FIH Group PLC said on Tuesday it plans to release a trading update later this week which will outline its anticipated results for the recently ended financial year while also updating shareholders on the future strategy following failed takeover offers for the firm.
Dolphin Fund Ltd said late Thursday that it has decided not to make an offer for FIH Group PLC at this time, following a letter from the Falkland Islands Government warning FIH about its status should it undertake a change of ownership.
The British financial media is reporting the existence of a letter sent by the government of the Falkland Islands to Falkland Islands Holdings group, which is in the midst of a controversial takeover bid dispute with an Argentine fund. Last month the Dolphin fund controlled by the Buenos Aires property developer Eduardo Elsztain said it was considering a bid for FIC’s Aim-listed parent FIH Group.
FIH Group PLC said on Monday it still views a potential takeover approach from Dolphin Fund Ltd as unwelcome and recommends an existing bid from Staunton Holdings Ltd.
The much publicized and controversial bid from an Argentine group to acquire a leading position in the Falkland Islands Holdings, which owns the Falkland Islands Company, closely linked to the Islands' history and economy, has been considered “a real hazard” by FIH directors.
The Falkland Islands government, FIG, stated on Friday that any proposal change of ownership affecting assets held in the Islands will be scrutinized for compliance with Falklands law. The statement follows the Argentine Dolphin Fund's announcement to the London Stock Exchange, earlier this week, of its interest in taking over the private company Falkland Islands Holdings, FIH.