IPOs and Catalysts/Events, Global Equity Research Ltd

Arun George

IPOs and Catalysts/Events

Uncompromised, Independent, Conflict-Free Research

Global Equity Research Ltd

Global Equity Research was started in 2017 by a group of experienced research professionals. It was founded on a passionate belief in the importance and the need for uncompromised, independent, conflict-free research. We aim to provide differentiated and actionable primary and bottom up fundamental research.

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-08-09/l-occitane-boss-is-said-in-advanced-talks-on-6-5-billion-buyout?in_source=embedded-checkout-banner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to Bloomberg</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/l-occitane-international-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6772:1" rel="noopener">L'Occitane (973 HK)</a> is set to receive a HK$35 per share privatisation offer from Reinold Geiger, the Chairman and the largest shareholder.</li>
<li>The rumoured price is attractive and represents an all-time high share price. Therefore, Acatis KVG, the shareholder with a blocking stake, would be supportive.</li>
<li>The rumoured price implies multiples at a discount to peer multiples, which explains Mr Geiger’s ambitions for a possible European listing to secure higher valuation multiples. </li>
</ul>



According to Bloomberg, L'Occitane (973 HK) is set to receive a HK$35 per share privatisation offer from Reinold Geiger, the Chairman and the largest shareholder.
The rumoured price is attractive and represents an all-time high share price. Therefore, Acatis KVG, the shareholder with a blocking stake, would be supportive.
The rumoured price implies multiples at a discount to peer multiples, which explains Mr Geiger’s ambitions for a possible European listing to secure higher valuation multiples. 


L’Occitane (973 HK): HK$35 Offer from the Controlling Shareholder?

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/l-occitane-international-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6772:1" rel="noopener">L'Occitane (973 HK)</a> is drawing takeover interest from Reinold Geiger, the Chairman and the largest shareholder, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-07-25/l-occitane-owner-said-to-mull-buyout-of-4-billion-beauty-firm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to Bloomberg</a>. Mr Geiger has been exploring financing options for the potential deal.</li>
<li>The presence of a significant disinterested shareholder, Acatis KVG, necessitates an attractive takeover premium. Acatis KVG trimmed its stake in July 2021 at HK$30.01 per share.</li>
<li>L’Occitane released a solid <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2023/0725/2023072500263.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1QFY2024 update</a> today with constant currency growth of 24.5% YoY. Irrespective of a bid materialising, the valuation is undemanding compared to peer multiples. </li>
</ul>



L'Occitane (973 HK) is drawing takeover interest from Reinold Geiger, the Chairman and the largest shareholder, according to Bloomberg. Mr Geiger has been exploring financing options for the potential deal.
The presence of a significant disinterested shareholder, Acatis KVG, necessitates an attractive takeover premium. Acatis KVG trimmed its stake in July 2021 at HK$30.01 per share.
L’Occitane released a solid 1QFY2024 update today with constant currency growth of 24.5% YoY. Irrespective of a bid materialising, the valuation is undemanding compared to peer multiples. 


L’Occitane (973 HK): Controlling Shareholder Mulling a Bid?

<ul>
<li>Bloomberg reports that <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/l-occitane-international-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6772:1" rel="noopener">L'Occitane (973 HK)</a> draws takeover interest from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/blackstone-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27166:1" rel="noopener">Blackstone (BX US)</a>, which is considering partnering with Chairman and largest shareholder Reinold Geiger.</li>
<li>Blackstone needs an attractive takeover premium due to the presence of significant disinterested shareholders (Mr. Geiger and Acatis KVG).</li>
<li>Shareholders will be wary of the latest rumour due to Mr Geiger’s aborted offer on 4 September 2023. Nevertheless, the valuation is undemanding compared to peer multiples.</li>
</ul>


Bloomberg reports that L'Occitane (973 HK) draws takeover interest from Blackstone (BX US), which is considering partnering with Chairman and largest shareholder Reinold Geiger.
Blackstone needs an attractive takeover premium due to the presence of significant disinterested shareholders (Mr. Geiger and Acatis KVG).
Shareholders will be wary of the latest rumour due to Mr Geiger’s aborted offer on 4 September 2023. Nevertheless, the valuation is undemanding compared to peer multiples.


