11/28/2007 10:51:45 AM Linktone Ltd. (LTON), a provider of interactive media and services, said Wednesday an Indonesia based integrated media company, PT Media Nusantara Citra or MNC, has agreed to acquire no less than 51% of Linktone's outstanding shares through a combination of a tender offer for existing shares and subscription for newly issued shares. The shares gained nearly 30.36% in the morning trade on Nasdaq.
MNC has offered US$0.38 per ordinary share or US$3.80 per ADS, representing a 53.8% premium over Linktone's closing price of US$2.47 per ADS on November 27, 2007.
Michael Li, CEO of the Shanghai, China-based Linktone said, “This strategic transaction represents a milestone in our Company's development. The increases to our cash balances will enable aggressive execution and implementation of our cross media strategy.”
The tender offer will be for 6.1 million ADS, or nearly 25% of total shares outstanding. MNC will subscribe for up to 25.2 million ADS and no less than 18.0 million ADS representing up to about 57% and no less than 51% of total shares outstanding at the close of the subscription and tender.
Linktone expects to have a major opportunity to pursue advertising and WVAS cross-selling initiatives both in China and other Asian countries.
Hary Tanoesoedibjo, Group CEO of MNC said that MNC is committed to transforming Linktone into a leading, diversified regional media player for three key reasons.
Linktone's advanced capabilities in mobile content provide a strong platform for MNC to establish a dominant position in the WVAS sector in Indonesia and an ability to expand into 'new media' market opportunities throughout Asia.
The transaction, which is subject to approval by Linktone shareholders, approval by government and regulatory authorities and other customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2008.
LTON is up $0.75 or 30.36% and is currently trading at $3.22 on a volume of 378K shares.
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