22 February 2011
Macau Property Opportunities Fund Limited
("MPO" or the "Company")
MPO to exit its Rua do Laboratório project for US$41 million
Pre-development disposal generates net ROI of 84%
Macau Property Opportunities Fund Limited, managed by Sniper Capital Limited, today announces that it has agreed terms to sell its Rua do Laboratório site, an entry level residential redevelopment property located in northern Macau Peninsula.
A local developer has agreed to purchase the property for HK$320 million (c. US$41 million), representing a gross gain of 92% over the acquisition cost of HK$166 million (c. US$21 million) in November 2006. The net profit of HK$148 million (c. US$19 million) translates to a return on investment of 84% or an internal project rate of return of 15%.
Following the signing of the Sales & Purchase Agreement, the Company has received an initial deposit of HK$50 million (c. US$6 million), representing approximately 15% of the sale price. Completion of the transaction and final payment is due within 60 days and no later than 18 April 2011.
Disposal Decision
The decision to dispose of Rua do Laboratório prior to the completion of its full development cycle was taken as part of MPO's objective to unlock value and crystallise returns for its shareholders.
The sale also avoids two years of potential construction and marketing risk and capitalises on the value that has been created since acquisition through securing the property title, obtaining vacant possession, completing demolition, clearance of the site and achieving architectural planning approval.
In light of the above factors, the Board is of the view that the sale consideration - amounting to a 3% discount to the project's latest valuation of HK$330 million (c. US$42 million) as at 31 December 2010 - is fair and justified.
Use of Proceeds
The proceeds arising from this sale will strengthen MPO's cash position to c. US$61 million. The Manager and the Board will carefully consider the use of the sales proceeds, with a view to maximising shareholders' returns. Further details on the use of the sales proceeds will be announced prior to the completion date in April 2011.
David Hinde, Chairman of MPO said: "Exiting the Rua do Laboratório project at this time crystallises returns for our shareholders, while capitalising on the project value created by the Manager to-date."
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About Macau Property Opportunities Fund
Macau Property Opportunities Fund Limited is a closed-end investment fund registered in Guernsey. Its shares began trading on AIM in June 2006, when it raised £105 million in an institutional placing, before moving to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in June 2010. The Company's investment policy is to provide shareholders with an attractive total return through investing in property opportunities in one of the world's fastest growing and most dynamic regions - Macau and the Western Pearl River Delta of Southern China.
The Fund is managed by Sniper Capital Limited, an independent investment manager that specialises in property investment opportunities in niche, undervalued and developing markets.
For further information:
Website: www.mpofund.com
Public Relations
MHP Communications
Simon Hockridge / Andrew Jaques
Tel: +44 20 3128 8100
Corporate Broker
Collins Stewart Europe Limited
David Yovichic / Dominic Waters
Tel: +44 20 7523 8361 / +44 20 7523 8473
Company Secretary & Administrator
Heritage International Fund Managers Limited
Mark Huntley / Laurence McNairn
Tel: +44 1481 716000
Manager
Sniper Capital Limited
Joyce Lo
Tel: +852 2292 6700
Email: info@snipercapital.com
www.snipercapital.com
Stock Codes:
Bloomberg: MPO LN
Reuters: MPO.L