the same as those applying to holders of Shares as set out in the Articles as if the C Shares and Shares were a single class.
Until Conversion, the consent, by special resolution, of: (i) the holders of each class of C Shares as a class; and (ii) the holders of the Shares as a class shall be required to:
and accordingly the special rights attached to the C Shares of such class and the Shares shall be deemed to be varied if such consent is not obtained.
The following are all of the contracts, not being contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, that have been entered into by the Group since the Company's incorporation and are, or may be, material or that contain any provision under which the Group has any obligation or entitlement which is or may be material to it as at the date of this Prospectus:
The Joint Bookrunners, the Investment Adviser and the Company have entered into a placing agreement dated 27 September 2019 (the "Placing Agreement"), whereby the Company has agreed, subject to certain conditions that are typical for an agreement of this nature, to issue the Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes at the Initial Issue Price and the relevant Placing Programme Price, respectively. The Joint Bookrunners have agreed, subject to certain conditions that are typical for an agreement of this nature, to use reasonable endeavours to procure subscribers for the Shares to be issued: (i) under the Initial Placing at the Initial Issue Price; and (ii) pursuant to the Placing Programmes. Neither the Initial Placing nor any Subsequent Placing will be underwritten.
The obligations of the Company to issue Shares and the obligations of the Joint Bookrunners to procure subscribers for the Shares to be issued under the Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes, are subject to conditions, including, amongst others, Initial Admission occurring by not later than 8.00 a.m. on 22 October 2019 (or such later time or date as the Joint Bookrunners may agree with the Company, such date not being later than 30 November 2019) and the Placing Agreement not having been terminated in accordance with its terms before Initial Admission or the relevant Subsequent Admission.
The Company has agreed to pay or cause to be paid (together with any related value added tax) certain commissions, costs, charges, fees, disbursements of advisers and reasonable outof-pocket expenses of, or in connection with, or incidental to, amongst others, the Initial Issue, Initial Admission, any Subsequent Admission or the other arrangements contemplated by the Placing Agreement.
The Company and the Investment Adviser have given certain representations, warranties, undertakings and indemnities to the Joint Bookrunners.
The Placing Agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
The Fund Entities and the Investment Adviser entered into an investment advisory agreement, dated 27 June 2018, (the "Investment Advisory Agreement"), pursuant to which the Investment Adviser advises the Fund Entities in relation to the acquisition, holding, disposal and management of Songs, whether organised into Catalogues or otherwise, and provide the Fund Entities with certain assets related and other ongoing services. The discretionary portfolio management of the Company's assets (including uninvested cash), however, remains with the Board to be dealt with in accordance with the Investment Objective and Policy.
Fees
5.2.1 The Fund Entities have agreed to pay, and the Investment Adviser is entitled to receive, the Advisory Fee and, subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, the Performance Fee. Further details of the Advisory Fee and Performance Fee are described in Part IV (Directors and Administration) of this Prospectus.
provided that if the Investment Adviser fails to achieve the Performance Target at the end of any Accounting Period after the extension of the Initial Period under this paragraph 5.2.3, the Fund Entities (acting together) may terminate this Agreement by giving not less than 12 months' notice to the Investment Adviser at any time thereafter notwithstanding whether the Performance Target is achieved in any subsequent Accounting Periods.
For the purposes of this paragraph 5.2.3 "Performance Target" means an increase in the NAV per Ordinary Share (after adjustments to (i) include the gross amount of any dividends and/or distributions paid in respect of an Ordinary Share since the Company's IPO; (ii) not take into account any increment in the NAV per Ordinary Share attributable to the issue of Ordinary Shares at a premium to NAV per Ordinary Share or any buyback of any Shares at a discount to NAV per Ordinary Share; and (iii) take account of C Shares as were agreed between the Company and the Investment Adviser at the time of issuance of such C Shares) equal to or above the Ordinary Share Performance Hurdle.
(including a breach of the Service Standard and omissions in respect of the services to be provided by the Investment Adviser under the Investment Advisory Agreement) or any Applicable Requirements;
Notice") on the terms set out in the Investment Advisory Agreement. In summary, the Investment Advisory Agreement provides that any such purchase price must be at the higher of:
Any such sale shall be subject to the provisions of the Investment Advisory Agreement in this regard.
5.2.14 The Investment Advisory Agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
The Fund Entities entered into a portfolio administration agreement with Kobalt dated 27 June 2018 the "Kobalt Agreement"). Under the Kobalt Agreement, Kobalt has agreed to administer the Fund Entities' Portfolio of Songs including:
In consideration for Kobalt performing its obligations under the Kobalt Agreement, Kobalt is entitled to a fee calculated by reference to the payments it receives on behalf of the Fund Entities which will be deducted at source by Kobalt from the payments it receives. For mechanical royalties, print royalties and other income not related to synchronisations, the fee will be 8 per cent. of the payments received, such fee being reduced, to a minimum rate of 5 per cent., at such times as certain milestone payments are received by Kobalt in respect of the Songs it administers. For synchronisation revenues that are generated by Kobalt, the fee will be 8 per cent. of the payments received in respect of such synch. Kobalt will also be entitled to 10 per cent. of the publisher's share of any performance royalties it receives. These rates will be reviewed annually. Kobalt will not be entitled to any fees with regards to the writer's share of any performance royalties it receives. Kobalt will not be entitled to any fees on any payments it receives in respect of synchronisations that Kobalt has not generated.
The Kobalt Agreement is for an initial term of three years (the "Initial Term") and shall continue thereafter until terminated by either party providing 6 months written notice (such notice to expire no earlier than the Initial Term) (a "Termination Notice"), provided that the Kobalt Agreement shall expire on the next accounting date (being 31 March, 30 June, 30 September or 31 December) following the expiration of: (i) the Initial Term; or (ii) the relevant Termination Notice. Further, on the expiry of the Initial Term (whether extended or not), Kobalt shall have the right, for a period of 12 months following the expiration of the Initial Term, to collect monies which arise from the exploitation of the Songs occurring prior to or during the Initial Term ("Collection Period").
If either the Company, any other Fund Entity or Kobalt defaults in the performance of any of its material obligations or duties and, where such default is capable of being cured, it continues for 30 days (or ten Business Days with respect to non-payment of monies) after receipt by the other party of notice in writing from such party alleging such default, the Kobalt Agreement may be terminated immediately.
The Fund Entities shall have a right to terminate the Initial Term (whether extended or not) and the Collection Period of the Kobalt Agreement forthwith if: (i) Kobalt becomes unable to pay its debts as evidenced by a statutory demand made pursuant to section 123 of the Insolvency Act 1986 and not having been satisfied; (ii) a resolution is passed for winding-up of Kobalt (other than for the purpose of, and followed by, a solvent reconstruction or amalgamation); (iii) Kobalt is dissolved (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger); (iv) Kobalt makes a proposal for any voluntary arrangement (as defined in section 1 of the Insolvency Act 1986); or (v) an administrator is appointed in relation to Kobalt and is not discharged within 60 days. Under the terms of the Kobalt Agreement, Kobalt is required, on request, to make periodic advance payments to the Fund Entities, calculated by reference to the revenues due on the Portfolio, in order to mitigate the Fund Entities' exposure in the event of a Kobalt insolvency event.
The Fund Entities shall fully indemnify Kobalt for any loss, damage, cost, liability or expense (including all out of house legal expenses) suffered by Kobalt directly or indirectly from a breach or alleged breach of the grant of rights, warranties and/or representations provided by the Fund Entities in the Kobalt Agreement which arise from any third party claims subject to the occurrence of one of the following events:
(a) any such third party claim being reduced to a judgment in a court of competent jurisdiction;
The Kobalt Agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
The Company and the Fund Administrator entered into an administration agreement dated 27 June 2018 (the "Fund Administration Agreement") and UK SubCo entered into an administration agreement dated 27 June 2018 with Estera Administration (UK) Limited, an Affiliate of the Fund Administrator (together, the "Administration Agreements").
Pursuant to the Administration Agreements, the Fund Administrator or Estera Administration (UK) Limited (as applicable) shall provide administration, accounting and corporate secretarial services to each of the Company, the UK SubCo or any subsidiary which accedes to the relevant Administration Agreement. In consideration for these services being provided to the Company and the UK SubCo, the Fund Administrator and Estera Administration (UK) Limited will be entitled to an aggregate annual fee of approximately £300,000 together with additional ad hoc fees in respect of certain additional services, such fees being payable monthly in arrear and subject to periodic review. Additional fees may be charged in respect of any subsidiary that accedes to the terms of the relevant Administration Agreement from time to time or in respect of acquisitions of additional Catalogues. As at the date of this Prospectus, all Fund Entities incorporated in the UK have acceded to the terms of the UK Administration Agreement.
The Company has given certain market standard indemnities in favour of the Fund Administrator in respect of the Fund Administrator's potential losses in carrying out its responsibilities under the Administration Agreements.
Each of the Administration Agreements may be terminated by either party on not less than 90 days' written notice. Each of the Administration Agreements may be terminated immediately by either party: (i) in the event of the winding-up of or the appointment of an administrator, liquidator, examiner or receiver to the other or upon the happening of a like event at the direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent jurisdiction; (ii) if the other shall commit any material breach of the provisions of the relevant Administration Agreement and shall if capable of remedy not have remedied the same within 30 days after the service of notice requiring it to be remedied; (iii) if the Fund Administrator shall cease to be qualified to act as such pursuant to the Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 1987, as amended; or (iv) if the continued performance of the relevant Administration Agreement for any reason ceases to be lawful.
The Fund Administration Agreement is governed by the laws of Guernsey. The agreement between UK SubCo and Estera Administration (UK) Limited (the "UK Administration Agreement") is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
The Company and the Registrar entered into a registrar agreement dated 27 June 2018 (the "Registrar Agreement"), whereby the Registrar is appointed to act as registrar, paying agent and transfer agent to the Company.
Under the terms of the Registrar Agreement, the Registrar is entitled to a fixed fee of £7,500 per annum in respect of the Ordinary Shares and £8,000 per annum in respect of the C Shares (if applicable), together with additional ad hoc fees in respect of additional out of scope services provided by the Registrar. The Registrar is also entitled to reimbursement of all out of pocket costs, expenses and charges reasonably incurred on behalf of the Company.
