News release
28 March 2007
Takeovers Panel to Progress Work on "Loophole" for Schemes and Amalgamations
The Takeovers Panel is to undertake further work to resolve the problem of schemes and amalgamations potentially being
used to undermine the Takeovers Code. This follows a request by the Minister of Commerce, Hon Lianne Dalziel, that the
Panel lead the required policy work.
"The Panel has been concerned for some time about the increasing use of schemes of arrangement and amalgamations under
the Companies Act 1993 to avoid the provisions of the Code when seeking to change the ownership or control of code
companies," Chairman David Jones said.
"We recognise the need for parties to be free to structure transactions in a manner which is appropriate to achieve
their desired commercial result. The Panel does not want to prevent the use of schemes or amalgamations. However,
shareholders should have similar protections in a change of control as shareholders have in a takeover made under the
Takeovers Code."
The Panel will commence its work immediately, and in doing so will consult further with the commercial community.
Following that consultation the Panel will report back to the Minister.
ENDS