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Introduction. The Panel and the CodeStatutory statusStructure of the PanelStructure of the CodePowers of the PanelTo whom does the Code apply?RulesCode Timetable. The Panel and the Code. Panel administers and enforces City Code on Takeovers and MergersAims
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1. The Takeover Panel and City Code
2. Introduction The Panel and the Code
Statutory status
Structure of the Panel
Structure of the Code
Powers of the Panel
To whom does the Code apply?
Rules
Code Timetable
3. The Panel and the Code Panel administers and enforces City Code on Takeovers and Mergers
Aims – Code is not concerned with financial or commercial advantages or disadvantages
History – Code introduced in 1968
The Code provides
Fair and equal treatment for shareholders
An orderly framework for the conduct of takeovers
4. Statutory Status Pre-20 May 2006: Panel was non-statutory body
20 May 2006 – 06 April 2007: Panel and Code had statutory status for some offers
Since 06 April 2007: Panel and Code have statutory status for all offers subject to the Code (under Part 28 Companies Act 2006)
Co-operation with other bodies and access to information
Support of the courts
Enforcement
5. Structure of the Panel The Panel – overall responsibility for policy, financing and administration
The Executive – day to day work and general administration of the Code
The Hearings Committee – first tier of appeals process
The Takeover Appeal Board – second tier of appeal process (limited cases)
The Code Committee – rule-making functions
6. Structure of the Code 6 General Principles (good standards of commercial behaviour)
38 Rules
Purposive interpretation – their spirit must be observed, as well as their letter
7. Powers of the Panel Historically, high degree of support with compliance strong
Panel can
Require documents and information
Require a party to restrain from acting
Require payment of compensation
Enforce breach of Code through Court
Require a party to take specified further action
Hearings Committee can
Private statement of censure
Public statement of censure
Suspend or withdraw exemption/approval/special status
Report conduct
Cold shouldering
8. To whom does the Code apply? Nature of the offeree (target) company
Applies to a company:
Which has its registered office in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man and has its securities admitted to trading on a regulated market in the UK (ie the Official List and virt-X but not on AIM) or on a stock exchange in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
(i) Which has its registered office in the UK but its securities are admitted to trading on a regulated market in another Member State; or (ii) which has its registered office in another Member State and its securities admitted to trading only on a regulated market in the UK or on a regulated market in one or more Member States, including the UK. But, in these cases, the Panel will share jurisdiction with the relevant regulator in another Member State
Which does not fall into the two paragraphs above and which satisfies the residency text (ie it is incorporated in, and has its central place of management and control in, the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man)
Private companies included in limited circumstances
Control – an interest or interests in shares carrying 30% of more of the voting rights of the company
9. Who is effected? All those involved in an offer governed by the Code
“Concert parties” – ensure all potential concert parties are identified
10. Key propositions of the Code Rules Equal treatment for all shareholders
Adequate and timely advice and information
No false markets
No unapproved frustrating actions
11. Equal treatment for all shareholders General Principle 1 – equivalent treatment
Rule 16 – no special deals/management incentivisation
Rules 6 and 11 – quantum and type of consideration
Rule 9 – mandatory offer
12. Adequate and timely advice and information Rule 3 – independent advice
Accuracy of documents
Disclosure of information
Rules 24/25 – contents of documents
Rules 28/29 – forecasts and valuations
Rules 30/24 - timetable
13. No false markets/unauthorised frustrating action No false markets
General Principle 4 – no creation of false markets
Rule 2 – timing and contents of announcements
Rule 8 – disclosure of dealings and positions
Rule 20 – equality of information
Rule 21 – Restrictions on frustrating action
14. Code Timetable Offerees should not be put under siege for an unlimited amount of time
Final Day Rule