The Registrar Agreement shall continue for an initial term of 12 months, following which it may be terminated on six months' notice and is also terminable on shorter notice in the event of breach of the agreement or insolvency.
The Company has given certain market standard indemnities in favour of the Registrar in respect of the Registrar's potential losses in carrying on its responsibilities under the Registrar Agreement.
The Registrar Agreement is governed by the laws of Guernsey.
The Company and the Receiving Agent entered into a receiving agent agreement dated 27 September 2019 (the "Receiving Agent Agreement"), whereby the Receiving Agent is appointed to act as receiving agent to the Company in connection with the Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes. The Receiving Agent will accept responsibility for, among other things, receiving the application for Shares and the application monies, holding application cheques in a secure area to present them for payment, receiving and checking conversion instructions and acting as escrow agent.
Under the terms of the Receiving Agent Agreement, the Receiving Agent is entitled to a fixed fee of £8,000. The Receiving Agent is also entitled to reimbursement of all reasonable out-ofpocket expenses properly incurred and documented by it in connection with its duties.
The Company has given certain market standard indemnities in favour of the Receiving Agent in respect of the Receiving Agent's potential losses in carrying on its responsibilities under the agreement.
The agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
The Fund Entities have has entered into an agreement with CTABL Inc. (a wholly owned personal services company of William (Bill) Leibowitz) dated 27 June 2018 (the "WRL Engagement Letter"), pursuant to which Mr Leibowitz will be retained by the Fund Entities to provide legal services in connection with Catalogue or Song acquisitions, together with ongoing royalty/licensing issues, copyright registrations, advising on any threatened litigation and other legal services.
Pursuant to the WRL Engagement Letter, Mr Leibowitz will be entitled to a fixed fee of:( (i) in respect of the first four years following the Company's IPO, U.S.\$500,000 per annum; and (ii) for each year after such date, U.S.\$400,000, in each case payable in arrears by the Company in twelve (12) equal instalments per year (save that in limited circumstances where the Investment Adviser may, in future, agree to pay part of the annual fee). The Company will reimburse Mr Leibowitz for all reasonable business expenses.
Unless terminated by either party in accordance with its terms, the WRL Engagement Letter shall continue in full force and effect for the same term as the Investment Advisory Agreement. Unless agreed between the parties, the WRL Engagement Letter shall terminate automatically following the termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement.
The Company, UK MidCo and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ("JPM") entered into the revolving credit facility dated 29 August 2019 (the "RCF") pursuant to which JPM (as lead arranger and lender) has agreed to provide a revolving credit facility of up to £65 million.
The RCF will be available for three years and the Company may request an increase in the RCF commitment by a further £35 million subject to certain conditions and commitments from willing lenders.
The RCF contains provisions that require compliance with a loan to value test and a liquidity test. Any obligations pursuant to the RCF are secured by, among other things, a charge over the shares in all the Fund Entities (excluding the Company) and over all of those Fund Entities' Catalogues, together with a charge over the bank accounts of the Company, UK MidCo and the Fund Entities and a floating charge over all of their assets. The Company has also provided a parent company guarantee in favour of JPM on all obligations under the RCF.
The Intermediaries Terms and Conditions regulate the relationship between the Company, the Intermediaries Offer Adviser and each of the Intermediaries that is accepted by the Company to act as an Intermediary after making an application for appointment in accordance with the Intermediaries Terms and Conditions.
The Intermediaries have agreed that, in connection with the Intermediaries Offer, they will be acting as agent for retail investors in the United Kingdom who wish to acquire Issue Shares under the Intermediaries Offer, and not as representative or agent of the Company, the Intermediaries Offer Adviser the Investment Adviser or the Receiving Agent, none of whom will have any responsibility for any liability, costs or expenses incurred by any Intermediary, regardless of the process or outcome of the Initial Issue.
In order to be eligible to be considered for appointment as an Intermediary, each Intermediary must be authorised by the FCA or the Prudential Regulation Authority in the United Kingdom or authorised by a competent authority in another EEA State with the appropriate authorisations to carry on the relevant activities in the United Kingdom, and in each case have appropriate permissions, licences, consents and approvals to act as an intermediary in the United Kingdom. Each Intermediary must also be a member of CREST or have arrangements with a clearing firm that is a member of CREST.
Each Intermediary must also have (and is solely responsible for ensuring that it has) all licences, consents and approvals necessary to enable it to act as an intermediary in the United Kingdom and must be, and at all times remain, of good repute and in compliance with all laws, rules and regulations applicable to it (determined by the Company in its absolute discretion).
A minimum application amount of £100 per Underlying Applicant will apply under the Intermediaries Offer, and thereafter an Underlying Applicant may apply for any amount. There is no maximum limit on the monetary amount that Underlying Applicants may invest. Any application made by investors through any Intermediary is subject to the terms and conditions agreed with each Intermediary.
Allocations of Issue Shares under the Intermediaries Offer will be at the absolute discretion of the Company. If there is excess demand for Issue Shares in the Initial Issue, allocations of Issue Shares may be scaled down to an aggregate value which is less than that applied for.
Each Intermediary will be instructed by the Receiving Agent as to the basis on which each Intermediary must apply to Underlying Applicants who have applied through such Intermediary.
By completing and returning an Intermediaries Offer Application Form, an Intermediary will be deemed to have irrevocably agreed to invest or procure the investment in Issue Shares of the aggregate amount stated on the Intermediaries Offer Application Form or such lesser amount in respect of which such application may be accepted. The Company reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, or to scale down, any application for Issue Shares under the Intermediaries Offer.
The Intermediaries Terms and Conditions provide that an Intermediary may choose whether or not to be paid a fee in connection with the Intermediaries Offer, subject to the rules of the FCA or any other applicable body. Intermediaries must not pay to any Underlying Applicant any of the fees it receives and no Intermediaries are permitted to deduct any fee received from the payment for the Issue Shares allocated to it. If an Intermediary wishes to receive a fee in respect of some clients and not in respect of other clients then it must submit two separate Intermediaries Offer Application Forms.
The Intermediaries have agreed to give certain undertakings regarding the use of information provided to them in connection with the Intermediaries Offer. The Intermediaries have given certain undertakings regarding their role and responsibilities in the Intermediaries Offer and are subject to certain restrictions on their conduct in connection with the Intermediaries Offer, including in relation to their responsibility for information, communications, websites, advertisements and their communications with clients and the press.
The Intermediaries have given representations and warranties that are relevant for the Intermediaries Offer, and have agreed to indemnify the Company, the Intermediaries Offer Adviser, the Investment Adviser and the Receiving Agent against any loss or claim arising out of any breach by them of the Intermediaries Terms and Conditions or as a result of a breach of any duties or obligations under FSMA or under any rules of the FCA or any applicable laws.
The Intermediaries Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
such person would be required (except with the consent of the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers) to make a cash or cash alternative offer for the outstanding Shares at a price not less than the highest price paid for any interests in the Shares by the person or their concert parties during the previous 12 months.
The Companies Law provides that if an offer is made for the shares or any class of shares in the capital of a company and if, within four months after the date of such offer, the offer is approved by shareholders comprising 90 per cent. in value of the shares affected (excluding any shares held as treasury shares) then the offeror may, no later than two months after the expiration of those four months, send an acquisition notice to any dissenting shareholders informing them that it wishes to acquire their shares (an "Acquisition Notice"). Where an Acquisition Notice is given, the offeror is then entitled and bound to acquire those shares on the terms on which the original offer, approved by the shareholders comprising 90 per cent. in value of the shares affected was made.
There are, and there have been, no governmental, legal or arbitration proceedings during the period since the Company's incorporation, and the Company is not aware of any such pending or threatened proceedings, which may have, or have had in the recent past, a significant effect on the Group's financial position or profitability.
Except with respect to the appointment letters entered into between the Company and each Director, no member of the Group has entered into any related party transaction since incorporation, save for the entry into the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Fund Entities and the Investment Adviser.
11.1 Where third party information has been referenced in this Prospectus, the source of that third party information has been disclosed. Where information contained in this Prospectus has been sourced from a third party, the Company confirms that such information has been accurately reproduced and, as far as the Company is aware and able to ascertain from information published by such third parties, no facts have been omitted which would render the reproduced information inaccurate or misleading.
The Company is of the opinion that the working capital available to the Group is sufficient for its present requirements, that is for at least 12 months from the date of this Prospectus.
13.1 The following table shows the audited capitalisation of the Company as at 31 March 2019 (being the last date in respect of which the Company has published financial information):
| Shareholders' equity | As at 31 March 2019 (£ million) |
|---|---|
| Share capital Legal and other reserves |
198.00 Nil |
| Total | 198.00 |
| As at 31 August 2019 |
|
|---|---|
| Total current debt | (£ million) |
| Guaranteed | Nil |
| Secured | Nil |
| Unguaranteed/unsecured | Nil |
| Total non-current debt | As at 31 August 2019 (£ million) |
|---|---|
| Guaranteed | 13.75 |
| Secured Unguaranteed/unsecured |
Nil Nil |
13.4 The following table shows the Company's unaudited net indebtedness as at 31 August 2019 (the latest practicable date for such indebtedness figures prior to the publication of this Prospectus):
| As at 31 August 2019 (£ million) |
|
|---|---|
| Cash | 60.96 |
| Cash equivalents | Nil |
| Trading securities | Nil |
| Liquidity (A+B+C) | 60.96 |
| Current financial receivable | Nil |
| Current bank debt | Nil |
| Current portion of non-current debt | Nil |
| Other current financial debt | Nil |
| Current financial debt (F+G+H) | Nil |
| Net current financial indebtedness (l-E-D) | (60.96) |
| Non-current bank loans | Nil |
| Bonds issued | Nil |
| Other non-current loans | 13.75 |
| 13.75 | |
| Net financial indebtedness (J+N) | (47.21) |
| Non-current financial indebtedness (K+L+M) |
13.5 As at 31 August 2019, the Company had no indirect or contingent indebtedness and nil net indebtedness.
14.1 Since 31 March 2019, the following events have taken place:
14.1.6 on 25 September 2019, the Company's Ordinary Shares were migrated from the Specialist Fund Segment to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange and were admitted to listing on the premium listing category of the Official List of the FCA.
