Fast Moving Consumer Goods firm, Unilever Nigeria Plc has obtained clearance from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Nigerian Stock Exchange for its Rights Issue.
The rights issue seeks to raise the sum of N58,851,275,010 through the allotment of 14 new shares for every 27 shares held by shareholders, whose names appeared in the register of members of the Company as at 28 June 2017 at an issue price of N30 per share.
Unilever revealed that full terms of the Rights Issue will be set out in a Rights Circular to be mailed directly to shareholders of the Company, which contains a Provisional Allotment Letter and the Participation Form.
The company thus urged shareholders to “read the Rights Circular and where in doubt, consult your Stockbroker, Fund/Portfolio Manager, Accountant, Banker, Solicitor, or any other professional adviser for guidance before subscribing.”
Unilever’s shareholders had earlier given the company approval to raise up to N60 billion through a rights issue as part of the company’s strategy to drive sustained and steady growth despite economic headwinds.
Shedding further insight on the capital raising plan, Yaw Nsarkoh, the Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria, said “Through this Rights Issue, we will be able to reinforce our financial flexibility to support our growth initiative and also give shareholders an opportunity to consolidate their shareholding position.
Speaking at the signing ceremony which held at Unilever Nigeria’s head office in Lagos, on 13 July 2017, Yaw explained that the proceeds of the Rights Issue will be used to repay outstanding foreign currency denominated liabilities, purchase additional raw materials required for our products and to meet other working capital requirements in other to build long term value for all stakeholders.
On his part, Chairman, Unilever Nigeria, HRM Nnaemeka A. Achebe, said “The Rights Issue reiterates our confidence in Unilever Nigeria’s robust future and commitment to building a more enduring business in the Nigerian market. We acknowledge with deep appreciation the unwavering support we have received from our stakeholders and shareholders even in trying times which has enabled us to deliver a positive result. We implore you to participate in the Rights Issues as you will be re-confirming your support for the Company”.
Unilever Nigeria remains committed to purpose driven growth underpinned by the “Unilever Sustainable Living Plan” which is the blueprint for achieving our vision to make sustainable living commonplace and grow its business, whilst decoupling our environmental footprint from our growth and increasing our positive social impact.
