AngloGold Ashanti Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
Reg. No. 1944/017354/06
ISIN. ZAE000043485 – JSE share code: ANG
CUSIP: 035128206 – NYSE share code: AU
“AngloGold Ashanti”, or the “Company” and together with its subsidiaries, “AngloGold Ashanti Group”
ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI ANNOUNCES A CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING AND A CHANGE TO DOMICILE AND PRIMARY LISTING LOCATION
Summary
Maria Ramos, AngloGold Ashanti’s Chairperson said: “This is a logical progression for AngloGold Ashanti, which is well aligned with the evolution of the business in recent years and
will assist in unlocking value in a way that’s minimally disruptive for our stakeholders. This proposed corporate structure, including a primary listing on the NYSE and a corporate domicile in the UK, will considerably enhance our position in the
world’s largest capital markets, while keeping key functions in Johannesburg and a full inward listing on the JSE for our South African shareholders.”
Alberto Calderon, AngloGold Ashanti’s CEO said: “We have been working on a number of fronts to unlock the significant potential that lies within – and beyond – our portfolio.
The changes announced today will complement the work already underway to reduce our cost of capital, enhance our cost competitiveness versus our peers and optimise our portfolio by providing improved access
to the world’s largest capital markets and pool of gold investors.”
At the time of AngloGold Ashanti’s formation in 1998 the vast majority of its portfolio and team was located in South Africa. Over time, the Company has diversified geographically with the approvals
of the South African Reserve Bank in accordance with South Africa’s prevailing, and gradually relaxed, Exchange Control Regulations. In 2020, AngloGold Ashanti completed the disposal of its remaining assets in South Africa, including the Mponeng
Gold Mine and associated infrastructure. In parallel, the Company has developed a highly talented global workforce with 99% of employees and the majority of members of the Board and Executive Committee now based outside South Africa.
AngloGold Ashanti has also sought to reduce its operational risk, strengthen its balance sheet, improve profitability, increase the size and quality of its mineral inventory and invest in creating
attractive pathways to growth. These efforts have all been underpinned by leading ESG credentials, including a 69% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the past 15 years, and a 94% improvement in the Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate
(including the South African operations) over the same period. Despite this suite of improvements, AngloGold Ashanti continues to trade at a substantial valuation discount relative to most of its global peers.
The Board remains fully committed to the Company’s strategy and believes that future shareholder value can be enhanced by improving both the fundamentals of the business and better aligning the
Company’s corporate and capital markets structure with its evolving portfolio. To support this ambition, the Company undertook a review of its domicile and listing structure, with the objective of determining whether changes in this regard could
enhance the execution of the strategy and also facilitate full recognition of the Company’s value.
A wide range of factors were considered in the review including capital markets dynamics such as market depth and breadth, relevant peer group, sell-side research coverage, equity market indexation,
as well as existing listings, liquidity, established corporate structures, infrastructure and knowledge, alongside an assessment of regulatory, legal, tax, human resources and execution considerations.
The review concluded that the optimal location for AngloGold Ashanti Group’s primary listing is in the US, with a corporate domicile in the UK which builds on an established corporate infrastructure.
This structure, we believe, will result in an efficient legal, regulatory and tax framework for the AngloGold Ashanti Group and shareholders.
The JSE continues to be an important capital market and source of liquidity for the AngloGold Ashanti Group and it is a key priority for the AngloGold Ashanti Group to retain its listings in South
Africa, as well as to continue providing key corporate functions from Johannesburg.
The Proposed Transaction will effect a change in the domicile and primary listing location of the AngloGold Ashanti Group. This will offer a number of key benefits relative to the status quo that
AngloGold Ashanti believes will help facilitate implementation of its strategy and greater recognition of its full value:
AngloGold Ashanti is an independent, global gold mining company with long-life, operating assets with differing ore body types, located in key gold-producing regions around the world, held through a
wholly owned subsidiary, AGAH. This includes production from ten operations in seven countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, Guinea, the DRC and Tanzania) supported by growth projects in Colombia and the United States along with a focused
global exploration programme.
The overall aim of AngloGold Ashanti’s strategy is to generate sustained, improved cash flows and returns over the longer term and, in so doing, to create and preserve value for all its stakeholders.
AngloGold Ashanti has five key strategic focus areas which guide decision-making and are aimed at generating increased cash flows, extending mine lives, creating an organic pipeline of economically
viable orebodies, and enhancing its licence to operate:
AngloGold Ashanti’s revised Operating Model was designed and introduced to employees towards the end of 2021. It aims to improve efficiency and accountability, while supporting better operating
outcomes by:
The implementation of the new Operating Model was completed during 2022.
A private company was incorporated under the UK Companies Act 2006 on 10 February 2023. This company has one ordinary share of $1.00 in issue which is held by AngloGold Ashanti (the “Founder Share”).