The AIFM Directive imposes detailed and prescriptive obligations on fund managers established in the EEA (the "Operative Provisions"). These do not currently apply to selfmanaged AIFs established outside the EEA, such as the Company. Rather, self-managed, non-EEA AIFs are only required to comply with certain disclosure, reporting and transparency obligations of the AIFM Directive (the "Disclosure Provisions") and, even then, only if the non-EEA AIF markets its shares in a fund to EEA domiciled investors within the EEA. Where the Disclosure Provisions appear to require disclosure on an Operative Provision which does not apply to the Company, no meaningful disclosure can be made. These Operative Provisions include prescriptive rules on the treatment of investors, liquidity management and cover for professional liability risks.
The Company, as a self-managed AIF established outside the EEA, is not authorised under the AIFM Directive and is therefore not subject to the detailed requirements set out therein in relation to the holding of professional indemnity insurance and regulatory capital.
There is no right or entitlement attaching to any class of Shares that allows them to be redeemed or repurchased by the Company at the option of the Shareholder.
Liquidity risk is therefore the risk that a position held by the Company cannot be realised at a reasonable value sufficiently quickly to meet the obligations (primarily, repayment of any debt and the fees payable to the Company's service providers) of the Company as they fall due.
The Company will seek to ensure that it manages, at all times, its Portfolio so that it has sufficient working capital and available cash to enable it to discharge its payment obligations.
The Company is subject to the Listing Rules and Principles that are applicable to closedended investment companies with a premium listing on the Official List of the FCA. In particular, Premium Listing Principles 3 and 5 provide for fair treatment of Shareholders.
The Company is reliant on the performance of third party service providers, including the Investment Adviser, the Fund Administrator, Kobalt and other portfolio administrators and the Registrar.
Without prejudice to any potential right of action in tort that a Shareholder may have to bring a claim against a service provider, each Shareholder's contractual relationship in respect of its investment in Shares is with the Company only. Accordingly, no Shareholder will have any contractual claim against any service provider with respect to such service provider's default.
In the event that a Shareholder considers that it may have a claim against a third party service provider in connection with such Shareholder's investment in the Company, such Shareholder should consult its own legal advisers.
16.1 Copies of the Articles are, and this Prospectus will be, available for inspection at the registered office of the Company during normal business hours on any weekday (Saturdays and public holidays excepted) up to and including the Final Closing Date and shall be available on the Company's website at www.hipgnosissongs.com. In addition, the 2019 Annual Report is available on the Company's website at https://www.hipgnosissongs.com/s/FINAL-Hipgnosis-Annual-Report-310319-b8h3.pdf.
16.2 A copy of this Prospectus has been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and is available for inspection at http://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/NSM. Copies of this Prospectus may be obtained, free of charge during normal business hours on any weekday (bank and public holidays excepted) at the Company's registered office up to and including the Final Closing Date.
Dated 27 September 2019
The published annual report and consolidated financial statements of the Group for the period from 8 June 2018 (the date of incorporation of the Company) to 31 March 2019 ("2019 Annual Report") included, on the pages specified in the table below, the following information:
| Independent auditors' report | 35 |
|---|---|
| Consolidated statement of comprehensive income | 41 |
| Consolidated statement of financial position | 42 |
| Consolidated statement of changes in equity | 43 |
| Consolidated statement of cash flow | 44 |
| Notes to the consolidated financial statements | 45 |
The key audited figures that summarise the financial condition of the Group in respect of the period from 8 June 2018 (Incorporation) to 31 March 2019, which have been extracted without material adjustment from the historical financial information referred to in paragraph 1 of this Part VIII (Financial Information on the Group for the period from 8 June 2018 (incorporation of the Company) to 31 March 2019) of this Prospectus (unless otherwise indicated in the notes below the following tables), are set out in the following tables. Investors should read the whole of such report and not rely solely on the key or summarised information set out below:
| (In £s except per share amounts) | Total |
|---|---|
| Income Total revenue Other income Foreign exchange gains (Non-investments) |
7,218,852 682,491 104,773 |
| Total income | 8,006,116 |
| Expenses Advisory fee Performance fee Amortisation of Catalogues of Songs Directors' remuneration Broker fees Auditor fees Legal and professional fees Other expenses Total expenses |
(1,579,190) (429,054) (1,491,922) (155,954) (44,550) (110,000) (813,714) (267,821) (5,014,141) |
| Operating profit for the period before taxation | 2,991,975 |
| Taxation | (632,521) |
| Profit for this period after tax | 2,359,454 |
| Total comprehensive income for the period | 2,359,454 |
| Basic earnings per Ordinary Share (pence) | 1.17 |
| Diluted earnings per Ordinary Share (pence) | 1.17 |
| (In £s except per share amounts) | 31 March 2019 |
|---|---|
| Assets | |
| Catalogues of Songs | 118,458,818 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 108,483,752 |
| Trade and other receivables | 10,808,398 |
| Total assets | 237,750,968 |
| Liabilities | |
| Other payables and accrued expenses | 39,192,142 |
| Total liabilities | 39,192,142 |
| Total assets less current liabilities | |
| Net assets | 198,558,826 |
| Equity: | |
| Share capital | 198,221,140 |
| Retained earnings | 337,686 |
| Total equity attributable to shareholders of the Company | 198,558,826 |
| Number of Ordinary Shares in issue at period end | 202,176,800 |
| IFRS Net Asset Value per ordinary share (pence) | 98.21 |
| Operative Net Asset Value per ordinary share (pence) | 103.27 |
| (In £s except per share amounts) | Number of Shares |
Share Capital £ |
Retained earnings £ |
Total equity £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| As at 8 June 2018 | — | — | — | — |
| Shares issued | 202,176,800 | 202,176,800 | — | 202,176,800 |
| Share issue costs | — | (3,955,660) | — | (3,955,660) |
| Dividends paid | — | — | (2,021,768) | (2,021,768) |
| Profit for the period | — | — | 2,359,454 | 2,359,454 |
| As at 31 March 2019 | 202,176,800 | 198,221,140 | 337,686 | 198,558,826 |
| (In £s except per share amounts) | Period ended 31 March 2019 |
|---|---|
| Cash flows from operating activities Operating profit for the period before taxation |
2,991,975 |
| Adjusted for non-cash items: – Movement in other receivables – Movement in other payables and accrued expenses – Amortisation of Catalogues of Songs – Foreign exchange gains on non-investments |
(10,808,398) 38,559,621 1,491,922 (104,773) |
| 32,130,347 | |
| Purchase of Catalogue of Songs | (119,950,740) |
| Net cash used in operating activities | (87,820,393) |
| Cash flow from financing activities Proceeds from share issue Issue costs paid Dividends paid |
202,176,800 (3,955,660) (2,021,768) |
| Net cash flow generated from financing activities | 196,199,372 |
| Net movement in cash and cash equivalents | 108,378,979 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at start of period Effect of foreign currency balances |
— 104,773 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 108,483,752 |
The 2019 Annual Report (which is incorporated in this Prospectus by reference) included, on the pages specified in the table below, descriptions of the Group's financial condition (in both capital and revenue terms), changes in its financial condition and details of the Group's portfolio of investments for that period:
| Page Numbers | |
|---|---|
| Chairman's Statement | 3 to 4 |
| Financial and Operational Highlights | 5 to 6 |
| Investment Adviser's Report | 7 to 13 |
The parts of the 2019 Annual Report, which has been previously published, referenced in this Part VIII (Financial Information on the Group for the period from 8 June 2018 (incorporation of the Company) to 31 March 2019) of this Prospectus shall be deemed to be incorporated in, and form part of, this Prospectus. The parts of the 2019 Annual Report not referenced in this Part VIII are either not relevant for investors or are covered elsewhere in this Prospectus.
Copies of the 2019 Annual Report are available for inspection at the Company's registered office, set out on page 45 of this Prospectus and on the Company's website at https://www.hipgnosissongs.com/s/FINAL-Hipgnosis-Annual-Report-310319-b8h3.pdf.
If you apply for C Shares under the Offer, you will be agreeing with the Company, the Registrar and the Receiving Agent to the terms and conditions of application set out below. Potential investors should note the section entitled "Notes on how to complete the Application Form for the Offer" in Appendix I to this Prospectus.
The Application Form may also be used to subscribe for C Shares on such other terms and conditions as may be agreed in writing between the applicant and the Company.
Where application monies have been banked and/or received, if any application is not accepted in whole, or is accepted in part only, or if any contract created by acceptance does not become unconditional, the application monies or, as the case may be, the balance of the amount paid on application will be returned without interest and after the deduction of any applicable bank charges by returning your cheque, or by crossed cheque in your favour, by post at the risk of the person(s) entitled thereto. In the meantime, application monies will be retained by the Receiving Agent in a separate non-interest bearing account.
Conditions of the Offer for Subscription and undertake to enclose your power of attorney or other authority or a complete copy thereof duly certified by a solicitor or notary;
this Prospectus and prior to Initial Admission and, if given or made, any information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorised by the Company, the Receiving Agent, the Joint Bookrunners or any of their respective Affiliates;
The attention of potential investors who are not resident in, or who are not citizens of, the United Kingdom is drawn to this paragraph 7:
the aggregate amount owed by such Placee and it may be required to bear any tax or other charges (together with any interest or penalties) which may arise upon the sale of such Shares on such Placee's behalf.
take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Ordinary Shares and/or C Shares and each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Ordinary Shares and/or C Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels;
and it agrees that the provisions of this paragraph shall survive any resale of the Shares by or on behalf of any such account;
The Company reserves the right to reject all or part of any offer to purchase Shares for any reason. The Company also reserves the right to sell fewer than all of the Shares offered by this document or to sell to any purchaser fewer than all of the Shares a purchaser has offered to purchase.
