SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 or 15d-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Report on Form 6-K dated
5 AUGUST 2003
AngloGold Limited
(Name of Registrant)
11 Diagonal Street
Johannesburg, 2001
(P O Box 62117)
Marshalltown, 2107
South Africa
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
Form 20-F: Form 40-F:
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):
Yes:
No:
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):
Yes:
No:
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Yes:
No:
Enclosures:
PROPOSED MERGER OF ANGLOGOLD LIMITED AND ASHANTI GOLDFIELDS
COMPANY LIMITED
ANGLOGOLD LIMITED (Registration number 1944/017354/06) (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) ISIN : ZAE000043485 JSE Share Code : ANG ("AngloGold")
ASHANTI GOLDFIELDS COMPANY LIMITED (Registration number 7094, ARBN 074370862) (Incorporated in Ghana) ISIN : GH0000000029 GSE Share Code : AGC ("Ashanti")
This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale or distribution of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or distribution is not permitted
4 August 2003
PROPOSED MERGER OF ANGLOGOLD LIMITED AND ASHANTI GOLDFIELDS
COMPANY LIMITED
1. Introduction
Under the terms of the Merger:
0.26 AngloGold ordinary shares ("AngloGold Shares"); or
0.26 AngloGold American Depositary Shares ("AngloGold ADSs")
for each Ashanti Share or Ashanti GDS ("Exchange Ratio").
2. Terms and Structure of the Merger
-
0.26 AngloGold Shares;
-
0.26 AngloGold ADSs; or
-
26 AngloGold GhDSs, 100 of which will represent one AngloGold Share
-
0.26 AngloGold Shares; or
-
0.26 AngloGold ADSs
-
0.26 AngloGold Shares; or
-
0.26 AngloGold ADSs
2
3. Background to and key benefits of the Merger
The Merger will produce a combined group with the following attributes:
Growth/Upside potential - an enhanced production profile is expected from existing
brownfields opportunities and a strong exploration and land holding portfolio
-
-
3
-
Reduced financing costs
-
Reduced administrative and procurement costs
-
Consolidation of Geita ownership
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
4. Major shareholders
5. Conditions and other key terms of the Transaction Agreement
6. Information AngloGold
on
For the six months to 30 June 2003 AngloGold reported (in accordance with IFRS):
5
Gold production of 2.8 million ounces (attributable)
Cash operating costs of US$217 per ounce (attributable)
Revenue of US$977 million
Headline earnings before unrealised non-hedge derivatives of US$140 million
Headline earnings per share before unrealised non-hedge derivatives of US$0.63
An interim dividend per share of US$0.51 has been declared in 2003. In 2002
dividends per share of US$1.46 were declared
7. Information Ashanti
Gold production of 0.7 million ounces (attributable)
Cash operating costs (including royalties) of US$232 per ounce (attributable)
Revenue of US$257 million
Pre-exceptional net earnings of US$14.6 million
Pre-exceptional net earnings per share of US$0.11
Net assets of US$478 million
8. Financial effects of the Merger
6
For the six months ended 30 June 2003
and as at 30 June 2003
Before the
Merger
(US cps)
After the
Merger
(US cps)
Percentage
change
(%)
Net asset value per share1
728
1,060
46
Net tangible asset value per share1
549
808
47
EBITDA per share2
152
156
3
Headline earnings per share before
unrealised non-hedge derivatives2
63
54
(14)
Headline earnings per share2
62
73
18
Basic earnings per share2
55
68
24
Net debt to total capital employed
18.6%
17.2%
1.
NOTES:
2.
3.
7
9. US and UK tax consequences
4.
10. Directors, management and employees
5.
11. Ashanti options
12. Ashanti warrants
subsidiary of Ashanti, will be treated in accordance with the relevant deed poll.
8
13. Listings
14. Timing
15. Anglo American plc
16. Board recommendation and undertakings
9
persons in connection with such alternate acquisition proposals to AngloGold.
17. Further cautionary announcement
Johannesburg and Accra
5 August 2003
AngloGold's JSE Sponsor: UBS
10
For further information contact:
AngloGold
Ashanti
Steve Lenahan
+27 83 308 2200
Kweku Awotwi
+233 21 77 2331
Peta Baldwin
+27 11 637 6647
Corinne Gaisie
+44 20 7256 9938
Charles Carter
+1 212 750 7999
Tomasz Nadrowski
+44 7958 749555
+1 917 912 4641
Andrea Maxey
+61 8 9425 4604
UBS
Investment Bank
CIBC World Markets
James Hartop
+44 20 7567 8000
Andy Quinn
+44 20 7234 6000
First Africa
Kofi Adjepong-Boateng +27 11 327 3666
Citigate Sard Verbinnen
Golin/Harris International
(US
Media)
(US investors
and
Media)
Paul Verbinnen
+1 212 687 8080
Kevin Kirkeby
+1 212 697 9191
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Grandfield
(UK
Media)
(UK investors
and
Media)
Patrick Donovan
+44 20 7638 9571
Matthew Jervois
+44 20 7417 4170
Channel Two
(Ghanaian Media)
David Ampofo
+233 21 666 643
CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS
The dial in numbers, by country, are:
North America
+1 800 267 9155
or
+1 706 634 0083,
United Kingdom
+44 800 953 0406,
United Kingdom and Europe
+44 1452 560 299,
Australia
+61 800 766 788
or
+61 28 228 7000,
South Africa
+27 800 99 4050, and
Ghana
+44 1452
560
299
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
1
1
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1
2
APPENDIX I
Conditions to the Scheme
1.
