A solemn ceremony of launching secondary trading in KEGOC shares placed within SPO was held on AIX Stock Exchange of the Astana International Financial Centre. The ceremony was attended by Nurlan Zhakupov, the CEO of Samruk-Kazyna, and Nabi Aitzhanov, the CEO of KEGOC.
According to the announced results of KEGOC's SPO, investors submitted over 50 thousand bids for a total amount of over KZT 34.8 billion, which exceeded the planned placement volume by more than 1.5 times. It was decided to satisfy the bids for the total amount of over KZT 22.6 billion, which corresponds to the planned SPO volume.
"Kazakhstani nationals applied to buy more than 10 million shares for more than KZT 15 billion, demonstrating their keen interest in KEGOC's SPO. This demonstrates their keen interest in the investment opportunities the Fund offers inside the framework of big national companies' IPOs and SPOs.
KEGOC SPO will play a significant role in increasing the liquidity of the company's shares. It has increased the company's free float share from 2.7 percent to 8.1 percent", - said Nurlan Zhakupov, the CEO of Samruk-Kazyna.
Nabi Aitzhanov, the CEO of KEGOC noted that the company has an impeccable dividend history and intends to justify the trust of the market, which has become an additional motivation for achieving the outlined plans.
"As we open trading today, KEGOC management and I would like to remind you once more of our intentions to collaborate with shareholders following the SPO. First and foremost, we'll try to protect and optimize your investment. Every strategic choice will consider the opinions of minority shareholders. Second, we will carry out all systemic initiatives meant to advance and safeguard the nation's energy infrastructure. Above all, we will continue to act with the transparency that we have been assiduously exhibiting for the past several years," said Nabi Aitzhanov.
The CEO of AIX, Assel Mukazhanova, emphasized that the exchange is always working to establish the requirements for the listing of domestic businesses on AIX and draw in investors by offering practical technological solutions, such as the Tabys app and mobile bank integrations.
"These days, all you need to invest in is a bank account, a smartphone, and internet access. AIX is leading the way in the creation and development of the new reality of online investing. A record number of online bids—more than 11,000—for a total of nearly KZT 2.2 billion were submitted during KEGOC's SPO. We are pleased to observe that retail investors' trust in AIX and the products we provide is consistently rising," said Assel Mukazhanova.
Most participants, both men and women, were investors in their 40s, according to AIX data. KZT11.8 million tenge was the maximum amount that could be applied online in the Tabys application (8 thousand shares). The bids were received and processed in Tabys right up until the last minute before bookbuilding.
It is noteworthy that even though 15.3 common shares, or approximately 5.6% of the company's total number of placed common shares, were sold in KEGOC's secondary offering, Samruk-shareholding Kazyna's will still account for at least 85% of KEGOC's total share count.
The SPO funds will be used to fund KEGOC's major investment project to strengthen the networks of Zone South of Kazakhstan's unified power system. The project will include the construction of 475 km of 2 500 kV Shu – Zhambyl - Shymkent lines as well as the expansion of three 500 kV electrical substations. This project is strategically significant because it will supply power from large RES facilities primarily to be located in the Zone South, as well as increase the reliability of power supply to Zone South consumers due to expected increases in electricity consumption.
SPO KEGOC is held in accordance with the instructions of the Head of State, as well as in accordance with 2021-2025 Comprehensive Privatisation Plan approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Some Privatisation Issues for 2021-2025" No. 908 dated 29 December 2020.