If the Joint Bookrunners, the Registrar or the Company or any of their agents request any information about a Placee's agreement to subscribe for Shares under the Initial Placing and/or a Subsequent Placing, such Placee must promptly disclose it to them.
9.1 If the Placee is outside the United Kingdom, neither this document nor any other offering, marketing or other material in connection with the Initial Placing and/or the Placing Programmes constitutes an invitation, offer or promotion to, or arrangement with, it or any person whom it is procuring to subscribe for Shares pursuant to the Initial Placing and/or a Subsequent Placing unless, in the relevant territory, such offer, invitation or other course of conduct could lawfully be made to it or such person and such documents or materials could lawfully be provided to it or such person and Shares could lawfully be distributed to and subscribed and held by it or such person without compliance with any unfulfilled approval, registration or other regulatory or legal requirements.
The Joint Bookrunners and the Company expressly reserve the right to modify the Initial Placing and/or a Subsequent Placing (including, without limitation, the timetable and settlement) at any time before allocations are determined. The Joint Bookrunners and the Company expressly reserve the right to require any Placee to agree to such further (or modified) terms and/or conditions and/or give such additional (or modified) warranties and/or representations as they (in their absolute discretion) see fit and/or may require any such Placee to execute a separate placing letter and/or other documentation. The Initial Placing and any Subsequent Placing are subject to the satisfaction of the conditions contained in the Placing Agreement and the Placing Agreement not having been terminated. Further details of the terms of the Placing Agreement are contained in paragraph 5.1 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus.
Set out below is an explanation of some of the industry terms which are used in this Prospectus:
| "census basis" | a census distribution involves data collection, processing and payment for every single performance, often referred to as pay-per-play, within the licence period |
|---|---|
| "DSPs" | digital service providers |
| "EDM" | electronic dance music |
| "evergreen" | Songs which have demonstrated returns in recent years where such songs have been written or first recorded several years ago which, in the Investment Adviser's opinion, will continue to perform well in the years to come |
| "MCPS" | the Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society, the mechanical copyright arm of PRS for Music |
| "mechanical royalty" | the royalties due every time a copy of a song is made inclusive of streaming, downloading, compact discs, vinyl and other consumer delivery mechanisms |
| "performance royalty" | the royalties due when a song is performed live or is broadcast on TV or radio, including streaming royalties, or played in public places such as shops, restaurants, clubs and bars |
| "portfolio administrator" | a service provider, such as Kobalt, who will administer the payment of royalties due to a songwriter or recording artist in respect of a Song, either directly from the end user or from royalty collection agents |
| "PRO" | a performing rights organisation, such as PRS or BMI, which represents and collects performance royalties for and on behalf of each of its members |
| "PRS" | the Performing Right Society Limited, the performance rights arm of PRS for Music |
| "PRS for Music" | PRS for Music Limited, a UK PRO |
| "publisher" | a music publisher or publishing company |
| "publisher's share" | as described in paragraph 1.3 of Part II (Market Background, Investment Strategy and Approach) of this Prospectus |
| "pure-play" | a company focussed on a single business, product or industry |
| "recording artist" | a person who composes, produces, records, performs or releases music, either independently or through a record label (as the context requires) |
| "royalty" | a mechanical royalty or a performance royalty |
| "royalty collection agent" | organisations within the music industry that collect mechanical royalties and performance royalties owed to recording artists, songwriters and publishers |
| "sample basis" | the collection of a representative sample of actual performances as the basis to distribute total revenues for each category designated for such purposes |
| "songwriter" | the writer, or co-writer, or producer of words and/or music of a Song |
| "streaming" | technology used to deliver audio and video and associated content to computers and mobile devices over the internet on a subscription rather than ownership basis |
| "synch" | the use of Songs with moving pictures in a TV show, advertisement, film, video game or other applications |
|---|---|
| "synchronisation" | licensing a Song to a customer for use in a synch |
| "synchronisation fee" | the payment associated with a synch which is negotiated on a case by case basis |
| "writer's share" | as described in paragraph 1.3 of Part II (Market Background, Investment Strategy and Approach) of this Prospectus |
The following definitions apply in this Prospectus unless the context otherwise requires:
| "Accounting Date" | 31 March 2019 and 31 March in each year thereafter or such other date as the Company may determine or, in the case of the final Accounting Period, the date when the winding-up of the Fund Entities is completed |
|---|---|
| "Accounting Period" | a period ending on and including an Accounting Date and beginning on the day following the last day of the preceding Accounting Period |
| "Acquisition Notice" | has the meaning given in paragraph 7.3 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
| "Administration Agreements" | has the meaning given in paragraph 5.4 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
| "Admission" | the Initial Admission or any Subsequent Admission |
| "Advisory Board" | individuals acting as advisers to the Investment Adviser as listed in Part III (Investment Adviser) of this Prospectus |
| "Advisory Fee" | the fee payable to the Investment Adviser, as defined in paragraph 1.1 in Part IV (Directors and Administration) of this Prospectus |
| "Affiliate" | an affiliate of, or person affiliated with, a specified person including a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the person specified |
| "AGM" | an annual general meeting |
| "AIC" | the Association of Investment Companies |
| "AIC Code" | the AIC's Code of Corporate Governance for investment companies (February 2019), as amended from time to time |
| "AIF" | an alternative investment fund, within the meaning of the AIFM Directive |
| "AIFM" | an alternative investment fund manager, within the meaning of the AIFM Directive |
| "AIFM Directive" | Directive 2011/61/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2011 on Alternative Investment Fund Managers and amending Directives 2003/41/EC and 2009/65/EC and Regulations (EC) No 1060/2009 and (EU) No 1095/2010, and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 231/2013 of 19 December 2012 supplementing Directive 2011/61/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to exemptions, general operating conditions, depositaries, leverage, transparency and supervision |
| "Applicable Requirements" | all applicable law (whether in the form of statute or decision of a court or administrative tribunal) and regulation and, if applicable, the prevailing rules, regulations, determinations, guidelines or instructions of any governmental, stock exchange or regulatory authority in any jurisdiction to which the Investment Adviser, any Affiliate or the Company (as the context may require) is subject, as amended from time to time |
| "Application Form" | the application form for the Offer set out as Appendix II to this Prospectus |
| "Articles" | the articles of incorporation of the Company, as amended from time to time |
|---|---|
| "Asset Management Committee" |
the committee of this name established by the Board and having the duties described in the section entitled "Asset Management Committee" in Part IV (Directors and Administration) of this Prospectus |
| "Audit and Risk Management Committee" |
the committee of this name established by the Board and having the duties described in the section entitled "Audit and Risk Management Committee" in Part IV (Directors and Administration) of this Prospectus |
| "Auditors" | PricewaterhouseCoopers CI LLP and/or such other person or persons from time to time appointed as its auditors by the Company |
| "Average Market Capitalisation" | in relation to each month where the Advisory Fee is payable, ("A" multiplied by "B") plus ("C" multiplied by "D"), where: |
| "A" is the average of the middle market quotations of the Ordinary Shares for the five day period ending on the last Business Day of that month (adjusted as appropriate to exclude any dividend where the Ordinary Shares are quoted ex such dividend at any time during that five day period); |
|
| "B" is weighted average of the number of Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding any Shares held in treasury) at the end of each day during that month; |
|
| "C" is the average of the middle market quotations of a class of C Shares in issue for the five day period ending on the last Business Day of that month (adjusted as appropriate to exclude any dividend where the C Shares of that class are quoted ex such dividend at any time during that five day period); and |
|
| "D" is weighted average of the number of that class of C Shares in issue (excluding any Shares held in treasury) at the end of each day during that month; |
|
| "Average Trading Price" | the average of the middle market quotations of the Ordinary Shares (as adjusted to exclude any dividend which is included in such quotations if the Ordinary Shares delivered are ex that dividend) for the five day period ending on the Business Day immediately preceding the Payment Due Date |
| "Berne Convention" | the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works 1886, as amended |
| "billion" | In the absence of any evidence to the contrary, shall be construed as meaning "one thousand million" |
| "Business Day" | a day on which the London Stock Exchange and banks in Guernsey generally are open for the transaction of normal business |
| "C Share" | an ordinary share of no par value in the capital of the Company issued as a "C Share" of such class (denominated in such currency) as the Directors may determine in accordance with the Articles, and having such rights and being subject to such restrictions as are contained in the Articles and which will convert into Shares in accordance with the terms of the Articles |
| "C Share Placing Programme" | the proposed programme of placings of C Shares to be carried out by the Joint Bookrunners on behalf of the Company pursuant to the Placing Agreement, commencing immediately following Initial Admission and closing on the Final Closing Date |
|---|---|
| "Calculation Time" | has the meaning given in paragraph 4.22.1 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
| "Catalogue" | one or more Songs acquired from a single songwriter or recording artist |
| "certificated" or "in certificated form" |
not in uncertificated form |
| "CFTC" | the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission |
| "Chairman" | the chairman of the Board of the Company |
| "Commodity Exchange Act" | the United States Commodity Exchange Act or any substantially equivalent successor legislation |
| "Common Reporting Standard" or "CRS" |
the global standard for the automatic exchange of financial information between tax authorities developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development |
| "Companies Law" | the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008, as amended |
| "Company" | Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited, an investment company incorporated in Guernsey under the Companies Law on 8 June 2018 with registered number 65158 |
| "Continuation Resolution" | an ordinary resolution that the Company continues its business as a closed-ended investment company |
| "Contract Note" | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 1.4 of Part X (Terms and Conditions of Placings) of this Prospectus |
| "Conversion" | in relation to any class of C Shares, the conversion of that class of C Shares into New Ordinary Shares of the relevant class in accordance with the Articles |
| "Conversion Ratio" | has the meaning given in paragraph 4.22.1 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