The Scheme is conditional upon:
2.
13
2.2
2.3
2.4
the European Commission having either:
2.5
(i)
(ii)
2.6
(iii)
(a)
(b)
2.7
2.8
2.9
14
2.10
(i)
(ii)
2.11
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
15
(vii)
(viii)
2.12
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(ii)
(i)
16
(i)
any Company Material Adverse Effect;
2.13
(ii)
(iii)
(i)
2.14
(ii)
(iii)
(v)
(iv)
(vi)
(vii)
17
otherwise) other than in the ordinary course of business, which in the case
of mining capital expenditures shall be consistent with the life of mine plans
of the Company, copies of which have been provided to AngloGold prior to
the date of the Transaction Agreement;
(viii) other than in respect of any member of the Company Group that is dormant
and was solvent at the relevant time, taken any corporate action or had any
legal proceedings instituted against it for its winding-up, dissolution or
reorganisation or for the appointment of a receiver, administrative receiver,
administrator, trustee or similar officer of all or any material part of its
assets for revenues or any analogous proceedings in any jurisdiction or
had any such person appointed;
(ix) other than pursuant to the Special Resolution, made any alteration to its
Regulations, memorandum or articles of association (or equivalent
constitutional documents in respect of overseas jurisdiction of
incorporation) that is material to such member of the Company Group;
(x) entered into any contract, transaction or arrangement that would be
restrictive on the business of any member of the Company Group, other
than in the ordinary course of business and that would not have a
Company Material Adverse Effect;
(xi) waived or compromised any claim or settled any litigation if such waiver,
compromise or settlement would have a Company Material Adverse Effect;
or
(xii) except as permitted by the other subparagraphs of this paragraph 2.14 or
in the ordinary course of business, entered into any contract, commitment,
arrangement or agreement or passed any resolution or made any offer
(that remains open to acceptance) with respect to or announced any
intention to, or to propose to, effect any of the transactions, matters or
events referred to in this condition.
2.15 the execution and delivery by the Government to AngloGold of the Government
Support Deed.
2.16 the receipt of all approvals, consents, derogations, waivers, confirmations and
undertakings in the form requested prior to the date hereof by AngloGold and
Ashanti from the Government Authorities in Ghana in connection with the
Transaction.
For purposes of the conditions in paragraphs 1 and 2, none of the conditions shall apply
to anything done by or in relation to, or having an effect on the Geita mine and/or Cluff
Resources Limited and/or any of its subsidiaries.
For purposes of the conditions in paragraph 2, marked-to-market changes in the
Company's hedge portfolio constituted at the date of the Transaction Agreement,
altered in accordance with the relevant provision of the Transaction Agreement, that
occurred due to changes in general economic and market conditions, will not be taken
into account in determining whether such conditions have been satisfied.
3.
The Transaction will also be conditional upon, and accordingly, the necessary action to
make the Scheme effective will not be taken unless the following conditions are
satisfied or waived by the Company on the basis described in paragraph 4 below:
3.1 the warranties of AngloGold contained in this Transaction Agreement being true
and correct as of the Confirmation Date as though made on and as of the
Confirmation Date;
18
3.2 the performance or compliance by AngloGold in all material respects with
covenants required by the Transaction Agreement to be performed or complied
with by AngloGold prior to the Confirmation Date.
4.
This paragraph 4 describes the procedure for the waiver of any of the conditions to the
Scheme described in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this Appendix I;
4.1 AngloGold and the Company acting together may waive all or any of the
conditions contained in paragraphs 1.5 and 1.6 and may modify all or any of the
conditions contained in paragraphs 1.1 to 1.4.
4.2 AngloGold reserves the right to waive all or any of the conditions in paragraph 2.
4.3 The Company reserves the right to waive all or any of the conditions in paragraph
3.
4.4 If any of the conditions set forth in paragraphs 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8 and 2.16
of this Appendix I have not been satisfied or waived in accordance with this
paragraph on or prior to the Advance Meeting, the Company will apply to the
High Court for a postponement of the Court Hearing until such later date and time
as AngloGold and the Company reasonably believe is necessary for all such
remaining conditions to be satisfied or waived.
4.5 The obligations of AngloGold and the Company to consummate the Scheme are
subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all the conditions set forth in this Appendix
I (other than the conditions set forth in paragraphs 1.2, 1.4 and 2.2) by no later
than 10:00 a.m. (Accra time) on the Confirmation Date, it being understood and
agreed that, if a condition has not been satisfied or waived (or deemed to have
been waived under paragraph 4.6) by such date and time, nothing herein will
oblige either party to waive such condition. If any of the conditions set forth in
this Appendix I (other than the conditions set forth in paragraphs 1.2, 1.4 and 2.2)
have not been satisfied or waived (or deemed to have been waived under
paragraph 4.6) by 10:00 a.m. (Accra time) on the Confirmation Date, the
Company must apply to the High Court for a postponement of the Court Hearing
until such later date and time as AngloGold and the Company reasonably believe
that all such remaining conditions will be satisfied or waived.
