Disposal of Man's interest in BlueCrest
22 March 2011
MAN SELLS ITS INTEREST IN BLUECREST
Man Group plc ("Man") has agreed to sell its c.25% interest in BlueCrest to BlueCrest for $633 million. Man's investment in BlueCrest dates from 2003, and will generate a pre-tax profit on disposal* of around $250 million.
The proceeds of the transaction will add over $500 million to Man's regulatory capital surplus, previously reported to be around $300 million on 31 December 2010.
Peter Clarke, Chief Executive of Man, said:
"The sale of our minority interest in BlueCrest is part of our strategic focus on Man's internal investment management capabilities.
"We have had a long and successful relationship with BlueCrest and this transaction crystallises a significant profit for shareholders on our original investment. It also generates substantial cash and regulatory capital resources, further enhances our strong financial position and allows us to continue developing our core investment business, attracting assets and building on our leading global franchise."
The consideration includes the settlement of Man's partnership account in BlueCrest and the redemption of existing loan notes issued by BlueCrest to Man in 2007 (the "Existing Loan Notes"). The disposal is unconditional and is expected to complete shortly.
The consideration paid to Man will comprise $496 million of cash, new loan notes issued by BlueCrest ("New Loan Notes") at a par value of $100 million and the redemption in cash at par of the $37 million of Existing Loan Notes. The New Loan Notes, which will carry a 6.5% cash coupon, are repayable in 2016, although BlueCrest has the right to repay the New Loan Notes before this date. In certain circumstances, the maturity of the New Loan Notes can be extended by BlueCrest, in which case the coupon may increase, but the final maturity will not be later than April 2019. Man expects that the New Loan Notes will be held to maturity as they are only transferable in limited circumstances.
In the 2010 audited accounts, Man carried its investment in BlueCrest at $321 million, comprising partnership interests, Existing Loan Notes and an associated foreign exchange reserve.
In the financial year ended 31 March 2010, Man recognised a contribution to profit from BlueCrest of $34 million of net performance fee income and $39 million of net management and other fee income. The BlueCrest contribution in the first half of the current financial year was $28 million. In the second half of the current financial year, Man's associate income from BlueCrest will be $38 million, which is part of the $633 million consideration received.
* Includes profit on disposal from Man's equity stake and the redemption of existing loan notes.
Enquiries
Miriam McKay
Head of Investor Relations and Financial Communications
+44 20 7144 3809
miriam.mckay@mangroupplc.com
David Waller
Head of Media Relations
+44 20 7144 2121
david.waller@mangroupplc.com
Maitland (PR adviser to Man)
Anthony Silverman / George Trefgarne
+44 20 7379 5151
Nomura International plc (Financial Adviser to Man for this transaction)
Nick Wiles
+44 207 102 7890
About Man
Man is a world-leading alternative investment management business. It has expertise in a wide range of liquid investment styles including managed futures, equity, credit and convertibles, emerging markets, global macro and multi-manager, combined with powerful product structuring, distribution and client service capabilities. Man manages $68.6 billon.
The original business was founded in 1783. Today, Man Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100 Index with a market capitalisation of over £4.5 billion.
Man Group is a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the FTSE4Good Index. Man also supports many awards, charities and initiatives around the world, including sponsorship of the Man Booker literary prizes. Further information can be found at www.mangroupplc.com.
About BlueCrest Capital Management
BlueCrest Capital Management is an alternative asset management group with offices in Guernsey, London, Geneva, New York, Boston and Singapore which manages over $25 billion for institutional clients across a number of strategies. It was co-founded in 2000 by Michael Platt.
Forward looking statements and other important information
This document contains forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results and business of Man Group plc. By their nature, forward looking statements involve risk and uncertainty and there may be subsequent variations to estimates. Man Group plc's actual future results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements.
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