Seven Network to take 33pc stake in Engin 16:16, Thursday, 14 September 2006
Sydney - Thursday - Sep 14: (RWE Australian Business News) - Seven Network Ltd (ASX code: SEV) and internet phone company Engin Ltd (ASX code: ENG) today announced plans for a strategic partnership. A key element in this partnership is Seven's commitment to acquire a 33 per cent shareholding in Engin through a placement. Under the agreement, Seven will invest $26 million in Engin at an average price of 22c for 119 million shares. The initial tranche of 10 million shares has been completed. The balance of 109 million shares will be placed subject to shareholder approval at an extraordinary general meeting. Engin chairman Mr Will Jephcott said: "This proposal is a watershed event for Engin and a landmark change for communications in Australia. "This strategic relationship will enable Engin to strengthen its market-leading internet telephony business and draws on Seven's content and digital media experience to create an important broadband gateway that delivers competitive services to all Australians."
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Shareholders will be asked to approve the appointment of three new directors from Seven - Mr Ryan Stokes, Mr Bruce McWilliam and Mr Rohan Lund, as well as the Engin CEO, Mr Ilkka Tales. The new board will comprise seven members including Mr Will Jephcott (chairman), Mr Chris Shaw and Mr Neil Gamble from Engin. Mr Ryan Stokes, a director of Seven, said: "Seven is rapidly developing its presence in new communications technologies and consumer services, building on our strengths in media. "We are developing a fully integrated media company across all forms of communications and Engin provides a strong platform for our development in digital media. "Engin is the market leader in internet telephony in Australia. "With its scalable customer platform and retail distribution network, Engin is well-positioned to take advantage of the continuing rapid growth of broadband and the bundling of digital consumer services with its telephony services." ENDS
ENG Price at posting:
0.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held