4.6 AngloGold agrees that by no later than 10:00 a.m. (Accra time) on the
Confirmation Date, the conditions set forth in paragraphs 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.9 to 2.15
(inclusive) of this Appendix I shall be deemed to have been waived by AngloGold
unless AngloGold shall have earlier terminated the Transaction Agreement in
accordance with the relevant provision set out therein. The Company agrees that
by no later than 10:00 a.m. (Accra time) on the Confirmation Date, the conditions
set forth in paragraphs 3.1 and 3.2 of this Appendix I shall be deemed to have
been waived by the Company unless the Company shall have earlier terminated
the Transaction Agreement in accordance with the relevant provision set out
therein.
4.7 AngloGold will be entitled to delay its waiver of the condition in paragraph 2.2
until after the High Court has issued the Scheme Order and, for the avoidance of
doubt, the confirmation of the Scheme by the High Court will not oblige
AngloGold to waive the condition in paragraph 2.2, it being understood and
agreed that the Company will not deliver the Scheme Order to the Registrar of
Companies until AngloGold has confirmed its waiver of the condition set forth in
paragraph 2.2 to the Company by written notice.
After the High Court has confirmed the Scheme the only conditions required to be
satisfied or, if permissible, waived before the Transaction can become effective will be
the conditions in paragraphs 1.2(ii), 1.4 and 2.2.
19
EXHIBIT 1
1.
Receipt of all authorisations, orders, grants, consents, clearances, certificates, licences, permissions, waivers and approvals of Governmental Authorities (other than antitrust or merger control authorities) and third parties required to be obtained in Guinea, Tanzania and Zimbabwe to implement the Transaction (collectively, the "Mining Approvals") that are identified and with respect to which applications are filed, or requests made, by AngloGold within 30 days after the date of the Transaction Agreement, it being understood by the parties that, if any Mining Approval is not identified, and an application or request made, within such 30-day period, the receipt of such Mining Approval shall be deemed to be waived by AngloGold.
2.
Receipt of all authorisations, orders, grants, consents, clearances, certificates, licences, permissions, waivers and approvals of Governmental Authorities (other than antitrust or merger control authorities and other than Mining Approvals) or third parties required to be obtained to implement the Transaction (collectively, the "General Approvals") that are identified and with respect to which applications are filed, or requests made, by AngloGold within 30 days after the date of the Transaction Agreement, it being understood by the parties that, if any General Approval is not identified, and an application or request made, within such 30-day period, the receipt of such General Approval shall be deemed to be waived by AngloGold for the purpose of these conditions.
3.
Receipt of any required consents under AngloGold's US$600 million unsecured syndicated loan facility dated 27 February 2002 and AngloGold's US$400 million unsecured syndicated loan facility dated 3 May 2001 to implement the Transaction.
4.
Receipt of comfort acceptable to AngloGold (acting reasonably) that an event of default will not occur under the Company's US$200 million revolving credit facility dated 28 June, 2002 upon the consummation of the Transaction.
5.
Waiver by the Majority Lenders (as defined under the terms of the Company's US$200 million revolving credit facility) of (i) the relevant provisions of the Company's US$200 million revolving credit facility to enable AngloGold to provide funding to the Company after the Effective Time by way of subordinated shareholder loans (subordinate to the rights of the syndicate banks under that facility) and (ii) the provisions requiring completion of a rights offering.
6.
Receipt of any approval of the South African Reserve Bank required to implement the Transaction and the funding requirements described in the relevant provision of the Transaction Agreement.
7.
Subject to paragraph 2.2 of Appendix 1, any condition to the Scheme imposed by the High Court.
2
0
APPENDIX II
Definitions to Appendix I
"Advance Meeting"
a meeting between the parties to the Transaction
Agreement and their respective advisers held at the offices
of Shearman & Sterling, 9 Appold Street, London, EC2A
2AP, or such other place as the parties may agree, on the
sixth business day immediately preceding the scheduled
Court Hearing Date for the purpose of confirming the
satisfaction or, if permissible, waiver on or prior to the
Confirmation Date of each of the conditions set forth in
Appendix I (other than the conditions set forth in paragraph
1.2 (ii), 1.4 and 2.2 of Appendix I that shall be satisfied or, if
permissible, waived at the Effective Time)
"affiliate"
with respect to any specified person, any other person that,
directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries,
controls, is controlled by or is under common control with
such specified person
"AngloGold"
AngloGold Limited, a publicly listed company incorporated
under the laws of the Republic of South Africa
"AngloGold ADSs"
AngloGold American Depositary Shares, each of which
represents one AngloGold Share
"AngloGold Group"
AngloGold and its subsidiary undertakings, associated
undertakings and any other undertakings in which
AngloGold and/or such undertakings (aggregating their
interests) have a significant interest, and for these purposes
"subsidiary undertaking", "associated undertaking" and
"undertaking" have the meanings given by the Companies
Act, other than paragraph 20(1)(b) of Schedule 4A to the
Companies Act which shall be excluded for this purpose,
and "significant interest" means a direct or indirect interest
in ten per cent or more of the equity share capital (as
defined in the Companies Act)
"AngloGold Model"
the financial model prepared by AngloGold for purposes of
its valuation analysis of the Company, the Company
Subsidiaries and Geita, taken as a whole, and delivered by
AngloGold to the Company on the date of the Transaction
Agreement, containing the data provided by the Company
to AngloGold, as adjusted by AngloGold and assuming a
real gold price of US$340 per ounce and discount rates as
set forth in the schedule below:
Project
Discount Rate
(per cent.)
