Notice of Annual General Meeting and Proxy Form
Summary
- Bigtincan Holdings Limited's AGM will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024, at 9:30 am (AEDT).
- Shareholders can participate virtually via webcast or in person in Sydney.
- Proxy voting deadline is 9:30 am (AEDT) on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
- Key resolutions include a scheme transaction with Investcorp, adoption of the remuneration report, director elections (including both board-endorsed and non-endorsed candidates), and approval for granting rights to a director.
- The proposed scheme transaction with Investcorp involves Bigtincan Limited acquiring all shares in Bigtincan Holdings, potentially offering shareholders 1 Bigtincan Limited share for every 30.97 Bigtincan Holdings shares, with a possible cash option.
- A revised non-binding acquisition proposal from Vector Capital Management has been received, offering $0.22 cash per share.
- The board unanimously recommends shareholders vote in favor of the Investcorp scheme transaction, subject to conditions and an independent expert's opinion.
- Resolution 3 (Spill Resolution) is conditional on at least 25% of votes cast against the Remuneration Report (Resolution 2).
- Resolution 8 seeks shareholder approval for granting 10,914,760 Performance Share Appreciation Rights (PSARs) to the CEO, Mr. David Keane, as part of his FY24 Long Term Variable Remuneration (LTVR).
- Resolution 9 seeks shareholder approval to increase the company's equity securities issuance capacity by 10% under ASX Listing Rule 7.1A.
- The meeting will be held at Level 14, 60 Margaret Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
Sentiment
Score: 6
Explanation: The document presents a mixed outlook. While the proposed scheme with Investcorp offers potential upside, the presence of a competing bid and the risk of a second strike create uncertainty. The overall tone is cautiously optimistic.
Positives
- The board unanimously recommends the Investcorp scheme transaction, believing it to be in the best interests of shareholders.
- The proposed scheme with Investcorp could result in Bigtincan Holdings becoming a NASDAQ-listed entity.
- The board is actively managing board renewal with the election of new directors.
- A potential cash election facility could provide additional value to shareholders.
Negatives
- A second strike against the remuneration report could trigger a spill resolution, leading to potential board changes.
- The revised Vector proposal presents a competing offer, potentially impacting the Investcorp scheme.
- Failure to obtain shareholder approval for Resolution 8 could result in a less favorable remuneration package for the CEO.
- Failure to obtain shareholder approval for Resolution 9 could limit the company's ability to raise capital in the future.
Risks
- The success of the Investcorp scheme is subject to several conditions, including court approval and shareholder support.
- The competing Vector proposal could derail the Investcorp scheme.
- A second strike on the remuneration report could lead to significant board changes and operational disruption.
- Economic and voting dilution for existing shareholders if Resolution 9 is approved and the company issues additional equity securities.
Future Outlook
The transaction with Investcorp is anticipated to complete in the first quarter of 2025, subject to the satisfaction of various conditions. The board will update shareholders on the revised Vector proposal as required.
Management Comments
- The Board of Directors of the Company consider that this Transaction is in the best interests of the Companys shareholders and unanimously recommend that the shareholders of the Company support Resolution 1, in the absence of superior proposal and subject to an independent expert concluding in the independent experts report (and continuing to conclude) that the Scheme is in the best interests of the Companys shareholders.
- The Board recommends that shareholders vote AGAINST the proposed resolution.
- The Board (excluding Mr Ebbeck) recommends that Shareholders vote IN FAVOUR of Resolution 4.
- The Board recommends that shareholders vote IN FAVOUR of Resolution 5.
- The Board recommends that shareholders vote AGAINST Resolution 6.
- The Board recommends that shareholders vote AGAINST Resolution 7.
- The Board, (excluding Mr Keane, consider the grant of the PSARs to Mr Keane to be appropriate in all circumstances and recommends that Shareholders vote IN FAVOUR of Resolution 8.
- The Board recommends that Shareholders vote IN FAVOUR of Resolution 9.
Industry Context
This announcement reflects the ongoing activity in the technology sector, with mergers and acquisitions, and capital raising remaining significant themes. The proposed transaction with Investcorp positions Bigtincan for growth in the US market, while the competing offer from Vector highlights the competitive landscape.
