International Entertainment completes convertible notes issuance to DigiPlus
The second tranche completes a HK$1.6bn financing deal that could give DigiPlus a controlling stake in the Hong Kong-listed company.
The Philippines.- International Entertainment Corporation (IEC) has completed the second and final tranche of its HK$1.6bn (US$204m) convertible notes subscription agreement with DigiPlus Interactive Corp. The completion brings a close to a transaction that is expected to reshape the ownership structure of the Hong Kong-listed gaming and hospitality group.
In a filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, IEC confirmed the issuance of HK$800m (US$102m) in convertible notes to DigiPlus. That follows the HK$800m tranche completed in March and fulfils all conditions of the subscription agreement announced late last year.
The package is intended to support DigiPlus’ strategy to expand beyond its core online gaming business and establish a presence in the land-based casino and integrated resort sector. The proceeds are expected to fund the redevelopment of New Coast Hotel Manila, an integrated hotel and casino complex operated under a licence from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. IEC has indicated that it is working towards a July reopening after completing ground-floor renovation works in January.
Under the current terms, full conversion of the notes would result in DigiPlus receiving 1.6 billion new shares at a conversion price of HK$1 per share, representing approximately 53.89 per cent of IEC’s enlarged share capital. The company’s issued share capital would increase from around 1.37 billion shares to nearly 2.97 billion shares, making DigiPlus the controlling shareholder. As of the latest filing, however, none of the convertible notes have been converted into shares.