Obuasi (cash flows from 2003 to 2009 inclusive) 5.75
Obuasi (cash flows from 2010 to 2018 inclusive) 7.75
Obuasi (cash flows from 2019 onwards)
9.75
Geita
5.50
Iduapriem/
Teberebie
5.75
Bibiani
5.75
Siguiri
5.75
Freda
Rebecca
5.75
Other corporate cash flows
5.75
"AngloGold Shares"
ordinary shares, par value ZAR0.25 per share, of AngloGold
"Ashanti Option Plan"
the AGC Senior Management Option Scheme, as amended
from time to time
2
1
"Ashanti Options"
the employee stock options issued under the Ashanti Option
Plan
"Ashanti Shares"
all the issued and outstanding ordinary shares, no par value
per share, of the Company
"Ashanti Warrant Deed Poll"
the Deed Poll, dated 2 November 1999, between AWL and
the Company, as amended from time to time
"Ashanti Warrants"
the warrants issued by AWL pursuant to the Ashanti
Warrant Deed Poll
"ASX"
the Australian Stock Exchange Limited
"AWL"
Ashanti Warrants Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman
Islands
"Company"
Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited, a publicly listed
company incorporated under the laws of the Republic of
Ghana
"Companies Act"
the United Kingdom Companies Act 1985 (as amended)
"Companies Code"
the Ghana Companies Code, 1963 (Act 179), as amended
"Company Disclosure
Schedule"
the Company Disclosure Schedule attached to the
Transaction Agreement, dated the date of the Transaction
Agreement, delivered by the Company to AngloGold in
connection with the Transaction Agreement
"Company Group"
the Company and its subsidiary undertakings, associated
undertakings and any other undertaking in which the
Company and/or such undertakings (aggregating their
interests) have a significant interest, and for these purposes
"subsidiary undertaking", "associated undertaking" and
"undertaking" have the meanings given by the Companies
Act, other than paragraph 20(1)(b) of Schedule 4A to the
Companies Act which shall be excluded for this purpose,
and "significant interest" means a direct or indirect interest
in ten per cent or more of the equity share capital (as
defined in the Companies Act)
2
2
"Company Material Adverse
Effect"
any event, circumstance, change or effect (not already
reflected in the AngloGold Model) that, individually or
together with any other event, circumstance, change or
effect, is or would reasonably likely be materially adverse to
the business, financial condition, results of operations,
assets or liabilities of the Company, the Company
Subsidiaries and Geita, taken as a whole, that results (after
offsetting any positive event, circumstance, change or effect
not already reflected in the AngloGold Model) in a decrease
in the Net Present Value of US$75,000,000 or more;
provided, however, that, in determining whether or not a
Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred, changes in
general world economic conditions, the price of gold, gold
lease rates, US interest rates and currency exchange rates
shall not be taken into account. For purposes of
determining whether a Company Material Adverse Effect
has occurred, the decrease in the Net Present Value shall
be calculated as the difference between: (i) the Net Present
Value determined by using the AngloGold Model without
making any changes in the data or assumptions contained
therein, and (ii) the Net Present Value determined by using
the AngloGold Model with no changes in the assumptions
contained therein and with such adjustments to the cash
flow and other data contained therein as may be necessary
to reflect (a) the adverse events, circumstances, changes or
effects that gave rise to the asserted Company Material
Adverse Effect (not already reflected in the AngloGold
Model) and (b) the positive events, circumstances, changes
or effects (not already reflected in the AngloGold Model)
that shall have occurred after the date of the Transaction
Agreement identified by the Company and taken into
account by AngloGold, acting reasonably, as contemplated
by the relevant provisions of the Transaction Agreement
"Company Subsidiary"
a subsidiary of the Company
"Confirmation Date"
the date on which the Scheme Order is issued by the High
Court
"Court Hearing"
the hearing by the High Court of the application to confirm
the Scheme at which any member of the Company claiming
to be affected by the Scheme shall be entitled to be
represented and to object
"Court Hearing Date"
the first day on which the Court Hearing is held or, if the
Court Hearing is adjourned for any reason, the date on
which the adjourned Court Hearing is held
"Effective Time"
the date and time of the delivery by the Company of the
Scheme Order to the Registrar of Companies for
registration and publication in the Gazette
"Exchange Act"
the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder
"Extraordinary General
Meeting"
the extraordinary general meeting of the members of the
Company to consider the Special Resolution
"Gazette"
the Government Gazette of the Republic of Ghana
"Geita"
the Company's interest in Geita Gold Mining Limited
23
"Government"
the Government of the Republic of Ghana
"Government Support Deed"
the proposed shareholder support deed agreement between
