ASPO PLC STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE December 3, 2014 at 18.35
Not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, South Africa, Singapore or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which the distribution or release would be unlawful.
THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING OF LEIPURIN PLC IS INTERRUPTED AND THE LISTING IS CANCELLED FOR THE TIME BEING
The Board of Directors of Leipurin Plc ("Leipurin") and the Board of Directors of its sole shareholder Aspo Plc ("Aspo") have decided to interrupt the initial public offering announced on November 20, 2014 and cancel for the time being the introduction of Leipurin for public trading in the official list of NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd.
Earlier today, Leipurin published a stock exchange release regarding the downgrading of its fourth quarter result compared with the earlier published result forecast. The long-term targets of Leipurin have not changed.
"The collapse of the external value of the Russian Ruble, starting from November 24, 2014, against the Euro by about 17%, has increased the uncertainty among investors regarding the development of companies operating in Russia. Although the business of Leipurin in Russia carries little risk, the investment atmosphere of institutional investors regarding the listing of Leipurin has turned negative. Aspo will assess the possibilities for listing Leipurin at a later stage," says Gustav Nyberg, Chairman of the Board of Aspo Plc.
Aspo returns to the guidance issued on October 17, 2014: Aspo's operating profit will increase significantly in 2014 compared to 2013 and amount to EUR 22-24 million (operating profit for 2013: EUR 10.8 million). The guidance includes the expenses of preparations for the listing of Leipurin, estimated at EUR 1.2 million.
The subscription reservation payment paid by the investors in the public offering in conjunction with the subscription will be refunded to the subscribers approximately three (3) banking days after the cancellation decision, i.e. on or around December 8, 2014. If the investor's bank account is in another financial institution than the subscription place used by the investor, the refund will be paid to a Finnish bank account in accordance with the payment schedule of the financial institutions approximately no more than two (2) banking days later. No interest will be paid on the repaid funds.
ASPO PLC
Board of Directors
Further information:
Aki Ojanen, CEO Aspo Plc, +358 9 5211, +358 400 106 592
aki.ojanen(a)aspo.com
Aspo is a conglomerate that owns and develops business operations in northern Europe and growth markets, focusing on demanding B-to-B customers. Our strong company brands - ESL Shipping, Leipurin, Telko and Kaukomarkkinat - aim to be the market leaders in their sectors. They are responsible for their own operations, customer relationships and the development of these. Together they generate Aspo's goodwill. Aspo's Group structure and business operations are continually developed without any predefined schedules.
DISTRIBUTION:
Nasdaq Helsinki
Key media
www.aspo.fi
DISCLAIMER:
The information contained herein is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which according to applicable legislation the distribution or release would be unlawful. This release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States, nor may the securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration as provided in the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.