Tower Clarifies Rights Issue And Underwriting

Monday, 7 July 2003, 11:10 am
Press Release: Tower

MARKET RELEASE
For Immediate Release
7 July 2003

Tower Clarifies Rights Issue And Underwriting Arrangements

TOWER Limited confirmed today that the Underwriter of its NZ$210.8 million renounceable Rights issue, Guinness Peat Group plc (GPG) and Organising Broker JB Were (NZ) Limited are currently arranging a broad panel of substantial Sub-underwriters. The Panel of Sub-underwriters has not yet been finalised. GPG are obliged to complete the sub-underwriting arrangements by 11 July 2003. Details are expected to be finalised earlier than that. The appointment of Sub-underwriters is subject to TOWER’s approval.

TOWER was confident that its agreement with GPG complied fully with the NZX Listing Rules. The agreement contains appropriate provisions recognising the need to obtain a NZX waiver from Listing Rule 9.2 (Related party transactions). TOWER made application to the NZX for the appropriate waiver on Saturday. NZX have confirmed this morning that the waiver has been granted subject to certain conditions. Full details are provided in the NZX announcement.

TOWER has also supplied to NZX information regarding its arrangements with GPG. NZX have confirmed this morning that it does not disagree with TOWER’s determination that the arrangement is in compliance with Listing Rule 7.5.

Trading in TOWER securities will commence on NZX as usual today when the markets open. The Record Date for calculation of entitlements to new shares as a result of the Rights issue will be 5pm (NZ time) Friday 11 July 2003.

Share trading on ASX

Shares traded on ASX as from today will be ex-Rights. This means that the right to subscribe for new shares as a result of the Rights issue will remain with the seller of shares and will not pass to the buyer. This applies only to shares traded on ASX.

ENDS

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