AngloGold and the Government, in form and substance
satisfactory to AngloGold and the Government, pursuant to
which the Government will agree, among other things, to
vote in favour of the Scheme in its capacity as a
shareholder of Ashanti
"Governmental Authority"
any national, supranational, state, provincial, local or similar
government, governmental, regulatory or administrative
authority, self-regulating authority, agency, instrumentality
or commission or any court, tribunal or judicial or arbitral
body
"GSE"
the Ghana Stock Exchange
"High Court"
the High Court of Ghana
"JSE"
the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa
"LSE"
the London Stock Exchange plc
"Net Present Value"
the value of the Company, the Company Subsidiaries and
Geita, taken as a whole, determined by using the AngloGold
Model
"No-Action Letter"
a "no-action" letter from the Staff of the SEC stating that, by
reason of the exemption afforded by Section 3(a)(10) of the
Securities Act, the Staff shall not recommend enforcement
action to the SEC with respect to the issuance of AngloGold
Shares without registration in the Scheme
"NYSE"
the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
"person"
an individual, corporation, company, partnership, limited
partnership, joint venture, limited liability company,
syndicate, trust, association or other entity or group that
would be deemed to be a person under Section 13(d)(3) of
the Exchange Act
"Record Time"
4:30 p.m., London time, on the business day immediately
preceding the Effective Time
"Registrar of Companies"
the Registrar of Companies in Ghana appointed in
accordance with Section 328 of the Companies Code
"Registration Statement"
a registration statement on Form F-4 (together with any
amendments or supplements thereto) to register the
AngloGold Shares to be issued pursuant to the Scheme
"Scheme"
a scheme of arrangement between the Company and its
members under Section 231 of the Companies Code
"Scheme Meeting"
any meeting of members of the Company convened by
order of the High Court pursuant to Section 231(1) of the
Companies Code
"Scheme Order"
the order of the High Court confirming the Scheme pursuant
to Section 231(4) of the Companies Code
"SEC"
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
24
"Securities Act"
the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (together with
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder)
"Share Exchange Ratio"
an exchange ratio of 0.26 AngloGold Shares for every
Ashanti Share held or an equivalent number of AngloGold
ADSs
"Special Resolution"
a special resolution of the members of the Company under
Section 22 of the Companies Code to approve the
amendment of the Regulations of the Company, effective as
of the Effective Time, to provide, among other things, that (i)
any Ashanti Shares issued after the Record Time shall,
provided the Scheme has become effective, be immediately
transferred to AngloGold in consideration of and conditional
upon the issue of such whole number of AngloGold Shares
(rounded down to the nearest whole share) equal to the
number of Ashanti Shares being transferred multiplied by
the Share Exchange Ratio, and (ii) the Company shall be
converted from a public company to a private company
under the Companies Code
"subsidiary" or "subsidiaries"
with respect to any person, any affiliate controlled by such
person, directly or indirectly, through one or more
intermediaries
"Tameng"
the Company's equity interest in Tameng Mining and
Exploration (Proprietary) Limited, Registration No.
2001/001602/07
"Transaction"
the business combination of AngloGold with Ashanti
"Transaction Agreement"
the transaction agreement entered into between AngloGold
and the Company
"UKLA"
the U.K. Listing Authority
"UKLA Listing Rules"
the Listing Rules of the UKLA
25
ANGLOGOLD LIMITED (Registration number 1944/017354/06) (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) ISIN : ZAE000043485 JSE Share Code : ANG ("AngloGold")
ASHANTI GOLDFIELDS COMPANY LIMITED (Registration number 7094, ARBN 074370862) (Incorporated in Ghana) ISIN : GH0000000029 GSE Share Code : AGC ("Ashanti")
This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale or distribution of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or distribution is not permitted SUMMARY 5 August 2003
PROPOSED MERGER OF ANGLOGOLD LIMITED AND ASHANTI GOLDFIELDS
COMPANY LIMITED
Strategic combination will create growth focused, leading global gold producer
with largest reserves in the gold industry
Further to the announcements made by AngloGold and Ashanti on 16 May 2003 and 13 June
2003, the boards of directors of AngloGold and Ashanti are pleased to announce today that
they have agreed the terms of a recommended merger of the two companies (the "Merger").
AngloGold and Ashanti have therefore entered into a transaction agreement ("Transaction
Agreement") to implement the Merger. Lonmin Plc, which owns 27.6% of Ashanti's issued
ordinary share capital, has agreed to support the Merger. The combined group will be known
as AngloGold Ashanti Limited and will trade as Ashanti AngloGold in Ghana.
