Bangkok--6 Sep--Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (“THAI” or the “Company”) announced today its plan to make Public Offering of no more than 1,000 million newly issued shares with subscription scheduled on 16-17 September 2010 at nationwide branches of Bangkok Bank (except Micro branches) and Krung Thai Bank. The offering proceeds will strengthen the Company’s financial status and support its business expansion projects, as well as products and service improvement that will elevate THAI to consistently rank among top three airlines in Asia and top five in the world.
Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said, “The capital raised from this Public Offering will increase THAI’s financial strength and flexibility, improve competitiveness of our fleet by executing comprehensive re-fleeting and aircraft retrofit programs. Our aim is to achieve the highest service quality for customers, and to become more competitive through effective business model, operational efficiency and financial strength. We aspire to be one of the top three airlines in Asia and top five in the world.”
Under the Offering, the Ministry of Finance (the “MOF”) as THAI’s major shareholder will subscribe for the amount of shares such that it maintains 51.03% holding in the Company after this offering. The remaining majority of shares will be offered to existing shareholders (excluding the MOF) whose names appear in the share registrar book as of 30 August 2010, at an entitlement ratio that will be announced on 15 September 2010. A certain portion of shares will be offered to Retail investors in Thailand.
The existing shareholders (excluding the MOF) can subscribe more than their entitlement ratio. In case that there are excessive shares after existing shareholders make subscription according to their respective entitlement, the Company will allocate the remaining shares to shareholders who wish to subscribe more than their respective entitlement. For retail investors, if subscription demand is higher than the offered shares, the Company will engage SETTRADE.COM to perform random selection process to ensure maximum transparency. “We are confident that this Public Offering will prove successful, with anticipated positive response from both existing shareholders in Thailand and overseas as well as the general public,” added Mr. Amranand.
THAI plans to offer no more than 1,000 million newly issued shares to three groups of investors:
1) The MOF, in the amount that the MOF maintains its 51.03% shareholding in the Company after this Offering
2) Existing shareholders of the Company (excluding the MOF) whose names appear in the share registrar book as of 30 August 2010
3) Retail investors who are Thai individuals residing in Thailand or juristic persons registered in Thailand. THAI and its lead underwriters will determine and announce the final offering price, the final number of offered shares as well as the entitlement ratio on 15 September 2010.
Interested persons may contact “Bualuang Phone” at Tel. 1333 or “KTB Call Center” at Tel. 1551 or visit www.thaiairways.com for more information. Prospectus and subscription forms may be obtained from all branches of Bangkok Bank (except Micro branches) and Krung Thai bank nationwide beginning 10 September 2010.
Current shareholders (excluding the MOF) and Retail investors may subscribe for the newly issued shares at nationwide branches of Bangkok Bank (except Micro branches) and Krung Thai Bank from 08.30 hours or specific bank hours on 16 September until 15.30 hours on 17 September 2010.
THAI’s operating performance
During the first six months of 2010, THAI reported THB 89,440 million revenue and THB 12,304 million net profit, compared to THB 163,875 million revenue and THB 7,416 million net profit of the same period in 2009.
Nationwide road shows by THAI management
Prior to the subscription period, THAI will organize road shows to provide information about the Company and its performance as well as the Public Offering plan to investors and interested persons at the following venue:
Bangkok: Friday, 3 September 2010, at 14.30 - 17.00 hrs., at the Ballroom, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, Ratchadamri Road
Central and Eastern region: Monday, 6 September 2010, at 12.00 – 13.50 hrs., at Pacific Room, 1st Floor, The Tide Resort, Chon Buri
Southern region: Tuesday, 7 September 2010, at 12.00 – 13.50 hrs, at Kao Saen Room, 9th Floor, Lee Garden Plaza Hotel, Hat Yai, Songkhla
Northeastern region: Wednesday, 8 September 2010, at 11.00 – 12.50 hrs., at Sala Thai Room, 4th Floor, Poolman Sofitel Racha Orchid Hotel, Khon Kaen
Northern region: Thursday, 9 September 2010, at 12.00 – 13.50 hrs., at Convention Hall, 4th Floor, Le Meridien Hotel, Chiang Mai
For more information: Corporate Communications and Public Relations Department Thai Airways International Public Company Limited Tel. 0 2545 4696, 0 2545 2654, Fax. 0 2545 3891 Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Ltd. Ruanrudee Taweepol, Tel. 0 2205 6620 Artitaya Ssappakittipakornม Tel. 0 2205 6639
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