Next Steps
- Hold the Annual General Meeting on November 29, 2024
- Complete the scheme transaction with Investcorp (subject to conditions)
- Consider the revised Vector proposal
- Grant PSARs to the CEO (subject to shareholder approval)
- Potentially raise capital under ASX Listing Rule 7.1A (subject to shareholder approval)
Key Dates
- June 7, 2024: Mr. Timothy Ebbeck appointed as a Director
- June 30, 2024: End of financial year for which the Annual Financial Report is prepared
- August 29, 2024: Release of FY24 Annual Results
- October 21, 2024: Scheme Implementation Deed (SID) and Business Combination Agreement (BCA) signed with Investcorp
- October 25, 2024: Date used for calculations in Resolution 9
- October 30, 2024: Notice of Annual General Meeting signed by Company Secretary
- November 27, 2024: Proxy voting deadline
- November 29, 2024: Date of the Annual General Meeting
- October 2027: Exercise date for PSARs
- First Quarter 2025: Anticipated completion date for the Transaction with Investcorp
Keywords
Filings with Classifications
Half Year Results
- The net loss after tax for the six months ended 31 December 2024 was $64m, including a goodwill impairment of $54m related to the proposed Vector transaction.
Acquisition Recommendation
- The Vector proposal is considered superior to the previous IAAC deal, resulting in a better outcome for Bigtincan shareholders.
Acquisition Update
- The lack of a counter-proposal from Investcorp will likely delay the completion of any transaction, requiring Bigtincan to consider alternative options.
Acquisition Update
- The lack of a counter-proposal from Investcorp is worse than expected, as it indicates a potential failure to secure a deal on favorable terms and increases uncertainty regarding the future of the company.
Annual Report
- Bigtincan's FY24 EBITDA of $11.3 million significantly exceeded expectations given the previous year's loss and the challenging macroeconomic conditions.
Acquisition Proposal
- The initial expectation was that the Investcorp deal would proceed, but the emergence of a superior offer from Vector Capital suggests that the initial deal was not the most favorable option for shareholders.
Notice of Annual General Meeting
- Resolution 9 seeks shareholder approval to increase the company's equity securities issuance capacity by 10%, potentially allowing for future capital raises to fund growth initiatives.
Merger Proposal
- Bigtincan Limited intends to raise up to US$25 million from institutional investors in a PIPE transaction.
- Bigtincan Limited intends to raise up to US$25 million in debt financing.
Merger Announcement
- Up to US$25 million (~A$37.3 million) will be raised from institutional investors in a PIPE transaction.
- Up to US$25 million in debt finance will be sought to support the transaction.
Business Combination Proposal
- Investcorp plans to invest US$12.5 million in Newco.
- An additional US$25 million in debt and equity funding is being sought from institutional investors to partially fund the cash election opportunity.
Offer Rejection Announcement
- The company rejected the offer from Vector Capital Management, indicating that the offer was below what the company believes it is worth.
Capital Raising Announcement
- Bigtincan is undertaking a fully underwritten 1 for 3 accelerated pro-rata non-renounceable entitlement offer.
Equity Raising Presentation
- Bigtincan is raising $20.5m to fund investments in core AI technology, data infrastructure related to provisioning of GeneiAI technology, market awareness and development and working capital.
Corporate and Business Update
- Bigtincan is conducting a fully underwritten 1 for 3 accelerated pro rata non-renounceable entitlement offer at an offer price of $0.10 per share to raise A$20.5m.
- The proceeds of the Equity Raising will be used to fund investments in core AI technology, data infrastructure related to provisioning of GeneiAI technology, market awareness and development, working capital and transaction costs.
Trading Halt Request
- Bigtincan Holdings Limited is conducting an equity raising.
- The equity raising involves both institutional and retail components.
Business Update
- The company achieved record Q3 FY24 results for EBITDA, EBITDA margin, and Free Cash Flow, indicating better than expected financial performance.
Disclaimer: This summary was generated by artificial intelligence and its accuracy is not guaranteed. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, recommendation, or endorsement of any kind. It may contain errors or omissions. You should not rely on this information to make financial decisions. Always seek the advice of a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions. Use of this information is at your own risk.