Commenting on the Merger today, Bobby Godsell, Chief Executive Officer of AngloGold, said:
"This combination will create a growth focused, leading global gold producer, with the largest
reserve base in the industry. Ashanti brings to AngloGold a portfolio of complementary top-
tier, low-cost and long-life gold mines, as well as attractive exploration opportunities in one of
the key gold producing regions of the world. We can work effectively together, using
AngloGold's existing financial and technical resources, to maximise the upside potential of
this combination, particularly in relation to the deep level underground development of the
Obuasi mine. We are pleased that the Government of Ghana has appointed a consortium of
advisers, led by Socit Gnrale, to assist the Government in its consideration of the
proposed Merger and would hope to have clarity on the views of the Government by mid-
September."
Sam Jonah, Chief Executive of Ashanti, said:
"AngloGold and Ashanti are synonymous with excellence in gold mining. The combined
strength of the new group will unleash a new African giant on the gold mining industry. The
immense technical and financial strengths of the new group will enable the realisation of the
full potential of the Obuasi mine in the shortest possible time frame."
Rationale for the Merger
The combined group will have the following attributes:
Growth/Upside potential - an enhanced production profile is expected from existing
brownfields opportunities and a strong exploration and land holding portfolio
-
AngloGold's proven ability in the development of deep level projects will
maximise the opportunity for the development of deep level underground mining
at Obuasi ("Obuasi Deeps"), where a scoping study has been undertaken to
review the mine's potential down to 100 Level as well as alternative production
rates, infrastructure options and operating and capital cost projections
-
A dedicated project team will undertake a feasibility study regarding Obuasi
Deeps with anticipated exploration expenditure of US$44 million over the next
five years. Including this amount, the total capital expenditure for Obuasi Deeps
is estimated to be US$570 million in real terms over the expected life of mine
-
The combined group also intends to invest an additional US$110 million in real
terms over the next five years on underground equipment, infrastructure,
environmental and planning systems for the existing Obuasi mine. This amount
is in addition to capital expenditure already planned by Ashanti. AngloGold
management anticipates that these initiatives will improve underground working
conditions and mine planning, thereby increasing efficiencies with the objective of
reducing anticipated cash operating costs at Obuasi by US$20 per ounce in real
terms over the next five years
- The combined group intends to accelerate exploration programmes, particularly
at Obuasi
- The combined group will have extensive land positions in some of the most
prospective regions in the world
Synergies - the combination will generate tangible synergy benefits with
approximately US$15 million per annum, before transaction expenses, expected from
the first full year after completion of the Merger
-
Reduced financing costs
-
Reduced administrative and procurement costs
-
Consolidation of Geita ownership
-
Breadth of technical capabilities to ensure the optimal development of organic
growth opportunities
Scale - the combined group will have the production base, ore reserves and financial
resources to generate future value
- #1 in reserves - 93.2 million ounces of attributable proven and probable
reserves as at the end of 2002 (adjusted for the sale of Amapari and Jerritt
Canyon), a 31% increase in AngloGold's current reserve base
- Production - re-enforces AngloGold's position as one of the world's largest gold
producers with 2002 pro forma attributable gold production of 7.3 million ounces
(adjusted for the sale of Jerritt Canyon), a 27% increase on AngloGold's
attributable production level
- US$1.0 billion EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation
and before unrealised non-hedge derivatives) on a 2002 pro forma basis
(International Financial Reporting Standards)
27
Operating strength - the combined group will have a portfolio of long-life, low-cost
assets and different ore body types in the key gold producing regions
- Cash operating costs - pro forma cash operating costs (including royalties) of
US$220 per ounce based on unaudited results for the six months to 30 June
2003
- Long-life assets - six operations in five countries with combined reserves of
45.1 million ounces have current life of mine plans of 15 years or longer
- Diversification - well diversified asset portfolio comprising a balance of open-pit
and underground production from a total of 24 operations distributed across 11
countries in the principal gold producing regions of the world
Investment appeal - the combined group will have the growth potential, size,
liquidity and dividend yield to enhance appeal to the investment community
- Increased size - pro forma market capitalisation of approximately US$8.3 billion
(based on AngloGold's closing price on 1 August 2003, the last practicable
trading day prior to this announcement, and the issued ordinary share capital of
each company), meriting greater attention from major global generalist and
specialist investment institutions
-
Share trading liquidity - increased liquidity, particularly in North America, which
represents some two thirds of AngloGold and Ashanti's combined share turnover
The Merger is expected to be accretive to headline earnings per share before unrealised non-
hedge derivatives for holders of AngloGold ordinary shares ("AngloGold Shares") and
AngloGold American Depositary Shares ("AngloGold ADSs") (together, the "AngloGold
Shareholders") from completion of the Merger. It is also expected to be accretive to cash flow
per share from three years after completion of the Merger following the expenditure of a
significant proportion of the proposed additional capital investment, at the existing Obuasi
mine in particular, as well as the redemption on completion of the US$75 million Mandatorily
Exchangeable Notes held by Lonmin Plc and the payment of transaction expenses in the first
year following completion of the Merger.
