Good morning,
1) Bumi Armada: announced yesterday that it's wholly owned subsidiary Bumi Armada Offshore Holdings SB has exercised an option to purchase a vessel named Rainbow River for a cash consideration of RM68m. It said the purchase of the vessel is pursuant to a MOA with Galaxy Naviera Maritime SA, Panama dated Sept 2011 and will be funded by internally generated funds; Largely expected. The acquisition is in line with Armada's fleet expansion plan & will be completed upon delivery of the vessel, expected in 1Q2012. The acquisition is not expected to have any material effect on earnings for FY11 and does not require any approval from shareholders or regulatory authorities.
2) Metrod: Metrod Holdings will gain RM74.5m after selling it's European units for a total of RM202.2m (49m Euros). Co has entered into a notarial deed agreement with GEP II Beteiligungs for the disposal of ASTA Holdings GmbH & ASTA Elektrograht GmbH, via it's Singapore subsidiary, ASTA Holdings, together with it's subsidiaries (collectively known as the ASTA Target group) comprises the international operations of the Metrod group in Europe, China & India. ASTA group is mainly involved in high quality flat-copper winding wire systems and manufacturing of specialty copper wires and strips. Metrod said the disposal is timely in view of the challenges faced in light of the current volatile & uncertain global economic conditions, increased market competition, threat of recession & deteriorating future outlook. The board was still assessing & evaluating plans for the use of the proceeds, and this might include acquisition of viable business or assets.
3) Power: The bidding process for the 4,500MW power generation to replace the capacity of the 1st generation PPAs and to cater to new demand beyond 2016 has started. The Energy Commission (EC) has issued a notice for prospective bidders for the development of a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant in Peninsular Malaysia. The CCGT power plant was to sell it's capacity & energy to TNB under a new PPA. TBN had recently announced that the 1st generation PPAs, expiring between 2015 & 2016, would not be renegotiated and would be allowed to lapse. The 1st generation PPAs (involving YTL Power, Malakoff, Tanjung & Genting) collectively account for about 4,115MW of generation capacity. TNB CEO said these IPPs could still participate in the bidding process for new licences that would be held by way of open tender; Neutral.
4) Mkt: maintain existing sideways thin trade.