| "Conversion Time" | has the meaning given in paragraph 4.22.1 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
| "CREST" | the facilities and procedures for the time being of the relevant system of which Euroclear has been approved as operator pursuant to the CREST Regulations, in accordance with which Shares may be held in uncertificated form |
| "CREST Guernsey Requirements" |
Rule 8 and such other rules and requirements of Euroclear as may be applicable to issuers as from time to time specified in the CREST Manual |
| "CREST Regulations" | the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 (SI No. 2001/3755) and the CREST Guernsey Requirements, as amended from time to time |
| "CREST UK System" | the facilities and procedures for the time being of the relevant system of which Euroclear has been approved as operator pursuant to the Regulations |
| "Default Shares" | has the meaning given in paragraph 4.7.4 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
| "Direction Notice" | has the meaning given in paragraph 4.7.4 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
| "Directors" or "Board" | the board of directors of the Company, as constituted from time to time |
|---|---|
| "Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules" |
the disclosure guidance and transparency rules made by the FCA pursuant to FSMA |
| "Disclosure Notice" | has the meaning given in paragraph 4.7 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
| "Disclosure Provisions" | certain disclosure, reporting and transparency obligations of the AIFM Directive which apply to self-managed AIFs established outside the EEA, such as the Company |
| "Disposal" | has the meaning given in paragraph 1.5 of Part IV (Directors and Administration) of this Prospectus |
| "DP Law" | The Data Protection (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 2017, as amended |
| "DTR 5" | Chapter 5 of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (as amended from time to time) |
| "DVP" | delivery versus payment |
| "EEA" | the European Economic Area |
| "Effective Date of Acquisition" | the point at which the Company will step into the place of the seller and the date from which the Company will be entitled to receive royalties from each Song |
| "EGM" | the extraordinary general meeting of the Company to be held on or around 17 October 2019 |
| "Eligible Transferee" | has the meaning given in paragraph 4.10.8 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
| "equity securities" | shares or a right to subscribe for or convert securities into shares |
| "ERISA" | the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the applicable regulations thereunder |
| "EU" | the European Union |
| "Euroclear" | Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited, the operator of CREST |
| "Exempt Ordinance" | the Income Tax (Exempt Bodies) (Guernsey) Ordinance, 1989, as amended |
| "FATCA" | sections 1471 to 1474 of the U.S. Tax Code, known as the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2010 (together with any regulations, rules and other guidance implementing such U.S. Tax Code sections and any applicable intergovernmental agreement or information exchange agreement and related statutes, regulations, rules and other guidance thereunder) |
| "FFI" | foreign financial institution |
| "Final Closing Date" | the earliest of (i) 25 September 2020; (ii) the date on which all of the Shares available for issue under the Placing Programmes have been issued; and (iii) such other date as may be agreed between the Joint Bookrunners and the Company (such agreed date to be announced by way of an RIS announcement) |
| "Financial Conduct Authority" or "FCA" |
the UK Financial Conduct Authority |
| "Force Majeure Circumstances" | in relation to any class of C Shares as a class: (i) any political and/ or economic circumstances and/or actual or anticipated changes in fiscal or other legislation which, in the reasonable opinion of the |
| Directors, renders Conversion necessary or desirable; (ii) the issue of any proceedings challenging, or seeking to challenge, the power of the Company and/or its Directors to issue the C Shares of the relevant class with the rights proposed to be attached to them and/or to the persons to whom they are, and/or the terms upon which they are, proposed to be issued; or (iii) the giving of notice of any general meeting of the Company at which a resolution is to be proposed to wind up the Company, whichever shall happen earliest |
|
|---|---|
| "FSMA" | the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended |
| "Fund Administration Agreement" |
the administration agreement between the Company and the Fund Administrator, a summary of which is set out in paragraph 5.4 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
| "Fund Administrator" | Estera International Fund Managers (Guernsey) Limited, and/or such other person or persons from time to time appointed as its fund administrator and company secretary by the Company |
| "Fund Entities" | the Company, the UK MidCo, the UK SubCo and any subsidiaries of the Company or the UK MidCo as may be incorporated from time to time |
| "GDPR" | the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 |
| "General Offer" | a general offer for the issued share capital of the Company made in accordance with the Takeover Code |
| "GFSC" | the Guernsey Financial Services Commission |
| "GFSC Code" | the GFSC's Finance Sector Code of Corporate Governance, as amended from time to time |
| "Gross Assets" | the total value of the assets of the Company as determined by the Directors in their absolute discretion in accordance with the accounting policies adopted by the Directors, from time to time, to be adjusted so as to reflect the fair value of intangible assets such as Songs, as determined by the Directors and the Company's independent valuer from time to time |
| "Gross Issue Proceeds" | the aggregate value of the C Shares issued under the Initial Issue at the Initial Issue Price |
| "Gross Placing Programme Proceeds" |
the gross proceeds of the Placing Programmes, being the number of Shares issued pursuant to the Placing Programmes multiplied by the relevant Placing Programme Price in respect of such Shares |
| "Group" | the Company and its subsidiaries (as defined in section 531 of the Companies Law) |
| "Guernsey AML Requirements" | the Criminal Justice (Proceeds of Crime) (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 1999 (as amended), ordinances, rules and regulations made thereunder, and the GFSC's Handbook for Financial Services Businesses on Countering Financial Crime and Terrorist Financing (as amended, supplemented and/or replaced from time to time) |
| "HMRC" | HM Revenue and Customs |
| "IFRS" | International Financial Reporting Standards |
| "IFRS NAV" or "IFRS Net Asset Value" |
the net asset value of the Company calculated in accordance with IFRS, as described in more detail in paragraph 8 of Part I (Information on the Company) of this Prospectus |
| "Initial Admission" | has the meaning given in paragraph 1 of Part I (Information on the Company) of this Prospectus |
| "Initial Issue" | the Initial Placing, the Offer and the Intermediaries Offer |
|---|---|
| "Initial Issue Price" | 100 pence per C Share |
| "Initial Period" | Company's the fifth anniversary of the IPO, as defined in paragraph 5.2.2 in Part IV (Directors and Administration) of this Prospectus |
| "Initial Placing" | the first Placing conducted in connection with the Initial Issue |
| "Interim Closing Date" | has the meaning given in Part V (The Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes) of this Prospectus |
| "Intermediaries Offer" | the offer in the UK of Issue Shares by Intermediaries to retail investors as described in Part V (The Initial Issue and the Placing Programmes) of this Prospectus |
| "Intermediaries Offer Adviser" | Kepler Partners LLP |
| "Intermediaries Offer Application Form" |
the application form on which an applicant may apply for Issue Shares to be issued pursuant to the Intermediaries Offer |
| "Intermediaries Terms and Conditions" |
the terms and conditions of the Intermediaries Offer |
| "Intermediary" | a financial intermediary that is appointed by the Intermediaries Offer Adviser to offer Issue Shares to retail investors under the Offer for Subscription, and references to "Intermediaries" shall be construed accordingly |
| "Investment Adviser" | The Family (Music) Limited |
| "Investment Adviser's Team" | any Affiliates of the Investment Adviser and any directors, officers, employees, partners or members of the Advisory Board of the Investment Adviser or its Affiliates from time to time |
| "Investment Advisory Agreement" |
the investment advisory agreement between the Company, UK SubCo and the Investment Adviser, a summary of which is set out in paragraph 5.2 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
| "Investment Objective and Policy" |
the Company's investment objective and policy set out in paragraph 2 of Part I (Information on the Company) of this Prospectus |
| "IPO" | the Company's initial public offering and first admission of its Ordinary Shares to trading on the Specialist Fund Segment, which became effective on 11 July 2018 |
| "IPR" | intellectual property rights to be acquired |
| "ISA" | an individual savings account |
| "ISIN" | International Securities Identification Number |
| "Issue Shares" | the Ordinary Shares and any class of C Shares to be issued pursuant to the Initial Issue or a Subsequent Placing |
| "Joint Bookrunner" | N+1 Singer and JPMC in their capacity as bookrunners for the Initial Issue and Placing Programmes |
| "JPM" | JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. |
| "JPMC" | J.P. Morgan Securities plc (which conducts its UK investment banking activities as J.P. Morgan Cazenove) |
| "Key Person" | Merck Mercuriadis, or such other person who the Board, acting reasonably, following consultation with the Investment Adviser, ratifies in writing to the Investment Adviser |
| "Key Person Event" | an event where a Key Person either: | |
|---|---|---|
| (A) | ceases to be an officer, member, employee or director of the Investment Adviser; or |
|
| (B) | ceases to be actively engaged in the performance of the obligations of the Investment Adviser under the Investment Advisory Agreement; or |
|
| (C) | ceases to devote sufficient time to the affairs of the Investment Adviser and its Affiliates to ensure that the Investment Adviser can, in the opinion of the Board, acting reasonably, at all times perform its obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement to the Service Standard |
|
| "Kobalt" | Kobalt Music Services Limited, the Company's preferred portfolio administrator |
|
| "Kobalt Agreement" | has the meaning given in paragraph 5.3 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
|
| "Listing Rules" | the listing rules made by the FCA pursuant to Part VI of FSMA | |
| "Lock-up Period" | has the meaning given in paragraph 1.5 of Part IV (Directors and Administration) of this Prospectus |
|
| "London Stock Exchange" or "LSE" |
London Stock Exchange plc | |
| "Losses" | any | loss, claim, costs, charges and expenses, liabilities or damages incurred by the Fund Entities |
| "Main Market" | the London Stock Exchange's main market for listed securities | |
| "Market Abuse Regulation" or "MAR" |
Directive 28 |
Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on market abuse and repealing the of the European Parliament and of the Council of January 2003 and Commission Directives 2003/124/EC, 2003/125/EC and 2004/72/EC |
| "Memorandum" | the memorandum of incorporation of the Company | |
| "MiFID II" | Directive 2014/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on markets in financial instruments and amending Directive 2002/92/EC and Directive 2011/61/EU ("MiFID") and Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 15 May 2014 on markets in financial instruments and amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 ("MiFIR"), and together with MiFID, "MiFID II") |
|
| "Money Laundering Directive" | Directive (2005/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the EC Council of 26 October 2005 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering and terrorist financing) |
|
| "NAV Calculation Date" | 31 March and 30 September in each year or such other date as the Directors may, in their discretion, determine |
|
| "Net Asset Value" or "NAV" | their policies to |