L’Occitane (973 HK): Blackstone Pondering an Offer

Global Healthcare Analyst

Tina Banerjee

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/cosmecca-korea" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:23616:1" rel="noopener">Cosmecca Korea (241710 KS)</a> clocked revenue of KRW115.7B (up 15% YoY) and operating profit of KRW11.2B (up 265% YoY) in Q223. Operating profit margin expanded 670bps YoY to 9.7%.</li>
<li>Cosmecca is a key beneficiary of the increasing global demand for the affordable indie cosmetics brands. These brands are now outpacing the overall beauty and personal care industry.</li>
<li>Since reporting strong Q1 result in May, Cosmecca Korea shares are on fire. Cosmecca is expected to continue its growth momentum due to strong global demand for affordable cosmetics.</li>
</ul>



Cosmecca Korea (241710 KS) clocked revenue of KRW115.7B (up 15% YoY) and operating profit of KRW11.2B (up 265% YoY) in Q223. Operating profit margin expanded 670bps YoY to 9.7%.
Cosmecca is a key beneficiary of the increasing global demand for the affordable indie cosmetics brands. These brands are now outpacing the overall beauty and personal care industry.
Since reporting strong Q1 result in May, Cosmecca Korea shares are on fire. Cosmecca is expected to continue its growth momentum due to strong global demand for affordable cosmetics.


Cosmecca Korea (241710 KS): Strong 2Q23 Result; Favorable Industry Tailwind to Enhance the Glow

<ul>
<li>In response to media speculation, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/l-occitane-international-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6772:1" rel="noopener">L'Occitane (973 HK)</a> has clarified that Reinold Geiger, the Chairman and the largest shareholder, is contemplating a possible transaction through a voluntary general offer.</li>
<li>However, the rumoured offer of HK$35 per share is false. Mr Geiger has confirmed that the potential offer price would be no less than HK$26.00 per share.</li>
<li>The floor price of HK$26 is light and needs a bump (towards HK$30), particularly if Mr Geiger wants 95% of voting rights to exercise the right of compulsory acquisition (squeeze-out).</li>
</ul>


In response to media speculation, L'Occitane (973 HK) has clarified that Reinold Geiger, the Chairman and the largest shareholder, is contemplating a possible transaction through a voluntary general offer.
However, the rumoured offer of HK$35 per share is false. Mr Geiger has confirmed that the potential offer price would be no less than HK$26.00 per share.
The floor price of HK$26 is light and needs a bump (towards HK$30), particularly if Mr Geiger wants 95% of voting rights to exercise the right of compulsory acquisition (squeeze-out).


L’Occitane (973 HK): Board Updates on the Potential Offer Structure and Price

South Korea

Cosmax, Inc. is a cosmetics manufacturer. The Company develops and produces a variety of cosmetics for men and women, such as basic and special skin care, makeup, hair care, and other beauty products. Cosmax manufactures its products on original equipment manufacturing (OEM) basis.

Cosmax Inc (192820 KS)

L’Occitane (973 HK): HK$35 Offer from the Controlling Shareholder?

Shares are currently in a trading halt. The rumoured offer price of HK$35 per share is attractive and represents an all-time high price. Therefore,...

Arun George

L’Occitane (973 HK): Controlling Shareholder Mulling a Bid?

The presence of a significant disinterested shareholder necessitates an attractive takeover premium. Irrespective of a bid materialising, the...

Arun George

L’Occitane (973 HK): Blackstone Pondering an Offer

L’Occitane is on a trading halt pursuant to the Code on Takeovers and Mergers. Bloomberg reports that Blackstone is nearing a privatisation deal...

Arun George

Cosmecca Korea (241710 KS): Strong 2Q23 Result; Favorable Industry Tailwind to Enhance the Glow

Cosmecca Korea reports strong Q2 results, with revenue up 15% YoY and operating profit up 265% YoY. The company benefits from the growing demand...

Tina Banerjee

L’Occitane (973 HK): Board Updates on the Potential Offer Structure and Price

Reinold Geiger is contemplating a possible transaction through a VGO at a floor offer price of HK$26. The floor price is light if Mr Geiger wants...

Arun George

L’Occitane (973 HK): HK$35 Offer from the Controlling Shareholder?

Shares are currently in a trading halt. The rumoured offer price of HK$35 per share is attractive and represents an all-time high price. Therefore,...

Arun George

L’Occitane (973 HK): Controlling Shareholder Mulling a Bid?

The presence of a significant disinterested shareholder necessitates an attractive takeover premium. Irrespective of a bid materialising, the...

Arun George

L’Occitane (973 HK): Blackstone Pondering an Offer

L’Occitane is on a trading halt pursuant to the Code on Takeovers and Mergers. Bloomberg reports that Blackstone is nearing a privatisation deal...

Arun George

Cosmecca Korea (241710 KS): Strong 2Q23 Result; Favorable Industry Tailwind to Enhance the Glow

​Cosmecca Korea reports strong Q2 results, with revenue up 15% YoY and operating profit up 265% YoY. The company benefits from the growing demand...

Tina Banerjee

L’Occitane (973 HK): Board Updates on the Potential Offer Structure and Price

Reinold Geiger is contemplating a possible transaction through a VGO at a floor offer price of HK$26. The floor price is light if Mr Geiger wants...

Arun George

Cosmecca Korea reports strong Q2 results, with revenue up 15% YoY and operating profit up 265% YoY. The company benefits from the growing demand...