This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more here.  
  • Delicious




Groundbreaking Kazahkstani IPO Utilises New IoM Company

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

15 August 2007

Kazakhstan Kagazy PLC (Kagazy), a major industrial group in Kazakhstan responsible for running Central Asia's largest producer of paper and packaging, as well as operating one of the leading commercial real estate development companies in the country, has become the first Isle of Man company of its kind to be admitted to the London Stock Exchange (LSE) official list.

The offer and listing marks the first use of the Companies Act 2006 to effect an offer of shares in the form of Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) as part of an initial public offering. Cains advised on Isle of Man law issues relating to the offering and listing and unconditional dealings in the GDRs.

Commenting on Cains' role in the listing, Andrew Corlett, Managing Director of Cains, stated that: "Kagazy's use of the Isle of Man's new form of company confirms that the island now has the relevant tools at its disposal to compete with the world's major offshore centres for full and AIM listing work."

"The listing also reflects the Isle of Man's growing international reputation as a centre for excellence in corporate structuring and an effective gateway to London and its capital markets."

"It's also pleasing to see that the Act is now being recognised and accepted by the global financial services community as an appropriately flexible listing vehicle which can be tailored for the most complex of transactions."

Baglan Zhunussov, the Chairman of Kazakhstan Kagazy PLC, added: "The Isle of Man offered Kagazy an alternative to other leading jurisdictions. We look forward to our life as a publicly listed company."

The listing marks a double milestone in Cains' growth as a leading offshore legal adviser on the international stage. The firm has already built a strong track record, advising companies from around the world, including Indian companies and investment funds, which are seeking to float successfully on the LSE's junior Alternative Investment Market (AIM).

Andrew Corlett added that: "Besides providing us with an essential foothold in the fast-expanding Central and Eastern European region, this listing underscores our credentials as offshore legal advisors to companies, wherever they are in the world, seeking to trade securities on the LSE official list."

"Our professional mix of London-trained and specialist international lawyers, combined with first hand experience of working closely with City of London banking, legal and other professionals, ensures that we remain in the perfect position to execute market listing transactions for international clients."

Baker & McKenzie LLP were transaction counsel on the listing, with ING Group Acting as global co-ordinator, bookrunner and lead manager of the offering.

A comprehensive report in our Intelligence Report series looking at offshore and onshore corporate structures and their tax implications is available in the Lowtax Library at http://www.lowtaxlibrary.com/asp/subs_reports.asp and a description of the report can be seen at http://www.lowtaxlibrary.com/asp/description_report7.asp

 

 






Write a comment