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Trigger level on takeovers down to 30pc

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The Securities and Futures Commission has reduced the takeover trigger threshold from 35 per cent to 30 per cent effective today.

The move, which follows a consultation period earlier this year, brings Hong Kong into line with other international markets.

The change means shareholders who take a stake of more than 30 per cent in a company will be obliged to make a general offer to all shareholders.

'The driver of these changes is to conform to international standards,' SFC executive director Ashley Alder said.

The SFC also reduced the 'creeper' provision - how much a majority shareholder can increase his stake in any 12-month period without triggering a general offer - from 5 per cent to 2 per cent.

The changes were expected but the timing of their implementation was abrupt. The SFC previously said it hoped the new rules would take effect on January 1.

Mr Alder said the changes - announced late last night - had been made with immediate effect to avoid giving an unfair advantage to some shareholders.

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