Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE) shares have returned from their trading halt with a bang.
In morning trade, the ASX 200 stock is up 8% to a new record high of $31.67.
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Why is this ASX 200 stock jumping?
The catalyst for today's gain has been news that the company has completed the institutional component of a major equity raising.
According to the release, the institutional entitlement offer raised approximately $143 million at the offer price of $21.00 per new share. This represents a sizeable discount of 28.4% to its last close price.
Management advised that the offer was well supported by institutional shareholders, with take-up of over 98% by eligible institutional shareholders.
In addition, the ASX 200 stock has raised $50 million through a strategic placement to Mitsubishi Corporation at price of $18.00 per new share.
What next?
The company will now push on with its retail entitlement offer, which is expected to raise $309 million at the same price as the institutional offer.
This includes the pro-rata entitlement for director Nick Politis of ~$128 million. Politis has committed to subscribe for 100% of his pro-rata entitlement. The balance of the retail entitlement offer is fully underwritten.
Why is it raising funds?
Once complete, the ASX 200 stock will be able to move forward with its plan to acquire a 65% stake in CanadaOne Auto Group, which is one of Canada's largest automotive retail groups.
Management believes this is a good deal for the company. It notes that it is a highly strategic investment, demonstrating strong alignment with its long-term vision and Next100 Strategy. In addition, it expects the transaction to be "financially compelling" and immediately mid-teens earnings per share accretive without any assumed synergies. This may explain why investors are bidding its shares higher today despite the equity raising.
Commenting on the successful equity raising, Eagers Automotive's CEO, Keith Thornton, said:
We are pleased to have received such strong support from existing institutional shareholders through this Institutional Entitlement Offer, underlining the positive response to our strategic investment in CanadaOne.
In CanadaOne we have found the ideal partner in a highly attractive and fragmented market, providing our partnership with plenty of runway for growth. The participation of Mitsubishi Corporation underscores their belief in our company and our shared goal of developing a strategic alliance that will fuel long-term business opportunities across our platform.
Following today's move, Eagers Automotive's shares are now up almost 190% over the past 12 months.
