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Chapter BIM38280

Document Cited authorities 1 Cited in Related
Vincent
Published date22 November 2013
Record NumberBIM38280
CourtHM Revenue & Customs
IssuerHM Revenue & Customs

S54 Corporation Tax Act 2009

Establish and consider all of the available evidence

The nature of the points made in the company’s public utterances is important, but may not be decisive. Defence documents issued to existing shareholders will almost invariably argue that the price offered for the company’s shares is inadequate. However, the company may contend that the maintenance of shareholder loyalty was simply a means to the end of preserving the trading operation. Therefore, to that end, it was necessary to emphasise issues of price.

Conversely, any submissions to the Competition Commission (formerly the Monopolies and Mergers Commission) will tend to emphasise the threat to the company’s trade posed by the acquirer. For example, the latter may be characterised as an asset-stripper. Again, however, such submissions may be no more than a means to the end of ensuring that there is no change in the ownership of the shares.

You need, therefore, to identify those statements of purpose, which are no more than tactical points made in the takeover battle and to penetrate deeper to the true purpose(s) of the directors in authorising expenditure to resist the bid.

Direct evidence

As well as the circulars sent by the target to its shareholders you should critically examine:

  • correspondence and notes of oral discussions between the senior executives of the company and its professional advisers
  • internal company memos...

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