UNITED PACIFIC<0176> - Announcement
The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited takes no responsibility for
the contents of this announcement, makes no representation as to its
accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaims any liability
whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon
the whole or any part of the contents of this announcement.
United Pacific Industries Limited
(Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability)
ANNOUNCEMENT
The board of UPI announces that the possible major and connected
transaction (`Transaction') referred to in the announcement of the
1998/1999 final results of the Group (as defined below) dated 24
August 1999 (`Announcement') will not proceed now and certain changes
in the management of UPI. The possible special dividend as previously
mentioned in the Announcement will, therefore, not occur.
1.
Possible major and connected transaction
The board of directors (`Board') of United Pacific Industries
Limited (`UPI') announces that the Transaction referred to in the
Announcement will not proceed as the parties have been unable to
agree on various principal terms and conditions resulting in the
potential purchaser withdrawing from the Transaction. In light of
this state of affairs, the possible special dividend to shareholders
of UPI as previously mentioned in the Announcement will, therefore,
not occur.
2.
Management Appointments
The Board also announces that (i) Mr. HO Che Kong, who will retain
his position as chairman of the Board, has been appointed the group
managing director of UPI, with effect from 1 November 1999; and (ii)
Mr. George Y. L. CHAN, the chief financial officer of UPI, will
assume with immediate effect the office of acting chief executive of
Hong Kong Toy Centre International Limited, an approximately 72%
owned subsidiary of UPI.
3.
Resignation
The Board has accepted the resignation of Mr. Simon N. HSU, whose
resignation as group managing director of UPI and from all other
positions in UPI, its respective subsidiaries and associated
companies (`Group'), will take effect from 1 November 1999. Mr. Hsu
will remain as a non-executive director of UPI. The Board would like
to express their thanks to Mr. Hsu for his services and contribution
to the Group especially during the difficult times which have
affected the Group in the preceding fiscal year ended 31 March
1999.
4.
Way Forward
The Board wishes to state that the fact that the Transaction will
not materialise will not affect UPI's financial position as UPI
remains solvent and has sufficient cash reserves to repay all bank
debt. The Board would also like to express that, although the past
fiscal year had been a difficult one for the Group, as reflected in
its recently published results for the year ended 31 March 1999, it
is confident that the operating environment for the Group will
continue to improve, which will strengthen the trading activities of
the Group's core businesses. The Board expects that, barring
unforeseen circumstances, the Group (except Hong Kong Toy Centre
International Limited and Climax International Company Limited)
should have very little or no bank borrowings by 31 March 2000 and be
profitable at the operating level. The Board and its chairman are
determined to pursue all opportunities, including investment and
disposal opportunities, as and when they arise in the future, with a
view to enhancing shareholder value.
By Order of the Board
Ho Che Kong
Chairman
Hong Kong SAR, 2nd September 1999
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