Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>In <em><strong><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/webjet-wjl-au-undisclosed-buyer-buying" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:185607" rel="noopener">Webjet (WJL AU): Undisclosed Buyer Buying</a></strong></em>,  rumours surfaced earlier this year of an undisclosed buyer with ~5%. On the 12th May, <strong><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/helloworld-travel-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:16134:1" rel="noopener">Helloworld (HLO AU)</a></strong> emerged with a 5.015% stake.</li>
<li>On the same day, Gary Weiss/BGH, collectively holding 10.76%, launched a A$0.80/share NBIO, which was subsequently rejected. Undeterred, Weiss/BGH has called for an EGM (21st November) to spill the board.</li>
<li>Helloworld has now tabled a <strong>A$0.90/share non-binding Offer, by way of Scheme</strong>. The 1H26 dividend of A$0.002/share will be added. Helloworld currently holds 17.27%. Weiss/BGH hold 17.75%.</li>
</ul>


In Webjet (WJL AU): Undisclosed Buyer Buying,  rumours surfaced earlier this year of an undisclosed buyer with ~5%. On the 12th May, Helloworld (HLO AU) emerged with a 5.015% stake.
On the same day, Gary Weiss/BGH, collectively holding 10.76%, launched a A$0.80/share NBIO, which was subsequently rejected. Undeterred, Weiss/BGH has called for an EGM (21st November) to spill the board.
Helloworld has now tabled a A$0.90/share non-binding Offer, by way of Scheme. The 1H26 dividend of A$0.002/share will be added. Helloworld currently holds 17.27%. Weiss/BGH hold 17.75%.


Webjet (WJL AU): Helloworld Steps Up As Weiss/BGH Seek Board Spill

<ul>
<li>In <em><strong><a href="https://skr.ma/rCoay" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Webjet (WJL AU): Undisclosed Buyer Buying</a></strong></em>, I addressed the rumours that an undisclosed buyer with ~5% was seeking to add an additional 5% (19.6mn shares).</li>
<li>On the 12th May, <strong><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/helloworld-travel-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:16134:1" rel="noopener">Helloworld Ltd (HLO AU)</a></strong> emerged with a <a href="https://announcements.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20250512/pdf/06jmy55csx8lvm.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5.015% stake</a>. The same day, BGH said it had <a href="https://announcements.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20250512/pdf/06jnjftqrg7vpw.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10.76%</a>. BGH followed with a <a href="https://announcements.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20250513/pdf/06jpsydh9mwsff.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A$0.80/share NBIO</a>.</li>
<li>BGH wants a controlling stake in <strong><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/webjet-group-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:45177:1" rel="noopener">Webjet (WJL AU)</a></strong>, and potentially maintaining the listing; suggesting an off-market Offer, with say, a 50% acceptance hurdle being one possibility. </li>
</ul>


In Webjet (WJL AU): Undisclosed Buyer Buying, I addressed the rumours that an undisclosed buyer with ~5% was seeking to add an additional 5% (19.6mn shares).
On the 12th May, Helloworld Ltd (HLO AU) emerged with a 5.015% stake. The same day, BGH said it had 10.76%. BGH followed with a A$0.80/share NBIO.
BGH wants a controlling stake in Webjet (WJL AU), and potentially maintaining the listing; suggesting an off-market Offer, with say, a 50% acceptance hurdle being one possibility. 


Webjet (WJL AU) In Play: BGH/Weiss' NBIO And Helloworld's Substantial Stake

<ul>
<li>Back on the 26 April, church donor management tech play <strong><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pushpay-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13737:1" rel="noopener">Pushpay Holdings (PPH NZ)</a></strong> <a href="https://www.nzx.com/announcements/390975" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> "<em>unsolicited, non-binding and conditional expressions of interest or approaches from third parties</em>". No price was mentioned. </li>
<li>Roughly a month later, BGH Capital and Sixth Street, both existing shareholders,<a href="https://www.nzx.com/announcements/392626" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> entered into</a> a cooperation agreement with respect to a potential transaction for Pushpay. Again, no price was provided. </li>
<li>Pushpay has now <a href="https://www.nzx.com/announcements/400268" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> it has received a non-binding proposal. Word on the street this involves BGH. Still, no price was made public. A 30% premium to undisturbed is ~NZ$1.34/share.</li>
</ul>