In due course and prior to the implementation of the Proposed Transaction, AngloGold Ashanti will subscribe for 50,000 non-voting redeemable preference shares of £1 each (“Preference Shares”) in the share capital of this company which will be
re-registered as a public company, AngloGold Ashanti plc. It is expected that, save for the subscription proceeds from the issue of its initial share capital and the Preference Shares, immediately prior to the Proposed Transaction AngloGold Ashanti
plc will have no other assets and no trading history.
Prior to the implementation of the Proposed Transaction:
Subject to the conditions precedent to the Proposed Transaction being fulfilled or waived, the following inter-conditional steps will occur in the following sequence:
The above steps will be implemented in sequence, but substantially contemporaneously. In connection with the settlement, AngloGold Ashanti plc Shares to be issued pursuant to the Share Allotment and
the Scheme will be aggregated. This will mean that for every one AGA Share held immediately prior to implementation of the Proposed Transaction, an AngloGold Ashanti shareholder will receive one AngloGold Ashanti plc Share immediately upon
implementation of the Proposed Transaction. This will include the AGA Shares represented by the AngloGold Ashanti American Depository Shares (“AGA ADSs”) with the holders of the AGA ADSs receiving AngloGold Ashanti plc Shares, in the same ratio of
one AngloGold Ashanti plc Share for every one AGA ADS held immediately prior to implementation of the Proposed Transaction.
AngloGold Ashanti plc will have sufficient authority to issue as many AngloGold Ashanti plc Shares as may be required to fully settle the consideration payable under the Share Allotment and the
Scheme.
AngloGold Ashanti plc Shares will be delivered to all shareholders (other than affiliate shareholders) through the facilities of the Depositary Trust Company.
Following implementation of the Proposed Transaction:
There are once-off costs in implementing the Proposed Transaction:
Due to the limited levels of trade in AngloGold Ashanti on the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”), it has been decided that AngloGold Ashanti will be delisted from the ASX prior to the
implementation of the Proposed Transaction. AngloGold Ashanti plc will not seek a listing on the ASX. AngloGold Ashanti shareholders are referred to the separate announcement to be released on SENS and on the ASX related to the delisting of AngloGold
Ashanti from the ASX.
AngloGold Ashanti and AngloGold Ashanti plc have entered into an agreement in relation to the implementation of the Proposed Transaction (“Implementation Agreement”).
AngloGold Ashanti plc executed and delivered to AngloGold Ashanti an offer document in terms of which AngloGold Ashanti plc has made an irrevocable offer to AngloGold Ashanti to acquire AngloGold
Ashanti’s entire (100%) interest in AGAH.
In accordance with the Implementation Agreement, the implementation of the Proposed Transaction is subject to the fulfilment or waiver of the conditions precedent as set out below. These include
relevant regulatory clearances and approvals required to implement the Proposed Transaction. Relevant approvals have already been received from the South African Reserve Bank in accordance with the South African Exchange Control Regulations.
If all conditions precedent are not fulfilled or waived, as the case may be, the Proposed Transaction will not be implemented, and the AngloGold Ashanti shareholders and AGA ADS holders will retain
their AGA Shares and AGA ADSs respectively.
Full details of the conditions precedent will be included in the Circular to AngloGold Ashanti shareholders. All of the outstanding conditions precedent necessary for the implementation of the
Proposed Transaction are set out below:
AngloGold Ashanti may cancel the Implementation Agreement and therefore not implement the Proposed Transaction if an event (including an event relating to taxation) occurs that, in the reasonable
opinion of AngloGold Ashanti, (a) relates to the Proposed Transaction and decreases, or could reasonably be expected to decrease, the free cashflow of the AngloGold Ashanti Group or AngloGold Ashanti plc and its subsidiaries from time to time, by at
least US$150 million, (b) prevents or impairs or delays (for a period of at least 60 days), or could reasonably be expected to prevent or impair or delay (for a period of at least 60 days), the implementation of the Proposed Transaction or the
ability of AngloGold Ashanti or AngloGold Ashanti plc to perform its obligations under the Implementation Agreement, or (c) increases, or could reasonably be expected to increase, the costs of implementing the Proposed Transaction by at least US$150
million.
AngloGold Ashanti plc will, in terms of the proposed Scheme, acquire all the Scheme Shares, being all the AGA Shares (including AGA Shares represented by AGA ADSs), from the AngloGold Ashanti shareholders entitled to
participate in the Scheme (“Scheme Participants”). As a result of the Proposed Transaction, including the issuances under the Share Allotment and under the Scheme, Scheme Participants will receive, in aggregate, 1 (one) AngloGold Ashanti plc Share
for every 1 (one) AGA Share held by them on the scheme record date, with no entitlement to cash.
