The Company is in a strong position with a good level of rental income and a portfolio of properties which has potential for a further increase in capital value.

 

The directors continue to seek out further property purchase opportunities which would be to the Company's advantage if they can be realised. These are now to be found in a higher price range than the existing properties and additional funding by way of equity investment will enable the Company to move into that price bracket.

 

The directors are conscious of the support provided by shareholders and believe it is right and fair to offer the opportunity to participate at the present time on advantageous terms before further equity investment is sought.

 

The Board acknowledges the importance of the continuing support of shareholders.  The Open Offer also enables all Qualifying Shareholders to participate in the fundraising on a pro rata basis and with the ability to apply for Convertible Notes in addition to their proportionate entitlement.

 

Accordingly, the Directors believe that an Open Offer is in the best interests of the Company and Shareholders as the funds raised should enable the Company to progress with its strategy to grow the value of the portfolio of investment properties.

 

Current trading and outlook

 

The Company has published its results for the year ended 30 April 2017 on 2^nd October 2017, which show a steady increase in all KPIs monitored by the Directors. It is noteworthy that revenue has increased by 29% and profit by 270% compared to the equivalent results in the previous year. During the year the Company's property holdings have increased from £29,488,428 to £38,979,308, an increase of 32%.

 

A number of property acquisitions have been announced, notably in Barnstaple, Margate and Middlesbrough. Further property transactions are currently being negotiated which will enhance the portfolio and annual rental income.

 

The issue of Convertible Notes is to be completed before release of interim results announcement. This is estimated to be 29 January 2018.

 

Use of Proceeds

 

The Company is seeking up to £4,850,000 to continue to build its portfolio of properties with good rental income, sound covenants and potential for capital value increases. The directors are in continuous touch with the commercial property market and constantly receive approaches for purchase and sale transactions. These are evaluated and pursued depending on the quality of the opportunity and available funds. It is not possible to specify which properties are to be purchased once the additional funding is available.  The amount that is raised by way of the Open Offer will allow the Directors to identify those opportunities that are most attractive. Future purchases will be consistent with the existing successful strategy; all property transactions are announced on the NEX Exchange Growth Market.

 

Information on the Open Offer

 

Fundraising Structure

 

The Directors have given careful consideration to the structure of the proposed fundraising and have concluded that the Open Offer is the most suitable option available to the Company and its Shareholders at this time having regard to the importance of pre-emption rights to Shareholders, the composition of the Shareholders, the current share price and the objective of achieving a cost effective and efficient fundraising.

 

Under the Open Offer, the Company will offer the opportunity to subscribe for up to £4,850,000 of Convertible Notes with a conversion price of £1.00. If the Offer is fully subscribed and all these loan notes are converted into Ordinary Shares, this would result in the holders of the Convertible Notes acquiring 4,850,000 Ordinary Shares in the Company in respect of the principal amount and an additional 485,000 Ordinary Shares in respect of interest on the principal and an additional 145,500 Ordinary Shares in respect of arrangement fees.

 

Under the Open Offer, the Company will issue warrants to each shareholder who subscribes for offer Convertible Notes to acquire Ordinary Shares at an exercise price of £0.80 per Ordinary Share. The warrants will be issued in identical amounts as the offer Convertible Notes. If the Offer is fully subscribed and all the warrants are exercised, this would result in the holders of the warrants acquiring 4,850,000 Ordinary Shares in the Company.

 

In the event that all Convertible Notes were converted into Ordinary Shares and all Warrants were exercised, the New Ordinary Shares will represent approximately 20 per cent. of the Enlarged Share Capital.

 

This would result in a dilution of approximately 20.49 per cent. in aggregate for holders of Existing Ordinary Shares, save to the extent that they subscribe for their Open Offer Entitlement and Excess Open Offer Entitlement.

 

The latest date and time for acceptance and payment in full under the Open Offer is 11 a.m. on 22 January 2018. Any applications received after this time will not be accepted. Full details of the terms and conditions of the Open Offer and how to apply are set out in the letter sent to shareholders, a copy of which is included on our website at the following address http://acelibertyandstone.com/Announcements/ 

 

The Directors accept responsibility for this announcement.

 

 

 

- Ends -

 

 For further information, please contact:

Ace Liberty & Stone Plc
Ivan Minter, Financial Director	Tel: +44 (0) 20 7201 8340
	http://acelibertyandstone.com
Alfred Henry Corporate Finance Ltd, NEX Exchange Corporate Adviser
Jon Isaacs / Nick Michaels	Tel: +44 (0) 20 7251 3762
	www.alfredhenry.com
Hybridan LLP, Corporate Broker
Claire Noyce	Tel: +44 (0)203 764 2341
	www.hybridan.com

 

Notes to Editors

 

Ace Liberty & Stone Plc is a London-based property investment company with a diverse portfolio of properties located across the UK, currently including Leeds, Sunderland, Plymouth, Dudley, Gateshead, Barnstaple, and London. The Company locates commercial and residential properties which have the potential for an increase in value through creative asset management activity, such as change of tenancy, change of use or new lease negotiation.  Ace has maintained a track record of generating strong profits at disposal of properties and achieving better-than average returns on capital. With strong support from shareholders and mortgage lenders, the Company is currently seeking further investment opportunities in the UK to create value for existing and new investors.

 

Ace is run by a board with extensive property experience, an excellent network of contacts and relevant professional qualifications. This sector expertise has allowed the Board to identify opportunities and act promptly to secure investments.

 

For more information on the Company please visit www.acelibertyandstone.com