Telus to acquire more shares - I wish the rest of the market was as keen about the shares.
2023-05-16 19:09 ET - News Release
Mr. Darren Entwistle reports
TELUS ACQUIRES ADDITIONAL SHARES OF TELUS INTERNATIONAL THROUGH AGREEMENT WITH BARING PRIVATE EQUITY ASIA
Telus Corp.'s indirect, wholly owned subsidiary has entered into a purchase agreement with an entity affiliated with BPEA EQT relating to the acquisition by Telus of 2.5 million multiple voting shares in the capital of Telus International (Cda) Inc. from BPEA. Today's investment is consistent with a shareholder agreement with BPEA whereby Telus has the right of first offer to purchase multiple voting shares or subordinate voting shares from BPEA in connection with a sale transaction for gross proceeds in excess of $10.0-million (U.S.).
"Upon thoughtful consideration, we have reached an agreement to acquire additional shares of TI from BPEA," said Darren Entwistle, president and chief executive officer of Telus. "This purchase represents an attractive opportunity to invest further in TI, demonstrating our long-standing confidence in TI's operational execution and financial outlook, focused on continued profitable growth. Moreover, this investment reinforces the important ongoing role TI plays in advancing Telus's global growth strategy. Indeed, with Telus as an anchor client, TI is enabling our organization's customer service excellence and powering our critical digitization strategy. This includes providing premium [artificial intelligence] and digital enablement solutions across our telecommunications business, as well as Telus Health and Telus Agriculture & Consumer Goods, which TI has successfully productized for the benefit of other global brands."
The purchase of the purchased shares is being made pursuant to the private agreement exemption set forth in Section 4.2 of National Instrument 62-104.
The purchased shares represent approximately 1.3 per cent of the outstanding multiple voting shares of Telus International and approximately 0.9 per cent of all outstanding shares. The purchased shares are being acquired for a purchase price of $16.90 (U.S.) per purchased share, representing aggregate consideration of $42.25-million (U.S.).
Before giving effect to the purchase, Telus held an aggregate of 149,504,019 multiple voting shares of Telus International and 1,438,013 subordinate voting shares, representing approximately 74.8 per cent of the outstanding multiple voting shares, 2.0 per cent of the outstanding subordinate voting shares, 72.2 per cent of the outstanding voting rights attached to all shares of Telus International and approximately 55.2 per cent of the total shares outstanding. After giving effect to the purchase, Telus will hold an aggregate of 152,004,019 multiple voting shares and 1,438,013 subordinate voting shares. Upon completion of the acquisition, the shares held by Telus will represent approximately 56.1 per cent of the outstanding shares of Telus International, 2.0 per cent of the outstanding subordinate voting shares, 76.0 per cent of the outstanding multiple voting shares of Telus International and 73.4 per cent of the outstanding voting rights of Telus International. The multiple voting shares of Telus International may be converted into subordinate voting shares on a one-for-one basis at any time.
Telus purchased the purchased shares for investment purposes, and may or may not purchase or sell multiple voting shares, subordinate voting shares or other securities of Telus International in the future on the open market or in private transactions, depending on market conditions and other factors. Telus currently has no other plans or intentions that relate to its investment in Telus International. Depending on market conditions, general economic and industry conditions, Telus International's business and financial condition and/or other relevant factors, Telus may at any time develop other plans or intentions in the future relating to one or more of the above items. A copy of the early warning report to be filed by Telus in connection with the acquisition will be available on Telus International's profile on SEDAR. Alternatively, you may contact Robert Mitchell (Telus investor relations) at 1-800-667-4871 to obtain a copy of the report.