Terms of the Merger
The Merger will be effected by means of a scheme of arrangement (the "Scheme") between
Ashanti and its shareholders under the Ghana Companies Code and take account of the
required disclosure provisions of the Ghana Stock Exchange. Under the terms of the Merger:
Each holder of an Ashanti ordinary share ("Ashanti Share") and each holder of an
Ashanti Global Depositary Security ("Ashanti GDS") (together the "Ashanti
Shareholders") will be entitled to elect to receive either:
- 0.26 AngloGold Shares; or
- 0.26 AngloGold ADSs
for each Ashanti Share or Ashanti GDS ("Exchange Ratio")
Ashanti Shareholders resident in Ghana will have the option of receiving AngloGold
Ghanaian Depositary Shares ("AngloGold GhDSs"), 100 of which will represent one
AngloGold Share
Based on the closing market price of AngloGold ADSs on the New York Stock
Exchange on 1 August 2003, the last practicable trading day prior to this
announcement, of US$32.15, the Merger values each Ashanti Share (and each
Ashanti GDS) at US$8.36 and amounts to aggregate consideration for Ashanti's
issued ordinary shares of US$1,089 million
28
This represents a premium of approximately 4% to the closing market price of Ashanti
GDSs on the New York Stock Exchange on 1 August 2003, the last practicable
trading day prior to this announcement, of US$8.00 and, on the basis of closing
prices for AngloGold ADSs and Ashanti GDSs on the New York Stock Exchange on
15 May 2003, the day prior to the announcements of discussions, of US$30.63 and
US$7.10 respectively, a premium of 12%. Based on the average closing prices of
Ashanti GDSs and AngloGold ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange over the 30
trading days up to and including 15 May 2003 these terms represent a premium of
34%
On completion of the Merger and based on the issued ordinary share capital of each
company, existing AngloGold Shareholders will own approximately 87% and existing
Ashanti Shareholders will own approximately 13% of the combined group
Following completion of the Merger, Russell Edey, currently Chairman of AngloGold
will be Chairman of the combined group. Sam Jonah, in addition to joining the Board,
will play a leading role in the executive management of the enlarged company in the
position of President. His 34 years in the gold mining industry in both an operating
and a leadership capacity, position him well to help guide the further development of
the new company and the industry particularly in Africa. In this new position, Mr.
Jonah will share responsibility with the CEO Bobby Godsell for strategy formulation,
the identification and development of new business opportunities and managing the
company's relationships with governments, shareholders and other stakeholders. In
the enlarged company, Sam will join a five person Executive
Committee, chaired by
Bobby Godsell. In addition, two other Ghanaian directors, to be nominated by
Ashanti, will become non-executive directors of the combined group
AngloGold has received an undertaking from Ashanti's largest shareholder, Lonmin
Plc, holder of 27.6% of Ashanti's issued ordinary share capital, to vote in favour of
and support the Merger
Ashanti's head office in Accra, Ghana, will enjoy an expanded role within the
combined group's operations
The board of AngloGold has agreed to recommend a change of name of the
combined group to AngloGold Ashanti Limited and AngloGold has agreed to convene
an extraordinary general meeting to present a special resolution to this effect. Anglo
American plc, which currently owns 51.4% of AngloGold, has confirmed that it will
vote in favour of such resolution
Following completion of the Merger, the combined group will be listed on the JSE
Securities Exchange South Africa, the New York Stock Exchange, the London Stock
Exchange, the Australian Stock Exchange and Euronext Paris and quoted on
Euronext Brussels. Application will be made to list shares and Ghanaian depositary
shares of the combined group on the Ghana Stock Exchange where the combined
group will trade as Ashanti AngloGold
CIBC World Markets plc, Ashanti's financial adviser, has delivered to the board of
directors of Ashanti its written opinion that the Exchange Ratio is fair to the Ashanti
Shareholders from a financial point of view
The board of directors of Ashanti has approved the Merger and will recommend that
all holders of Ashanti Shares and Ashanti GDSs vote in favour of the resolutions to be
proposed to implement the Merger
The Government of Ghana, holder of 16.9% of Ashanti's issued ordinary share
capital, is currently considering the terms of the transaction and has appointed a
consortium of advisers, led by Socit Gnrale, in order to assist it in this process.
The Merger is conditional on receiving undertakings by the Government of Ghana to
vote in favour of and support the Merger and is also subject to receiving certain
regulatory and other approvals and undertakings, that have been requested by
AngloGold and Ashanti from the Government of Ghana. The Transaction Agreement
will terminate if these conditions are not satisfied (or waived by AngloGold) on, or
29
before, 30 September 2003 or such later date as may be agreed by Ashanti and
AngloGold. In addition, completion of the Merger is conditional on, amongst other
things, the approval of the Merger by Ashanti Shareholders, receipt of other
regulatory approvals (in addition to the approvals from the Government of Ghana
referred to above), third party consents and the confirmation of the Scheme by the
High Court of Ghana
AngloGold and Ashanti hope to receive the views of the Government of Ghana in
relation to the Merger by mid-September. Further announcements, which will include
details regarding the timetable for the implementation of the Merger, will be made in
due course
Shareholders are reminded that there can be no assurance that the Merger will be
implemented. Consequently, holders of AngloGold and Ashanti securities are advised to
continue to exercise caution when dealing in relevant securities until a further announcement
is made.
This summary should be read in the context of the full announcement.
