5th July 2007
The US$2bn Global Strategic Equities Fund (‘GSEF’) founded and sponsored by Dubai International Capital LLC (‘DIC’) – the international investment arm of Dubai Holding, today announced that it has made an investment in European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V. (‘EADS’), the world’s second largest aerospace conglomerate with a leading market position in its respective business lines.
GSEF acquired 3.12% of the outstanding share capital of EADS, allowing it to become one of the largest institutional shareholders in the company. GSEF’s investment in EADS is supported by key limited partners who are co-investing alongside the fund in this strategic transaction. In line with GSEF’s investment strategy, neither the fund nor DIC will seek a Board seat or take an active role with EADS but will seek to build a strategic relationship with the EADS management and shareholders. Further financial details are not disclosed.
This transaction comes less than two months after GSEF made a substantial investment in HSBC Holdings plc, the pre-eminent global financial services firm, becoming one of the leading shareholders in the company. Both investments are a part of GSEF’s mandate to invest in global Fortune 500 companies following the recent closing of its first round of fundraising efforts at US$1bn in February 2007. The fund seeks to become a leading shareholder in pre-eminent global large capitalisation stocks, whilst aiming to create value through long term exposure to a concentrated portfolio of undervalued companies.
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world’s largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programmes from Ariane to Galileo. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, develops the A400M military transport aircraft, and holds a stake in the MBDA joint venture, the international leader in missile systems.
Sameer Al Ansari, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai International Capital LLC, said: “GSEF’s latest investment in EADS gets us closer to seeing GSEF reaching its US$10bn investment mandate in global companies and achieving the global diversification and growth mandate for its investors including DIC and its parent company, Dubai Holding. EADS has been on our shortlist from the outset. The company’s’ challenges are well-publicised, however we are confident that EADS’ superior product offering, comprehensive restructuring programme and committed management represent a strong fit with GSEF’s investment strategy.
“This year’s Paris Air Show order intake - the best ever in commercial aircraft history since the inception of the show - supports our perception of the overall strength in the commercial aircraft cycle. Whilst we believe that the value of EADS’ other commercial assets are under-estimated, we are supportive of EADS’ management’s announced steps to regain investor confidence by delivering the envisaged recovery plan at its Airbus subsidiary.”
During this year’s Paris Air Show, Airbus received a total of 425 firm orders from 19 customers. In addition, Airbus received commitments for a total of 303 additional aircraft. Airbus President and CEO Louis Gallois was quoted at the end of the show saying that this Airshow has confirmed that Airbus is very much back on the market, continuing to satisfy customers with the right products. He also stated that this should give [Airbus] further incentive to pursue their efforts to turn the company around in order to be able to deliver on their promises.
EADS employs about 116,000 people at more than 70 production sites, above all in France, Germany, the UK and Spain as well as in the U.S.A. and Australia. In 2006, the company generated revenues of € 39.4 billion.
EADS, an N.V. incorporated according to Dutch company law, is listed on the Frankfurt, Madrid and Paris stock exchanges. EADS emerged in 2000 from the link-up of the German DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG, the French Aerospatiale Matra and CASA of Spain. Following ongoing transactions of the core shareholders, 49.5 percent of the shares will be widely distributed among public shareholders including EADS employees; DaimlerChrysler and SOGEADE (Lagardère, French state) will hold 22.5 percent each, the Spanish state holding company SEPI (Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales) owns 5.5 percent.
GSEF is promoted by DIC Asset Management Limited (‘DICAM’), the asset management subsidiary of Dubai International Capital LLC (‘DIC’). NewDawn GSE Asset Management Limited (‘New Dawn’), a wholly-owned subsidiary of DICAM is the General Partner for GSEF. DICAM and NewDawn are licensed and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and GSEF is a DIFC registered fund.
