17 February 2005
Foster's response to SRP target statement
Nothing in the Target’s Statement released today by Southcorp Limited (“Southcorp” or “the Company”) changes Foster’s Group Limited’s (“Foster’s”) view that its $4.17 cash per share offer price is an outstanding price for Southcorp shareholders.
Foster’s considers that there is nothing in the Target’s Statement that justifies rejection of its offer and believes the Target’s Statement lacks credibility. Southcorp has not provided sufficient information to allow its shareholders to make an informed decision, specifically:
- No valuation - Southcorp’s directors have not provided any valuation of the company’s shares;
- No independent expert’s report - Southcorp’s directors have not engaged an independent expert to provide a valuation of the company’s shares; and
- No alternative bidder - Southcorp’s directors have not suggested that there are any counter bidders.
Southcorp’s directors have placed undue emphasis on their speculative estimates of potential synergies arising from a combination of Foster’s and Southcorp. Southcorp shareholders can only benefit from any such synergies by accepting Foster’s offer.
Foster’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Trevor O’Hoy said: “Nothing in Southcorp’s Target’s Statement alters our view that $4.17 per share is a great price for Southcorp shareholders.”
Further information:
Media
Lisa Keenan
Tel: +61 3 9633 2265
Mob: 0409 150 771
Investors
Chris Knorr
Tel: +61 3 9633 2685
Mob: 0417 033 623