AngloGold's JSE Sponsor : UBS
30
For further information contact:
AngloGold
Ashanti
Steve Lenahan
+2783 308 2200
Kweku Awotwi
+233 21 77 2331
Peta Baldwin
+27 11 637 6647
Corinne Gaisie
+44 20 7256 9938
Charles Carter
+1 212 750 7999
Tomasz Nadrowski
+44 7958 749555
+1 917 912 4641
Andrea Maxey
+61 8 9425 4604
UBS Investment Bank
CIBC World
Markets
James Hartop
+44 20 7567 8000
Andy Quinn
+44 20 7234 6000
First Africa
Kofi Adjepong-Boateng +27 11 327 3666
Citigate Sard Verbinnen
Golin/Harris International
(US
Media)
(US investors
and Media)
Paul Verbinnen
+1 212 687 8080
Kevin Kirkeby
+1 212 697 9191
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Grandfield
(UK
Media)
(UK
investors
and
Media)
Patrick Donovan
+44 20 7638 9571
Matthew Jervois
+44 20 7417 4170
Channel Two
(Ghanaian Media)
David Ampofo
+233 21 666 643
CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS
An analysts' conference call will take place on 5 August 2003 at 13:00 Accra time, 15:00
Johannesburg time, 14:00 London time, 09:00 New York time. The conference ID number is
2138069.
The dial in numbers, by country, are:
North America
+1 800 267 9155
or
+1 706 634 0083,
United Kingdom
+44 800 953 0406,
United Kingdom and Europe
+44 1452 560 299,
Australia
+61 800 766 788
or
+61 28 228 7000,
South Africa
+27 800 99 4050, and
Ghana
+44 1452
560
299
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking within the meaning of Section
27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, including without limitation, those statements concerning (i) timing,
fulfillment of conditions, tax treatment and completion of the Merger, (ii) the value of the
transaction consideration, (iii) expectations regarding production and cost savings at the
combined group's operations and its operating and financial performance and (iv) synergies
and other benefits anticipated from the Merger. Although AngloGold and Ashanti believe that
the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance
can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct.
For a discussion of important terms of the Merger and important factors and risks involved in
the companies' businesses, which could cause the combined group's actual operating and
financial results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, refer to AngloGold's
and Ashanti's filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including
AngloGold's annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2002, filed with the
SEC on 7 April 2003 and Ashanti's annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31
31
December 2002, filed with the SEC on 17 June 2003 and any other documents in respect of
the Merger that are furnished to the SEC by AngloGold or Ashanti under cover of Form 6-K.
Neither AngloGold, Ashanti nor the combined group undertakes any obligation to update
publicly or release any revisions to publicly update any forward-looking statements discussed
in this announcement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
In connection with the Merger, AngloGold will file with, or otherwise furnish to, the SEC a
scheme document/prospectus. Investors and security holders are urged to carefully read the
scheme document/prospectus regarding the Merger when it becomes available, because it
will contain important information. Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of
the scheme document/prospectus (when it is available) and other documents containing
information about AngloGold and Ashanti, without charge, at the SEC's website at
www.sec.gov. Copies of the scheme document/prospectus together with any SEC filings that
may be incorporated by reference in the scheme document/prospectus may also be obtained
free of charge by directing a request to: AngloGold Limited, 11 Diagonal Street,
Johannesburg 2001, PO Box 62117, Marshalltown 2107, South Africa, Attention: Chris R.
Bull, Company Secretary, telephone +27 11 637 6000, fax: +27 11 637 6624.
UBS Investment Bank and First Africa Group Holdings (Pty) Limited ("First Africa") are acting
for AngloGold and no one else in connection with the Merger and will not be responsible to
anyone other than AngloGold for providing the protections afforded to clients of UBS
Investment Bank or First Africa or for providing advice in relation to the Merger.
CIBC World Markets plc is acting for Ashanti and no one else in connection with the Merger
and will not be responsible to anyone other than Ashanti for providing the protections afforded
to clients of CIBC World Markets plc or for providing advice in relation to the Merger.
Chester Crocker, Lynda Chalker and Edward Haslam, being Directors of Ashanti, have not
taken part in the deliberations of the board of directors of Ashanti relating to the
recommendation of the Merger. Chester Crocker and Lynda Chalker did not participate
because they or companies in which they have an interest have entered into commercial
contracts with AngloGold, its subsidiaries or its major shareholder, Anglo American plc.
Edward Haslam did not participate because he is an executive director of Ashanti's largest
shareholder, Lonmin Plc which has given an undertaking to AngloGold to support the Merger.
The statement that the Merger is expected to be accretive to headline earnings per share
before unrealised non-hedge derivative adjustments and, in due course, cash flow per share
for AngloGold Shareholders should not be interpreted to mean that headline earnings per
share before unrealised non-hedge derivative adjustments or cash flow per share in the
financial year in which the Merger becomes effective or in any subsequent period, will
necessarily be greater than those for any relevant preceding financial period.
32
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has
duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AngloGold Limited
Date: 5 AUGUST 2003
By: /s/ C R BULL
Name: C R Bull Title: Company Secretary