The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) on Thursday suspended dealing in oil marketer KenolKobil’s shares (KENO) on the Nairobi bourse for 12 trading days following a conclusion of a takeover offer on Monday.
The freeze on trade will facilitate reconciliation of the shares which have been tendered for purchase by the French conglomerate Rubis Énergie SAS for a price of Sh23 per piece.
“The suspension from trading of the company’s shares will remain in force until March 11, 2019,” the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) said in a note to investors.
“All shareholders, investors and the general public are asked to take note of the suspension.”
Rubis initially bought 367.7 million shares or a 23.72 percent stake, or367.7 million shares, in KenolKobil in the open market on October 23, 2018 and thereafter made an offer to buy the rest of the shares.
Raise stake
The multinational said it would proceed with the Sh35.6 billion buyout if it receives acceptances that will raise its aggregate ownership in Kenya’s second largest petroleum dealer as of December 2017 to 50 percent plus one share.
Rubis will need to raise its stake in KenolKobil to at least 75 percent to achieve its goal of de-listing the firm from the NSE.
The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has approved the application by the French firm saying the intended buyout will not negatively affect the competition.
" … it is notified for general information that the Competition Authority of Kenya has authorised the proposed transaction acquisition of control of KenolKobil Plc by Rubis Energie Sas," said CAK Director-General Wang’ombe Kariuki in the notice.