the value of the Gross Assets of the Company less its liabilities (including accrued but unpaid fees) determined by the Directors in absolute discretion in accordance with the accounting adopted by the Directors, from time to time, to be adjusted so as to reflect the fair value of intangible assets held at the relevant reporting date, it being acknowledged that references Net Asset Value shall be deemed to be a reference to "operative NAV" unless otherwise stated |
| "Net Asset Value per C Share" or "NAV per C Share" |
in relation to each class of C Share, the Net Asset Value attributable to that class of C Shares divided by the number of C Shares in that class in issue (excluding any Shares held in treasury) at the relevant time and expressed in Sterling |
|---|---|
| "Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share" or "NAV per Ordinary Share" |
the Net Asset Value attributable to the Ordinary Shares in issue divided by the number of Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding any Shares held in treasury) at the relevant time and expressed in Sterling |
| "Net Asset Value per Share" or "NAV per Share" |
the NAV per Ordinary Share or the NAV per C Share as the context may require |
| "Net Issue Proceeds" | the Gross Issue Proceeds less the fees, commissions and expenses of the Initial Issue (which are not expected to exceed 2 per cent. of the Gross Issue Proceeds) |
| "New Ordinary Shares" | the Ordinary Shares arising on conversion of any class of C Shares |
| "Nil Rate Amount" | a nil rate of income tax on the first £2,000 of dividend income in a tax year |
| "NMPI" | non-mainstream pooled investments |
| "Non-Qualified Holder" | any person: (i) whose ownership of shares may cause the Company's assets to be deemed "plan assets" for the purpose of ERISA or purposes of the U.S. Tax Code; (ii) whose ownership of shares may cause the Company to be required to register as an "investment company" under the U.S. Investment Company Act (including because the holder of the shares is not a "qualified purchaser" as defined in the U.S. Investment Company Act); (iii) whose ownership of shares may cause the Company to register under the U.S. Exchange Act, the U.S. Securities Act or any similar legislation; (iv) whose ownership of shares may cause the Company not being considered a "foreign private issuer" as such term is defined in rule 3b4(c) under the U.S. Exchange Act; (v) whose ownership of shares may result in the Company losing or forfeiting or not being able to claim the benefit of any exemption under the United States Commodity Exchange Act or any substantially equivalent successor legislation or the rules of the CFTC or the National Futures Association or analogous legislation or regulation becoming subject to any unduly onerous filing, reporting or registration requirement; (vi) whose ownership of shares may cause the Company to be a "controlled foreign corporation" for the purposes of the U.S. Tax Code, or may cause the Company to suffer any pecuniary disadvantage (which will include any excise tax, penalties or liabilities under ERISA or the U.S. Tax Code including as a result of the Company's failure to comply with FATCA as a result of a Non-Qualified Holder failing to provide information as requested by the Company in accordance with the Articles); or (vii) whose ownership of shares may cause the Company (including for such purposes, its subsidiaries) to lose the benefit of, or suffer pecuniary disadvantage as a result of not being able to take advantage of, any applicable withholding tax treaty or similar arrangement; |
| "N+1 Singer" | Nplus1 Singer Advisory LLP |
| "NURS" | a non-UCITS retail scheme, which is an authorised fund which is neither a UCITS nor a qualified investor scheme |
| "Offer" or "Offer for Subscription" |
the offer for subscription of C Shares at the Initial Issue Price pursuant to this Prospectus, including by an Intermediary under the Intermediaries Offer |
|---|---|
| "Official List" | the list maintained by the FCA pursuant to Part VI of FSMA |
| "Operative Provisions" | detailed and prescriptive obligations on fund managers established in the EEA imposed by the AIFM Directive |
| "Option Notice" | has the meaning given in paragraph 5.2.9 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
| "ordinary resolution" | a resolution of the Shareholders (or a class thereof) of the Company passed as an ordinary resolution in accordance with the Companies Law: (i) at a meeting, by a simple majority of the votes of Shareholders entitled to vote and voting in person or by attorney or by proxy; or (ii) in writing, by a simple majority of the total voting rights of Shareholders entitled to vote at the date of circulation of the resolution |
| "Ordinary Shares" | an ordinary share of no par value in the capital of the Company issued as "Ordinary Shares" of such class (denominated in such currency) as the Directors may determine in accordance with the Articles and having such rights and being subject to such restrictions as are contained in the Articles |
| "Ordinary Share Closing Market Capitalisation" |
in relation to each Accounting Period, "J" multiplied by "K", where: "J" is the Ordinary Share Performance Price; and |
| "K" is the weighted average of the number of Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding any Shares held in treasury) at the end of each day during the Accounting Period |
|
| "Ordinary Share Excess Total Return" |
in relation to each Accounting Period, the amount by which the Ordinary Share Closing Market Capitalisation exceeds "L" multiplied by "M", where: |
| "L" is the higher of: (i) the Ordinary Share Performance Hurdle and (ii) Ordinary Share High Watermark; and |
|
| "M" is the weighted average of the number of Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding any Shares held in treasury) at the end of each day during that Accounting Period |
|
| "Ordinary Share High Watermark" |
he Ordinary Share Performance Price in respect of the last Accounting Period in respect of which a Performance Fee was payable by the Company |
| "Ordinary Share Performance Hurdle" |
an increase in the issue price of the Ordinary Shares as at IPO equal to 10 per cent. per annum (calculated from the Company's IPO and compounded annually) subject to adjustments from time to time to take into account any consolidation or sub-division of Ordinary Shares or any other reconstruction, amalgamation or adjustment relating to the share capital of the Company (or any share, stock or security derived therefrom or convertible therein) |
| "Ordinary Share Performance Price" |
in relation to each Accounting Period, the average of the middle market quotations of the Ordinary Shares for the one month period ending on the last Business Day of that Accounting Period (which shall be adjusted as appropriate: (i) to include any dividend declared but not paid where the Ordinary Shares are quoted ex such dividend at any time during that month; (ii) to exclude any dividend paid in respect of the Ordinary Shares during that month; and (iii) for the OSPP Adjustments) |
| "Ordinary Share Placing Programme" |
the proposed programme of placings of Ordinary Shares to be carried out by the Joint Bookrunners on behalf of the Company pursuant to the Placing Agreement, commencing immediately following Initial Admission and closing on the Final Closing Date |
|---|---|
| "OSPP Adjustments" | adjustments to the Ordinary Share Performance Price to (i) include the gross amount of any dividends and/or distributions paid in respect of an Ordinary Share since the Company's IPO; and (ii) take account of C Shares as were agreed between the Company and the Investment Adviser, acting reasonably and in good faith, at the time of issuance of such C Shares |
| "Overseas Persons" | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 7.1 of Part X (Terms and Conditions of Placings) of this Prospectus |
| "Payment Due Date" | the date of invoice from the Investment Adviser in respect of the Performance Fee |
| "PDMR" | person discharging managerial responsibilities |
| "Performance Fee" | has the meaning given in paragraph 1.3 of the section entitled "Ongoing Expenses" Annual of Part IV (Directors and Administration) of this Prospectus |
| "Performance Share Amount" | has the meaning given in paragraph 1.4.2 of Part IV (Directors and Administration) of this Prospectus |
| "Performance Shares" | the Shares to be issued to the Investment Adviser (or to any person the Investment Adviser directs) by the Company or purchased in the secondary market, as defined in paragraph 1.4 in Part IV (Directors and Administration) of this Prospectus |
| "Performance Target" | an increase in the NAV per Ordinary Share (after adjustments to (i) include the gross amount of any dividends and/or distributions paid in respect of an Ordinary Share since the Company's IPO; (ii) not take into account any increment in the NAV per Ordinary Share attributable to the issue of Ordinary Shares at a premium to NAV per Ordinary Share or any buyback of any Shares at a discount to NAV per Ordinary Share; and (iii) take account of C Shares as were agreed between the Company and the Investment Adviser at the time of issuance of such C Shares) equal to or above the Ordinary Share Performance Hurdle |
| "Pipeline Catalogues" | has the meaning given in paragraph 3 of Part I (Information on the Company) of this Prospectus |
| "Placee" | a person subscribing for Shares pursuant to the Initial Placing or any Subsequent Placing |
| "Placing" | a conditional placing of Shares by the Joint Bookrunners on behalf of the Company in connection with the Initial Issue or the Placing Programmes pursuant to the terms of the Placing Agreement |
| "Placing Agreement" | the conditional agreement between the Company, the Investment Adviser and the Joint Bookrunners, a summary of which is set out in paragraph 5.1 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
| "Placing Confirmation" | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 1.4 of Part X (Terms and Conditions of Placings) of this Prospectus |
| "Placing Programme Price" | the price at which Shares will be issued pursuant to the Placing Programmes to Placees from time to time |
| "Placing Programmes" | the Ordinary Share Placing Programme and the C Share Placing Programme |
| "POI Law" | Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 1987 (as amended) |
|---|---|
| "Portfolio" | at any time, the portfolio of investments in which the assets of the Company are invested, comprising the entire collection of Songs acquired by the Company |
| "Portfolio Committee" | the committee of this name established by the Board and having the duties described in the section entitled "Portfolio Committee" in Part IV (Directors and Administration) of this Prospectus |
| "PRIIPs Regulation" | Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 November 2014 on key information documents for packaged retail and insurance-based investment products (PRIIPs) and its implementing and delegated acts |
| "Prospectus" | this document |
| "Prospectus Regulation" | Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 on the prospectus to be published when securities are offered to the public or admitted to trading on a regulated market, and repealing Directive 2003/71/EC |
| "Prospectus Regulation Rules" | the prospectus rules made by the FCA under section 73(A) of FSMA |
| "Purposes" | has the meaning given to it in paragraph 6.1 of Part X (Terms and Conditions of Placings) of this Prospectus |
| "RCF" | the revolving credit facility between the Company, the UK MidCo and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., a summary of which is set out in paragraph 5.8 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
| "RCIS Rules" | the Registered Collective Investment Scheme Rules 2018, as amended, issued by the GFSC |
| "Receiving Agent" | Computershare Investor Services PLC or such other person or persons from time to time appointed by the Company |
| "Receiving Agent Agreement" | the agreement between the Company and the Receiving Agent, a summary of which is set out in paragraph 5.6 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
| "Redemption Announcement" | the announcements to be made by the Company to shareholders in advance of any compulsory redemption |
| "Redemption Date" | the announcements to be made by the Company to shareholders in advance of any compulsory redemption |
| "Redemption Price" | the net asset value per share of each class of shares that will be redeemed on a particular Redemption Date (as at a Net Asset Value date selected by the Directors), less the costs associated with the relevant redemption and as adjusted as the Directors consider appropriate |
