ILAM FAHARI I-REIT REDEMPTION OFFER OVERSUBSCRIBED

 Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) listed real estate investment trust –  ILAM Fahari Real Estate Investment Trust  –  redemption offer has been oversubscribed by 13.08%, paving the way for the next stage of strategic restructuring of the investment vehicle. During the offer period, the REIT trustee received applications for redemption of 41,371,604 units, which represents a subscription rate of 113.08%. The REIT also received application for top up additional units of 421,945 from  non-professional  investors.

Speaking when he confirmed the offer results, ICEA LION Asset Management (ILAM)  chief executive officer Mr. Einstein Kihanda said the offer had received redemption applications from non-professional investors wishing to redeem up to 36,585,134 units currently listed at the NSE.  They were   offered at a premium of more than 82% over the trading price as at the offer announcement date. ILAM, he reiterated, has been working to restructure the REIT to ensure its sustainability and improve its ability to generate returns for unit holders.

A recent strategic review recommended undertaking an operational restructuring plan, which paved the way for this transaction. “This transaction provides a viable path to restructure the REIT. We are clear that the REIT needs to grow substantially in size to achieve economies of scale, which can only be done by acquiring additional assets,” Kihanda said. “Following the close of the offer period, ILAM, in consultation with the respective transaction advisers, has provided the offering results to the Capital Markets Authority. The results indicate that the offer received a positive response with more than 13.08% above the target number of units,” he added.

Kihanda  further  said   that  with the positive outcome, the firm is   now on course to completing   the redemption process. It will then  proceed to the strategic restructuring of the ILAM Fahari I-REIT as it   seeks   to position it for growth. The next step will be an  extra-ordinary general meeting in November. This is part of its  strategic growth plans to deliver positive returns for  investors while deepening the local capital markets.

The ILAM Fahari I-REIT Kshs.  402 million month-long offer that opened slightly over a month ago sought to redeem up to 36,585,134 units equaling to 20.22% of its  issued shares as part of an operational restructuring effort. As part of the offer, the target unit holders had an opportunity to either redeem their units at a redemption offer price of Kshs 11 per unit, top up to the Kshs 5 million professional investors threshold as prescribed by regulatory provisions or opt to be bundled under a nominee account holding all non-professional investors who failed to take up the redemption offer.

 The trustee redeemed up to 301,400 units from each unit  holder  who  submitted their application. Alongside the operational restructuring of the REIT, ILAM Fahari I-REIT chief executive officer Mr Raphael Mwito reiterated that the firm has continued to perform strategic and operational functions in managing the property portfolio and cash reserves to ensure effective long-term management of the REIT, deliver attractive investor returns and ensure compliance with regulatory and legislative requirements.  “ILAM Fahari I-REIT aims to provide consistent income and capital growth in the long term. Our active management approach targets quality properties within carefully chosen economically growing nodes,” said Mwito.

The transaction has resulted in ICEA LION Asset Management  increasing its unit holding to 22.74% post-redemption. IFIR will remain regulated by the CMA and is registered as a REIT with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), thus continuing to enjoy statutory tax advantages. The ILAM Fahari I-REIT has invested in a portfolio of high-quality investment real estate properties that provide sustained returns and operating performance.