The acquisition of AngloGold Ashanti, by AngloGold Ashanti plc, does not represent a business combination as defined by IFRS 3 Business Combinations (“IFRS 3”). This is because neither party to the Scheme can be
identified as an accounting acquirer in the transaction, and post the implementation there is no change of economic substance or ownership in the group (common control transaction). The existing AngloGold Ashanti shareholders will have the same
commercial and economic interest as they had prior to the implementation of the Proposed Transaction, save for the costs of implementation thereof, and no additional new ordinary shares of AngloGold Ashanti will be issued as part of the Proposed
Transaction. The consolidated financial statements of AngloGold Ashanti will therefore reflect that the arrangement is in substance a continuation of the existing group. AngloGold Ashanti plc’s comparative information will be presented as if the
reorganisation had occurred before the start of the earliest period presented.
Full details of the pro forma financial effects of the Proposed Transaction, together with the Reporting Accountants’ Report thereon will be contained in the Circular.
Pro forma financial effects on earnings and net asset value
The table below sets out the pro forma financial effects, including the estimated associated transaction costs, of the Proposed Transaction on the reviewed condensed financial statements of AngloGold Ashanti plc for
the year ended 31 December 2022. The pro forma financial effects illustrate the impact of the Proposed Transaction had it been effective on 31 December 2022 respectively for purposes of the pro forma condensed consolidated statement of financial
position and 1 January 2022 for the year ended 31 December 2022 for purposes of the pro forma condensed consolidated income statement and pro forma condensed consolidated statement of other comprehensive income.
The pro forma financial effects have been prepared for illustrative purposes only and because of their nature may not fairly present AngloGold Ashanti plc’s financial position, changes in equity, results of operations
or cash flows. The pro forma financial effects presented below do not purport to be indicative of the financial results and effects of the Proposed Transaction if it had been implemented on a different date. The pro forma financial effects also do
not purport to be indicative of the actual financial results and effects when the transaction becomes effective, as the pro forma financial effects are based on assumptions (including foreign exchange rates and the share price) that will change up to
the point of implementation. As noted below, the estimated once-off transaction costs upon which the pro forma financial effects are determined will not have a continuing effect on AngloGold Ashanti plc’s pro forma condensed consolidated income
statement and pro forma condensed consolidated statement of other comprehensive income.
The pro forma financial effects have been prepared using IFRS accounting policies that are consistent with those applied by AngloGold Ashanti in its audited financial statements as at 31 December 2022. The pro forma
financial information is presented in accordance with the JSE Listing Requirements and the SAICA Guide on Pro Forma Financial Information.
The AngloGold Ashanti Board is responsible for the compilation, contents and preparation of the pro forma financial information.
Notes and assumptions:
The pro forma financial information for the purpose of the NAVPS and TNAVPS in the “After the Proposed Transaction” column illustrate the effect of the Proposed Transaction on the “Before the
Proposed Transaction” financial information as if the Proposed Transaction had been implemented on 31 December 2022.
The “After the Proposed Transaction” column takes into account the following adjustments and assumptions:
These estimated costs are considered not to have a tax benefit, as it relates to EPS and HEPS. These costs will not have a continuing effect on AngloGold Ashanti’s pro forma condensed consolidated
income statement and pro forma condensed consolidated statement of other comprehensive income.
The AngloGold Ashanti Group is subject to taxes in numerous jurisdictions. Given complex global tax legislation, the exact estimates of taxes payable remain uncertain and the final tax outcome of
these matters may be different from the amounts estimated.
Note: In terms of section 164 of the Companies Act, AngloGold Ashanti shareholders who object to the AGAH Sale and/or the Scheme may demand that AngloGold Ashanti pay such AngloGold Ashanti
shareholders the fair value of all of their AGA Shares. Management is not aware of any AngloGold Ashanti shareholders who are likely to follow the appraisal rights process and accordingly no estimate for appraisal rights has been included in the pro
forma financial information.
In accordance with section 114 of the Companies Act and regulation 90 of the Regulations, AngloGold Ashanti has appointed Barclays Bank PLC, acting through its Investment Bank as the Independent
Expert to provide an opinion regarding the Proposed Transaction, including the AGAH Sale and the Scheme, to the independent board of AngloGold Ashanti (the “Independent Board”), being Maria Ramos, Rhidwaan Gasant, Kojo Busia, Alan Ferguson, Albert
Garner, Scott Lawson, Maria Richter and Jochen Tilk, all of whom are non-executive directors of AngloGold Ashanti.
Taking into consideration the terms and conditions of the Proposed Transaction including the AGAH Sale and the Scheme, the draft report of the Independent Expert expresses the opinion that such terms
and conditions are fair and reasonable to AngloGold Ashanti shareholders based on the information currently available to the Independent Expert (subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications on which the opinion has been provided, as set
out in the Independent Expert’s draft opinion). The final report of the Independent Expert, including the full terms of its opinion, will be included in the shareholder Circular for the Proposed Transaction in due course.
