Richemont restructuring proposals

In November 2007, Richemont announced that it was studying plans which might lead to a separation of its luxury goods operations from its other interests, which include its investment in British American Tobacco plc (BAT).

Richemont has conducted an extensive review of potential alternatives open to the Group in anticipation of the elimination of Luxembourg 1929 holding companies at the end of 2010. Richemont SA, the Group’s principal holding entity, currently benefits from the 1929 holding company status, as does the joint venture vehicle used by Richemont and Remgro Limited (Remgro) to hold the BAT interest.

The review has resulted in the development of proposals, which would see Richemont separated into two entities: a luxury business, headquartered in Switzerland, and an
investment vehicle, which it is currently proposed should be based in Luxembourg and structured as an investment fund.

In addition to retaining their shares in the luxury goods business, it is envisaged that Richemont unitholders would receive shares in the investment vehicle and would be able to receive a substantial part of their interest in the BAT shares directly.

Subject to receipt of appropriate confirmations from Swiss regulators and SWX Swiss Exchange (SWX), the luxury goods business would continue to be listed on SWX, whilst it is expected that the new investment vehicle would be listed in Luxembourg, subject to the approval of Luxembourg regulators and the Bourse de Luxembourg.

Appropriate arrangements would be put in place to allow holders of Richemont South African depository receipts (DRs) to hold and trade DRs in respect of both the luxury goods and investment entities, subject to the approval of the JSE Limited, which operates the Johannesburg stock exchange.

Discussions are in progress with BAT, which has provided a commitment, if so requested, to apply for a secondary listing of its shares on the Johannesburg stock exchange. This would enable South African residents who currently hold Richemont DRs to hold BAT shares directly.

Source : www.richemont.com/

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