Teranet Takeover Could Turn Into an Auction

Article Excerpt

TERANET INCOME FUND $11.50 (Toronto symbol TF.UN; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Units outstanding: 159.6 million; Market cap: $1.8 billion; SI Rating: Speculative) is the target of a hostile $11-a-unit takeover offer from the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System. We generally avoid initial public offerings, since many carry hidden risks. We made an exception for Teranet, a June, 2006 new issue which we began recommending in December, 2007. Teranet’s exclusive license to run Ontario’s electronic land registry system until 2017 cuts its risk, and gives it steady cash flows. Ontario limits holdings by any single investor in Teranet to 25%, so a Teranet takeover needs provincial approval to succeed. That may mean competing bids will be slow to emerge. However, Teranet’s units trade slightly above the offer price, which suggests another bid is a possibility. In addition, Teranet is reviewing various ways to increase its unitholder value. That could lead to an auction by competing bidders at higher prices. Teranet investors…