Based on the information currently available to it, including the draft opinion of the Independent Expert, the Independent Board is supportive of the Proposed Transaction and intends to make a
unanimous recommendation to the AngloGold Ashanti shareholders to vote in favour of all resolutions related to the Proposed Transaction to be proposed at the general meeting of the AngloGold Ashanti shareholders (the “General Meeting”).
The Proposed Transaction would require the preparation of: (i) a Circular, enclosing the notice convening the General Meeting to approve the Proposed Transaction including the AGAH Sale and the
Scheme; (ii) a PLS for the admission to trading and listing of the AngloGold Ashanti plc Shares on the Main Board of the JSE under the ticker symbol “ANG”; and (iii) a Registration Statement on Form F-4 filed with the SEC for the registration of the
issuance of the AngloGold Ashanti plc Shares to the AngloGold Ashanti shareholders in the United States (collectively “Transaction Circulars”).
The Transaction Circulars will be posted to AngloGold Ashanti shareholders following receipt of the requisite regulatory approvals. At this stage, we anticipate that the regulatory approvals will be
obtained and the Transaction Circulars will be posted to AngloGold Ashanti shareholders early in Q3 2023. The Proposed Transaction is expected to be completed during Q3 2023. All relevant dates and times will be set out in the Transaction Circulars
and will be announced in due course.
The members of the Independent Board collectively and individually accept full responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained in this announcement (but only insofar as it relates to
AngloGold Ashanti and only to the extent that they are required in terms of law and the JSE Listings Requirements to accept such responsibility) and confirm that to the best of their knowledge and belief, the information set out herein is true and
this announcement does not omit anything likely to affect the importance of the information included.
The directors of AngloGold Ashanti plc, being Alberto Calderon and Robert Hayes, collectively and individually accept full responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained in this
announcement (but only insofar as it relates to AngloGold Ashanti plc and only to the extent that they are required in terms of law and the JSE Listings Requirements to accept such responsibility) and confirm that to the best of their knowledge and
belief, the information set out herein is true and this announcement does not omit anything likely to affect the importance of the information included.
ENDS
12 May 2023
Johannesburg
JSE Sponsor:
The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
Transaction Sponsor
J.P. Morgan Equities South Africa (Pty) Limited
Financial Advisors:
Centerview Partners
J.P. Morgan
Rothschild & Co
Legal Advisors:
Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
ENS Africa
Slaughter and May
Independent Expert:
Barclays Bank PLC
CONTACTS
Media
NO OFFER OR SOLICITATION
This communication is not intended to and does not constitute an offer or invitation to buy, exchange or sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, exchange or sell any securities or the solicitation of any vote or
approval in any jurisdiction in connection with the Proposed Transaction or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. An offer of securities in the United States
pursuant to a business combination transaction will only be made, as may be required, through a prospectus which is part of an effective registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT
In connection with the Proposed Transaction, a registration statement on Form F-4 under the Securities Act of 1933 will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Investors and shareholders are
urged to read the registration statement when it becomes available, as well as other documents filed with the SEC, because they will contain important information. You may obtain copies of all documents filed with the SEC regarding the Proposed
Transaction and documents incorporated by reference at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, the effective registration statement will be made available for free to shareholders.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, those concerning the growth prospects and outlook of AngloGold Ashanti’s operations,
individually or in the aggregate, including the expected effects of the Proposed Transaction, are forward-looking statements regarding AngloGold Ashanti’s operations, economic performance and financial condition. These forward-looking statements or
forecasts involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause AngloGold Ashanti’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or
implied in these forward-looking statements. Although AngloGold Ashanti believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and forecasts are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been
correct. Accordingly, results could differ materially from those set out in the forward-looking statements as a result of, among other factors, risks and uncertainties related to the timing of the Proposed Transaction, the possibility that AngloGold
Ashanti’s shareholders will not approve the Proposed Transaction, that the Proposed Transaction will not receive other necessary approvals or that the Proposed Transaction is otherwise not completed (whether following the occurrence of a material
adverse effect or otherwise), the possibility that the expected benefits from the Proposed Transaction will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period, operational disruption due to the Proposed Transaction, the
incurrence of unexpected transactional costs or total costs being higher than current estimates, and other business and operational risks and other factors. These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause AngloGold
Ashanti’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could also have material adverse effects on future results. Consequently, readers are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on forward-looking statements. AngloGold Ashanti undertakes no obligation to update publicly or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the
occurrence of unanticipated events, except to the extent required by applicable law. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to AngloGold Ashanti or any person acting on its behalf are qualified by the cautionary
statements herein.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AngloGold Ashanti Limited
Date: May 12, 2023