Back on the 26 April, church donor management tech play Pushpay Holdings (PPH NZ) announced "unsolicited, non-binding and conditional expressions of interest or approaches from third parties". No price was mentioned. 
Roughly a month later, BGH Capital and Sixth Street, both existing shareholders, entered into a cooperation agreement with respect to a potential transaction for Pushpay. Again, no price was provided. 
Pushpay has now announced it has received a non-binding proposal. Word on the street this involves BGH. Still, no price was made public. A 30% premium to undisturbed is ~NZ$1.34/share.


Pushpay: BGH Resurrects The Catholic Opportunity

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.

Coast Entertainment Holdings L / Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ardent-leisure-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29059:1" rel="noopener">Ardent Leisure Group Ltd (ALG AU)</a>'s shareholders have approved <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/dave-buster-s-entertainment-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:19774:1" rel="noopener">Dave &amp; Buster'S Entertainment, Inc (PLAY US)</a> acquisition of Main Event business. Ardent will receive A$670.3 million.</li>
<li>Shareholders will receive a total return of A$0.95 through capital return (A$0.46) and unfranked special dividends (A$0.49) on 13 July. </li>
<li>Precedent transactions and peer multiples suggest that the remaining business is worth A$0.23-0.30, implying a 16%-21% upside to the last close. The remaining business would be attractive to private equity. </li>
</ul>



Ardent Leisure Group Ltd (ALG AU)'s shareholders have approved Dave &amp; Buster'S Entertainment, Inc (PLAY US) acquisition of Main Event business. Ardent will receive A$670.3 million.
Shareholders will receive a total return of A$0.95 through capital return (A$0.46) and unfranked special dividends (A$0.49) on 13 July. 
Precedent transactions and peer multiples suggest that the remaining business is worth A$0.23-0.30, implying a 16%-21% upside to the last close. The remaining business would be attractive to private equity. 