| "Redemption Record Date" | the close of business on the relevant Redemption Date or as otherwise set out in the Redemption Announcement |
| "Register" | the register of Shareholders |
| "Registrar" | Computershare Investor Services (Guernsey) Limited or such other person or persons from time to time appointed by the Company |
| "Regulation S" | Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act |
|---|---|
| "Regulations" | The Uncertificated Securities (Enabling Provisions) Guernsey Law, 2005, The Uncertificated Securities (Guernsey) Regulations 2009 (as amended), The Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 (SI 2001 No 3755), as amended by the Uncertificated Securities (Amendment) (Eligible Debt Securities) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003 No. 1633), and such other regulations as are applicable to Euroclear and/or the CREST relevant system and are from time to time in force |
| "Relevant Member State" | each member state of the European Economic Area which is bound by the Prospectus Regulation |
| "Relevant Percentage" | has the meaning given in paragraph 4.3 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
| "Relevant Shares" | has the meaning given in paragraph 4.10.8 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
| "Resolution" | the resolution proposed to be tabled at the EGM |
| "RIS" | a regulatory information service |
| "Risk Factors" | the risk factors pertaining to the Company set out on pages 11 to 33 of this Prospectus |
| "Royalty" | has the meaning given in the "Glossary of Terms" section of this Prospectus |
| "Sanctuary" | The Sanctuary Group plc, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales on 2 February 1934 with company number 284340 |
| "SDRT" | UK Stamp Duty Reserve Tax |
| "SEC" | the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |
| "SEDOL" | the Stock Exchange Daily Official List |
| "Service Standard" | the requirement of the Investment Adviser at all times to perform its obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement with such skill and care as would be reasonably expected of a professional investment adviser advising in good faith an investment company of comparable size and complexity to the Company and having a materially similar investment objective and policy and to ensure that it has adequate systems and controls in place in order to do so and that its obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement are performed by a team of appropriately qualified, trained and experienced professionals |
| "Shareholder" | a holder of Shares |
| "Shares" | the Ordinary Shares and/or the C Shares (as the context may require) |
| "SIPP" | a self-invested personal pension |
| "Song" | songwriter's a copyright interest (which would comprise their writer's share, their publisher's share and their performance rights) in a song, being a musical composition of words and/or music and the songwriter's proportion of the publishing rights of a single piece of music and, when construction permits, the collection of words and/or music as purchased by consumers |
| "special resolution" | a resolution of the Shareholders (or class thereof) of the Company passed as a special resolution in accordance with the Companies Law: (i) at a meeting, by a majority of not less than 75 per cent. of |
| the votes of the Shareholders entitled to vote and voting in person or by attorney or by proxy; or (ii) in writing, by Shareholders representing a majority of not less than 75 per cent. of the total voting rights of Shareholders entitled to vote at the date of circulation of the resolution |
|
|---|---|
| "Specialist Fund Segment" | the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market |
| "SSAS" | a small self-administered scheme |
| "Sterling" or "£" | the lawful currency of the United Kingdom |
| "Subsequent Admission" | has the meaning given in paragraph 1 of Part I (Information on the Company) of this Prospectus |
| "Subsequent Admission Date" | has the meaning given in paragraph 1 of Part I (Information on the Company) of this Prospectus |
| "Subsequent Placing" | any Placing that is conducted under the Placing Programmes |
| "Takeover Code" | the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, as amended from time to time |
| "Termination Date" | the effective date of termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement |
| "Termination Portfolio" | the Portfolio as at the date of termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement |
| "Terms and Conditions of the Offer for Subscription" |
the terms and conditions of application in respect of the Offer, as set out in Part IX (Terms and Conditions of the Offer for Subscription) of this Prospectus |
| "UCITS" | an authorised fund authorised by the FCA in accordance with the UCITS Directive |
| "UCITS Directive" | Directive 2009/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 on the coordination of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities, as amended |
| "UK" or "United Kingdom" | the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |
| "UK Corporate Governance Code" |
the UK Corporate Governance Code as published by the Financial Reporting Council |
| "UK MidCo" | Hipgnosis Holdings UK Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales on 25 July 2019 with registration number 12123246 |
| "UK SubCo" | Hipgnosis SFH I Limited (formerly known as Hipgnosis Songs Holdings UK Limited), a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales on 8 June 2017 with registration number 10809693 |
| "uncertificated" or "in uncertificated form" |
recorded on the register as being held in uncertificated form in CREST and title to which may be transferred by means of CREST |
| "Underlying Applicant" | a subscriber for Issue Shares pursuant to the Intermediaries Offer |
| "U.S." or United States" | the United States of America, its territories and possessions, any state of the United States of America and the District of Columbia |
| "U.S. Exchange Act" | the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended |
| "U.S. Guernsey IGA" | the intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and Guernsey in relation to FATCA implementation |
| "U.S. Investment Company Act" | the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended |
| "U.S. Person" | has the meaning given in Regulation S |
| "U.S. Securities Act" | the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended |
|---|---|
| "U.S. Tax Code" | the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended |
| "Vendor" | has the meaning given in paragraph 4.10.8 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
| "Volcker Rule" | Section 13 of the U.S. Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and Regulation VV (12 C.F.R. Section 248) promulgated thereunder by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System |
| "WRL Engagement Letter" | the engagement letter between the Company and Mr Leibowitz for the provision of legal services in connection with Catalogue or Song acquisitions, together with ongoing royalty/licensing issues, copyright registrations, advising on any threatened litigation and other legal services, a summary of which is set out in paragraph 5.7 of Part VII (Additional Information) of this Prospectus |
Applications should be returned to the Receiving Agent, Computershare Investor Services PLC, so as to be received no later than 11.00 a.m. (London time) on 15 October 2019.
HELP DESK: If you have a query concerning completion of this Application Form please call Computershare on 0370 707 4040 from within the UK or on +44 (0) 370 707 4040 if calling from outside the UK. Calls may be recorded and randomly monitored for security and training purposes. Lines are open from 8.30 a.m. until 5.30 p.m. (London time) Monday to Friday excluding UK public holidays). The helpline cannot provide advice on the merits of the Offer nor give any financial, legal or tax advice.
Fill in (in figures) in Box 1 the amount of money being subscribed for C Shares. The amount being subscribed must be a minimum of £1,000 and thereafter in multiples of £100. Financial intermediaries who are investing on behalf of clients should make separate applications or, if making a single application for more than one client, provide details of all clients in respect of whom application is made in order to benefit most favourably from any scaling back should this be required.
Fill in (in block capitals) in Box 2A the full name and address of each holder. Applications may only be made by persons aged 18 or over. In the case of joint holders only the first named may bear a designation reference and the address given for the first named will be entered as the registered address for the holding on the share register and used for all future correspondence. A maximum of four joint holders is permitted. All holders named must sign the Application Form at Section 3.
If you wish your C Shares to be deposited in a CREST account in the name of the holders given in Section 2A enter in Section 2B the details of that CREST account. Where it is requested that C Shares be deposited into a CREST account please note that payment for such C Shares must be made prior to the day such C Shares might be allotted and issued. If you are not a CREST Participant or CREST Sponsored Member, you should leave Section 2B blank and you will automatically receive a share certificate for your C Shares.
All holders named in Section 2A must sign Section 3 and insert the date. The Application Form may be signed by another person on behalf of each holder if that person is duly authorised to do so under a power of attorney. The power of attorney (or a copy duly certified by a solicitor or a bank) must be enclosed for inspection (which originals will be returned by post at the addressee's risk). A corporation should sign under the hand of a duly authorised official whose representative capacity should be stated and a copy of a notice issued by the corporation authorising such person to sign should accompany the Application Form.
Payments by cheque or banker's draft must be made in Sterling drawn on a branch in the United Kingdom of a bank or building society which is either a member of the Cheque and Credit Clearing Company Limited or the CHAPS Clearing Company Limited or which has arranged for its cheques or banker's drafts to be cleared through the facilities provided for members of any of these companies. Such cheques or banker's drafts must bear the appropriate sort code in the top right hand corner.
Cheques, which must be drawn on the personal account of the individual investor where they have a sole or joint title to the funds, should be made payable to "CIS re Hipgnosis OFS A/C". Third party cheques may not be accepted with the exception of building society cheques or banker's drafts where the building society or bank has confirmed the name of the account holder by stamping and endorsing the cheque/banker's draft to such effect. The account name should be the same as that shown on the application.
For applicants sending subscription monies by electronic bank transfer (CHAPS) payment must be made for value by 11.00 a.m. on 15 October 2019. Please contact Computershare by email at: [email protected] (quoting HIP OFS) for full bank details. Computershare will then provide you with a unique reference number which must be used when sending payment.
The Company will apply for the C Shares issued pursuant to the Offer in uncertificated form to be enabled for CREST transfer and settlement with effect from Admission (the "Settlement Date"). Accordingly, settlement of transactions in the C Shares will normally take place within the CREST system.
The Application Form in the Appendix contains details of the information which the Company's Receiving Agent, Computershare Investor Services PLC ("Computershare"), will require from you in order to settle your application within CREST, if you so choose. If you do not provide any CREST details or if you provide insufficient CREST details for Computershare to match to your CREST account, Computershare will deliver your C Shares in certificated form provided payment has been made in terms satisfactory to the Company.
The right is reserved to issue your C Shares in certificated form should the Company, having consulted with Computershare, consider this to be necessary or desirable. This right is only likely to be exercised in the event of any interruption, failure or breakdown of CREST or any part of CREST or on the part of the facilities and/or system operated by Computershare in connection with CREST.
