Shares of Transcorp, owner of three power plants with 2,000 megawatts or more than 40 per cent of Nigeria’s total power-generating capacity, slumped 9.9 per cent on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) in Lagos
Nigerian businessman Femi Otedola has sold his substantial shareholding of 6.3 per cent, a haul of 2.6 billion shares bought in separate transactions in Transcorp, to Mr Tony Elumelu.
Earlier, within days of his acquisition of a substantial shareholding, Mr Elumelu had racked up his interest from 2.07 to 25.9 per cent.
This is perceived by analysts as a surrender of top ownership race through divestment of his newly acquired stake in Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) to Chairman Tony Elumelu.
Transcorp shares, which had gained 173 per cent from the start of the year, slumped 9.9 per cent on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) in Lagos.
Mr Otedola’s move to take the peak spot in the conglomerate’s ownership upset the Transcorp chair, prompting him to open talks. He eventually agreed to compensate the businessman with millions of dollars, sources said.
“The Company welcomes this expression of confidence in its leadership and management,” Transcorp said in a recent note to the NGX, referring to Mr Otedola’s move.
Mr Otedola holds the most shares in FBN Holdings, and the majority-own Geregu Power, which he listed last year.
On Thursday, Transcorp announced its chairman has upped his interest to 25.9 per cent or 10.5 billion shares, conferring more than a fourth of the corporation’s voting rights on him as the only principal shareholder.
UBA Holdings, which comes next in the hierarchy, holds less than 10 per cent.
Transcorp has three power plants, which account for 2,000 megawatts or more than 40 per cent of Nigeria’s total power-generating capacity. The conglomerate’s total assets stood at N464.5 billion at the end of March, compared to N442.7 billion as of the end of last year, going by its first quarter’s earnings report.
Source: Premium Times