Ardent Leisure’s EGM Approves the Main Event Sale

<div>
<p>On the 18 May, Aussie theme parks and movie theater operator <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/village-roadshow-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7836:1" rel="noopener">Village Roadshow (VRL AU)</a> entered into <a href="https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20200518/pdf/44hx6rjz13vp2b.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exclusive talks</a> with BGH Capital, which was followed on the 7 August with the <a href="https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20200807/pdf/44l8s8vg0qgjdy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">entering</a> into an Implementation Agreement, such that VRL shareholders would receive, under Structure A, up to A$2.45/share comprising A$2.20/share (A$2.10/share under Structure B) plus an additional A$0.25/share upon the re-opening of theme parks and cinemas, and Queensland's border being open to any person from NSW and Victoria. </p>
<p>At the time, I viewed the offer as being overly wrought, highly opportunistic, and heavily caveated, enabling the key shareholders to remain largely invested in the back-end; and failing that option (Structure A) - penalizing minorities via a lower cash option under Structure B.</p>
<p>Mittleman Investments agreed, and <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02291037-3A552048?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> it intends to vote its shares against both alternatives. Spheria Asset Management <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02307851-3A555222?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chimed</a> in early this month.</p>
</div>
<div>
<h3>A Recent Timeline of Events</h3>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<table class="table table-striped">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">
<h3>Date</h3>
</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">
<h3>Date in the Date</h3>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">29-Aug-19</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">
<p>Release of  <a href="https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20190829/pdf/44800hyl7gkz2s.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FY19</a>  results. VRL reported an underlying profit of A$20.6mn in against a loss of $7.3mn the previous year. The company declared a return to dividends with a fully franked dividend of A$0.05/share. At the time of these full-year results, Burke said the key issues with John had largely been addressed.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">19-Dec-19</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Pacific Equity Partners <a href="https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20191219/pdf/44cqw7hyn865wn.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tabled</a> a non-binding Offer at A$3.90/share, a 21.9% premium to last close, by way of a Scheme. PEP has also agreed to buy a 19% stake (at $3.90/share) from VRC, which would indicate Burke and the brothers are on the same page.<br><br>
<p>This is a <a href="https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20191219/pdf/44cqwl4t5yh94r.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">call option</a> on 19% of shares out - or Relevant Shares - between PEP and VRC. If an alternative offer is recommended by Village's board, the call option can be exercised. Voting remains with VRC until the Relevant Shares are exercised.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">23-Jan-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">VRL received a non-binding, indicative <a href="https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20200124/pdf/44dh80xy1977ll.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">offer</a> from BGH Capital of $4.00/share, a 25% premium to last close, and a small premium to PEP's $3.90/share offer the previous month.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">19-Mar-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">
<p>VRL <a href="https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20200319/pdf/44g6ftp3syn8tb.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> they continue to assist PEP and BGH with their respective due diligence. Exposed to cinemas and theme parks amidst the virus - VLR was down 75% from its recent high at this time.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">18-May-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">
<a href="https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20200518/pdf/44hx6rjz13vp2b.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Enters</a> into exclusive discussions with BGH.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">16-Jun - 5-Aug</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Various announcements extending the exclusivity agreement with BGH</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">7-Aug-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">
<a href="https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20200807/pdf/44l8s8vg0qgjdy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Entering</a> into an Implementation Agreement with BGH. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">28-Aug-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;"><a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02273676-3A548632?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FY20 results</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">25-Sep-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">"<a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02285343-3A551068?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Film Deferral Event</a>" under the Implementation Agreement - no A$0.08/share additional payment.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">2-Oct-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Mittleman bumps to <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02290462-3A551960?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10.09%</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">7-Oct-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Mittleman says it will vote <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02291037-3A552048?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">against</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">8-Oct-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Spheria, having dipped below 5% back on xx, now has <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02292760-3A552377?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6.20%</a>.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">9-Oct-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Scheme Meeting <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02292036-3A552242?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirmed</a> for the 26 November</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">12-Oct-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Scheme Booklet <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02292758-3A552376?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lodged</a> with ASIC and expected to be despatched on or before the 21 October, and the Scheme Meetings tentatively set for the 26 November.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">28-Oct-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Spheria bumps to <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02302992-3A554387?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7.80%</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">4-Nov-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Mittleman bumps to <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02305802-3A554879?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">11.24%</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">9-Nov-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Uplift of A$0.12/share <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02306239-3A554956?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">locked in</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">10-Nov-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Mittleman bumps to <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02308127-3A555266?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">12.87%</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">12-Nov-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Spheria says it will vote <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02307851-3A555222?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">against</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">12-Nov-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Mittleman bumps to <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02311114-3A555880?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">14.34%</a>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;" class="content-caption">Source: ASX</div>
</div>
<h3>The New News</h3>
<div></div>
<p>This morning, VRL <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02312095-3A556080?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> it had agreed with BGH that the terms are now A$3.00 under the Structure A Scheme and A$2.95/share under the Structure B Scheme, as had been rumoured last Friday. <br><br>Spheria now intends to vote in favour of both A and B. No word from Mittleman as yet.<br><br>The Scheme Meeting will now expected to be held on the 7 December, subject to Court approval.</p>
<div>
<p>More below the fold.</p>
</div>
<div>
<p></p>
</div>


On the 18 May, Aussie theme parks and movie theater operator Village Roadshow (VRL AU) entered into exclusive talks with BGH Capital, which was followed on the 7 August with the entering into an Implementation Agreement, such that VRL shareholders would receive, under Structure A, up to A$2.45/share comprising A$2.20/share (A$2.10/share under Structure B) plus an additional A$0.25/share upon the re-opening of theme parks and cinemas, and Queensland's border being open to any person from NSW and Victoria. 
At the time, I viewed the offer as being overly wrought, highly opportunistic, and heavily caveated, enabling the key shareholders to remain largely invested in the back-end; and failing that option (Structure A) - penalizing minorities via a lower cash option under Structure B.
Mittleman Investments agreed, and said it intends to vote its shares against both alternatives. Spheria Asset Management chimed in early this month.