The person named for registration purposes in your Application Form (which term shall include the holder of the relevant CREST account) must be: (i) the person procured by you to subscribe for or acquire the relevant C Shares; or (ii) yourself; or (iii) a nominee of any such person or yourself, as the case may be. Neither Computershare nor the Company will be responsible for any liability to stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax resulting from a failure to observe this requirement. Computershare, on behalf of the Company, will input a DVP instruction into the CREST system according to the booking instructions provided by you in your Application Form. The input returned by you or your settlement agent/custodian of a matching or acceptance instruction to our CREST input will then allow the delivery of your C Shares to your CREST account against payment of the Initial Issue Price per C Share through the CREST system upon the Settlement Date.
By returning the Application Form you agree that you will do all things necessary to ensure that you or your settlement agent/custodian's CREST account allows for the delivery and acceptance of C Shares to be made prior to 8.00 a.m. on 22 October 2019 against payment of the Initial Issue Price per C Share.
To ensure that you fulfil this requirement it is essential that you or your settlement agent/ custodian follow the CREST matching criteria set out below:
Trade Date: 17 October 2019
Settlement Date: 22 October 2019
Company: Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited
Security Description: C Shares of no par value (CNV NPV)
SEDOL: BFYT966
ISIN: GG00BFYT9663
Should you wish to settle DVP, you will need to match your instructions to Computershare Investor Services PLC's Participant account RA64 by no later than 1.00 p.m. on 17 October 2019.
You must also ensure that you or your settlement agent/custodian has a sufficient "debit cap" within the CREST system to facilitate settlement in addition to your/its own daily trading and settlement requirements.
In the event of late CREST settlement, the Company, after having consulted with Computershare, reserves the right to deliver C Shares outside CREST in certificated form provided payment has been made in terms satisfactory to the Company and all other conditions in relation to the Initial Offer for Subscription have been satisfied.
Applications will be subject to the UK's verification of identity requirements. This will involve you providing the verification of identity documents listed in Section 6 of the Application Form UNLESS you can have the declaration provided at Section 5 of the Application Form given and signed by a firm acceptable to the Receiving Agent. In order to ensure your application is processed timely and efficiently all applicants are strongly advised to have the declaration provided in Section 5 of the Application Form completed and signed by a suitable firm.
Applicants need only consider Section 6 of the Application Form if the declaration in Section 5 cannot be completed. Notwithstanding that the declaration in Section 5 has been completed and signed, the Receiving Agent reserves the right to request of you the identity documents listed in Section 6 and/or to seek verification of identity of each holder and payor (if necessary) from you or their bankers or from another reputable institution, agency or professional adviser in the applicable country of residence. If satisfactory evidence of identity has not been obtained within a reasonable time your application might be rejected or revoked. Where certified copies of documents are provided such copy documents should be certified by a senior signatory of a firm which is either a governmental approved bank, stockbroker or investment firm, financial services firm or an established law firm or accountancy firm which is itself subject to regulation in the conduct of its business in its own country of operation, and the name of the firm should be clearly identified on each document certified.
To ensure the efficient and timely processing of your Application Form, please provide contact details of a person Computershare may contact with all enquiries concerning your application. Ordinarily this contact person should be the person signing in Section 3 on behalf of the first named holder. If no details are provided here but a regulated person is identified in Section 5, Computershare will contact the regulated person. If no details are entered here and no regulated person is named in Section 5 and Computershare requires further information, any delay in obtaining that additional information may result in your application being rejected or revoked.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR DELIVERY OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS – Completed Application Forms should be returned, by post to Computershare Investor Services PLC, Corporate Actions Projects, Bristol, BS99 6AH or by hand (during normal business hours only), to the Receiving Agent, Computershare, The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS13 8AE so as to be received no later than 11.00 a.m. (London time) on 15 October 2019, together in each case with payment in full in respect of the application. If you post your Application Form, you are recommended to use first class post and to allow at least two days for delivery. Application Forms received after this date may be returned.
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Please send this completed form by post Computershare Investor Services PLC, Corporate Actions Projects, Bristol, BS99 6AH or by hand (during normal business hours only) to the Receiving Agent, Computershare Investor Services PLC, The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS13 8AE so as to be received by no later than 11:00 a.m. (London time) on 15 October 2019.
The Directors may, with the prior approval of the Joint Bookrunners, alter such date and thereby shorten or lengthen the Offer period. In the event that the Offer period is altered, the Company will notify investors of such change through a Regulatory Information Service.
Important: Before completing this form, you should read the prospectus dated 27 September 2019 (the "Prospectus") and the Terms and Conditions of Application set out in Part IX (Terms and Conditions of the Offer for Subscription) of the Prospectus and the accompanying notes on how to complete this form.
To: Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited and the Receiving Agent
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I/We the person(s) detailed in Section 2A below offer to subscribe the amount shown in Box 1 for C Shares subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Offer for Subscription set out in Part IX (Terms and Conditions of the Offer for Subscription) of the Prospectus and subject to the articles of incorporation of the Company in force from time to time.
| 1: | Mr, Mrs, Ms or Title: | Forenames (in full): |
|---|---|---|
| Surname/Company name: | ||
| Address (in full): | ||
| Postcode: | ||
| Designation (if any): | ||
| 2: | Mr, Mrs, Ms or Title: | Forenames (in full): |
| Surname/Company name: | ||
| Address (in full): | ||
| Postcode: | ||
Box 1 (minimum subscription of £1,000 and in multiples of £100 thereafter)
£
| 3: | Mr, Mrs, Ms or Title: | Forenames (in full): |
|---|---|---|
| Surname/Company name: | ||
| Address (in full): | ||
| Postcode: | ||
| 4: | Mr, Mrs, Ms or Title: | Forenames (in full): |
| Surname/Company name: | ||
| Address (in full): | ||
| Postcode: |
Only complete this Section if C Shares allotted are to be deposited in a CREST account which must be in the same name as the holder(s) given in Section 2A.
CREST Participant ID:
CREST Member Account ID:

By completing the signature/execution boxes below you are deemed to have read the Prospectus and agreed to the Terms and Conditions in Part IX (Terms and Conditions of the Offer for Subscription) of the Prospectus and to have given the warranties, representations and undertakings set out therein.
| First Applicant Signature: | Date: |
|---|---|
| Second Applicant Signature: | Date: |
| Third Applicant Signature: | Date: |
| Fourth Applicant Signature: | Date: |
| Executed by (Name of Company): | Date: | |
|---|---|---|
| Name of Director: | Signature: | Date: |
| Name of Director/Secretary: | Signature: | Date: |
| If you are affixing a company seal, & please mark a cross |
Affix Company Seal here: |
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Please tick the relevant box confirming your method of payment.
If you are subscribing for C Shares and paying by cheque or banker's draft, pin or staple to this form your cheque or banker's draft for the exact amount shown in Box 1 (being the Initial Issue Price of 100 pence per C Share multiplied by the number of C Shares you wish to subscribe for) made payable to "CIS re Hipgnosis OFS A/C". Cheques and banker's drafts must be in Sterling and drawn on an account at a branch of a clearing bank in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man and must bear a United Kingdom bank sort code number in the top right hand corner.
For applicants sending subscription monies by electronic bank transfer (CHAPS), payment must be made for value by 11:00 a.m. on 15 October 2019. Please contact Computershare by email at [email protected] (quoting HIP OFS) for full bank details. Computershare will then provide you with a unique reference number which must be used when sending payment. Please enter below the sort code of the bank and branch you will be instructing to make such payment for value by 11:00 a.m. on 15 October 2019 together with the name and number of the account to be debited with such payment and the branch contact details.
| Sort Code: | Account name: |
|---|---|
| Account number: | Contact name at branch and telephone number: |
If you so choose to settle your commitment within CREST, that is DVP, you or your settlement agent/custodian's CREST account must allow for the delivery and acceptance of C Shares to be made against payment of the Initial Issue Price per C Share, following the CREST matching criteria set out below:
| Trade Date: 17 October 2019 |
|---|
Settlement Date: 22 October 2019
Company: Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited
Security Description: C Shares of no par value (CNV NPV)
SEDOL: BFYT966
ISIN: GG00BFYT9663
Should you wish to settle DVP, you will need to match your instructions to Computershare Investor Services PLC's Participant account RA64 by no later than 1:00 p.m. on 17 October 2019.
You must also ensure that you or your settlement agent/custodian has a sufficient "debit cap" within the CREST system to facilitate settlement in addition to your/its own daily trading and settlement requirements.
Completion and signing of this declaration by a suitable person or institution may avoid presentation being requested of the identity documents detailed in Section 6 of this form.
The declaration below may only be signed by a person or institution (such as a governmental approved bank, stockbroker or investment firm, financial services firm or an established law firm or accountancy firm) (the "firm") which is itself the subject in its own country of operation of "know your customer" and anti-money laundering regulations no less stringent than those which prevail in the United Kingdom.
With reference to the holder(s) detailed in Section 2A, all persons signing at Section 3 and the payor identified in Section 6 if not also a holder (collectively the "subjects") WE HEREBY DECLARE:
The above information is given in strict confidence for your own use only and without any guarantee, responsibility or liability on the part of this firm or its officials.
| Signed: Name: |
Position: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name of regulatory authority: | Firm's licence number: | ||||
| Website address or telephone number of regulatory authority: | |||||
| STAMP of firm giving full name and business address: |
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If the declaration in Section 5 cannot be signed and the value of your application is greater than €15,000 (or the Sterling equivalent), please enclose with this Application Form the documents mentioned below, as appropriate. Please also tick the relevant box to indicate which documents you have enclosed, all of which will be returned by the Receiving Agent to the first named Applicant/Holders/Payor.
In accordance with internationally recognised standards for the prevention of money laundering, the documents and information set out below must be provided:
| Holders | Payor | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tick here for documents provided


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To ensure the efficient and timely processing of this application please enter below the contact details of a person the Receiving Agent may contact with all enquiries concerning this application. Ordinarily this contact person should be the person signing in Section 3 on behalf of the first named holder. If no details are provided here but a regulated person is identified in Section 5, the Receiving Agent will contact the regulated person. If no details are entered here and no regulated person is named in Section 5 and the Receiving Agent requires further information, any delay in obtaining that additional information may result in your application being rejected or revoked.
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