all paid up!, page-6

Also, to answer planethowells question specifically in relation to AVX -

Who benefits - all the shareholders will benefit because in all probablility without the rights issue the company will run out of cash, or will need to issue at an even heavier discount to somebody else, enter into a highly unfavourable arrangement with a larger player, or worst case scenario go into administration.

What's the impact? As you bought the shares after they went ex-rights the share price would already have reflected the dilution from the rights, so the impact for you would be minimal. There is potential for an increase in the share price if the rights are fully subscribed because the cash raised increases the certainty regarding the company's future prospects. However, there may be a short-term dip in the price of AVX once the rights are issued as some people look to sell them at a profit.

How long does it last? The closing date for subscribing for shares under the rights issue is Monday, 27 April. I can't recall the allocation and trading date for shares issued.