A Recent Timeline of Events







Date


Date in the Date



29-Aug-19

Release of  FY19  results. VRL reported an underlying profit of A$20.6mn in against a loss of $7.3mn the previous year. The company declared a return to dividends with a fully franked dividend of A$0.05/share. At the time of these full-year results, Burke said the key issues with John had largely been addressed.



19-Dec-19
Pacific Equity Partners tabled a non-binding Offer at A$3.90/share, a 21.9% premium to last close, by way of a Scheme. PEP has also agreed to buy a 19% stake (at $3.90/share) from VRC, which would indicate Burke and the brothers are on the same page.  
This is a call option on 19% of shares out - or Relevant Shares - between PEP and VRC. If an alternative offer is recommended by Village's board, the call option can be exercised. Voting remains with VRC until the Relevant Shares are exercised.



23-Jan-20
VRL received a non-binding, indicative offer from BGH Capital of $4.00/share, a 25% premium to last close, and a small premium to PEP's $3.90/share offer the previous month.


19-Mar-20

VRL said they continue to assist PEP and BGH with their respective due diligence. Exposed to cinemas and theme parks amidst the virus - VLR was down 75% from its recent high at this time.



18-May-20

Enters into exclusive discussions with BGH.


16-Jun - 5-Aug
Various announcements extending the exclusivity agreement with BGH


7-Aug-20

Entering into an Implementation Agreement with BGH. 


28-Aug-20
FY20 results


25-Sep-20
"Film Deferral Event" under the Implementation Agreement - no A$0.08/share additional payment.


2-Oct-20
Mittleman bumps to 10.09%



7-Oct-20
Mittleman says it will vote against



8-Oct-20
Spheria, having dipped below 5% back on xx, now has 6.20%.


9-Oct-20
Scheme Meeting confirmed for the 26 November


12-Oct-20
Scheme Booklet lodged with ASIC and expected to be despatched on or before the 21 October, and the Scheme Meetings tentatively set for the 26 November.


28-Oct-20
Spheria bumps to 7.80%



4-Nov-20
Mittleman bumps to 11.24%



9-Nov-20
Uplift of A$0.12/share locked in



10-Nov-20
Mittleman bumps to 12.87%



12-Nov-20
Spheria says it will vote against



12-Nov-20
Mittleman bumps to 14.34%







Source: ASX

The New News

This morning, VRL announced it had agreed with BGH that the terms are now A$3.00 under the Structure A Scheme and A$2.95/share under the Structure B Scheme, as had been rumoured last Friday.   Spheria now intends to vote in favour of both A and B. No word from Mittleman as yet.  The Scheme Meeting will now expected to be held on the 7 December, subject to Court approval.

More below the fold.





Village Roadshow: Rollercoaster Economics

Australia

Village Roadshow Limited operations include cinema exhibition, the distribution of film, DVD's and videos, and the production of motion pictures. The Company operates tourist theme parks and resorts along with operating FM radio stations.

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Village Roadshow (VRL AU)

Webjet (WJL AU): Helloworld Steps Up As Weiss/BGH Seek Board Spill

BGH counters with a non-binding A$0.91/share off-market Offer, conditional on a 75% minimum acceptance condition. BGH/Gary Weiss hold 18.3%. The...

David Blennerhassett

Webjet (WJL AU) In Play: BGH/Weiss' NBIO And Helloworld's Substantial Stake

Trading 12.5% through terms; and ~58% above the undisturbed price. BGH/Weiss have the clout to bid higher. But unless your bent is illiquid, non...

David Blennerhassett

Pushpay: BGH Resurrects The Catholic Opportunity

This remains an indicative situation. There have been a number of blow-ups/no deals, around the region of late. However, BGH is dogged in its M&A...

David Blennerhassett

Ardent Leisure’s EGM Approves the Main Event Sale

Shareholders have approved the sale of Main Event. Precedent transactions and peer multiples suggest that the remaining business is worth A$0.23...

Arun George

Village Roadshow: Rollercoaster Economics

This revised proposal is simpler and fairly priced - the IE had a fair value range of $2.03-$2.80/share. The question mark is over Mittleman's...

David Blennerhassett

Price Gauge

52-week Range

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