Tern Plc (LON:TERN), the company focused on value creation from Internet of Things (“IoT“) technology businesses, has announced the results of its Open Offer to Qualifying Shareholders which was announced on 3 September 2024 and closed for acceptances, in accordance with its terms, on 20 September 2024.
Tern plc has announced that valid acceptances have been received from Qualifying Shareholders for a total of 11,523,513 Open Offer Shares under the Open Offer.
As a result, and subject to Admission becoming effective, 11,524,513 Open Offer Shares will be issued in connection with the Open Offer, raising approximately £144,044 (before expenses) for the Company at the Issue Price of 1.25 pence per Open Offer Share.
The Open Offer was conducted following the failure to pass the resolution required to issue new ordinary shares, disapplying statutory pre-emption rights, at the Company’s Annual General Meeting held on 27 June 2024, as a way to appropriately raise funds to protect Tern’s position in, and progress, Tern’s portfolio companies, whilst also providing Tern with funding as an AIM company. The Directors believe the net proceeds of the Open Offer, coupled with the proceeds from the sale of a modest proportion of the Company’s holding in Device Authority, as announced on 9 August 2024, have provided funding that is appropriate to meet the Company’s immediate requirements, but the Company will continue to explore the best ways to access capital, maximise shareholder value and source value creating opportunities.
Capitalised terms used but not otherwise defined in this announcement bear the meanings ascribed to them in the circular posted to shareholders on 5 September 2024.
Director and PDMR participation in the Open Offer
The following Directors and persons discharging managerial responsibilities (“PDMRs“) of the Company have participated in the Open Offer, as follows:
| Director | Number of Existing Ordinary Shares | Number of Open Offer Shares subscribed for | Number of Ordinary Shares held on Admission | % of the Enlarged Share Capital on Admission |
| Ian Ritchie | 1,636,999 | 639,888 | 2,276,887 | 0.51% |
| Sarah Payne | 166,666 | 18,518 | 185,184 | 0.04% |
| PDMR | Number of Existing Ordinary Shares | Number of Open Offer Shares subscribed for | Number of Ordinary Shares held on Admission | % of the Enlarged Share Capital on Admission |
| Albert Sisto | 10,716,666 | 1,441,481 | 12,158,147 | 2.74% |
| Bruce Leith | 6,609,327 | 7,407 | 6,616,734 | 1.49% |
The notifications below, made in accordance with the requirements of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (2014/596/EU) as it forms part of United Kingdom domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and as modified by or under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 or other domestic law, provides further detail.
Admission and dealings
The Open Offer Shares will, when issued, be credited as fully paid and will rank pari passu in all respects with each other and with the Existing Ordinary Shares, including the right to receive all dividends and other distributions declared, made or paid after the date of Admission. Application has been made to the London Stock Exchange for the Open Offer Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM. Dealings in the Open Offer Shares and Admission are expected to take place on or around 8.00 a.m. on 24 September 2024.
Total voting rights
In accordance with the Financial Conduct Authority’s Disclosure, Guidance and Transparency Rules, the Company confirms that following Admission, the Company’s enlarged issued ordinary share capital will comprise 444,223,831 Ordinary Shares. Tern plc does not hold any shares in Treasury. Therefore, from Admission, the total number of voting rights in the Company will be 444,223,831 and this figure may be used by shareholders in the Company as the denominator for the calculations to determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in the Company, under the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.
