The
Baltic Exchange Ltd has announced that it has entered into exclusive discussions with
Singapore Exchange Ltd (SGX) regarding an offer for the Baltic.
In a statement, the Baltic Exchange said: "The signing of this exclusivity agreement follows discussion with a number of interested parties. The Baltic's Board considers that SGX has made an attractive proposal that has the potential to enhance significantly the position of the Baltic, serving the needs of Baltic members, shareholders and other stakeholders. The next phase will be to continue detailed discussions with SGX and consult with Baltic stakeholders before making a final recommendation."
Key aspects of the SGX proposal include commitments to:
- Retain the Baltic's headquarters in St Mary Axe, London, and maintain its position within the global shipping community
- Broaden the Baltic's existing presence in Asia utilising SGX's regional distribution network
- Preserve the Baltic's current ethos as a membership organisation with member representation whose market activities are governed by the Baltic Code
- Maintain membership subscriptions and data fee levels for members for five years
- Retain the multiple clearing house model
- Sustain the existing market benc hmark production and governance model
- Hold SGX clearing fees for FFA contracts at current levels for at least five years
- Continue to provide a broad range of membership services including dispute resolution, social and charitable activities
In addition, SGX will seek to enhance the relationship between the Baltic and its contributing panellists and will provide commitment regarding the future business of FFA brokers.
The Baltic Exchange and SGX are due to meet with shareholders and the wider stakeholder community of members and key industry participants over the coming weeks to explain the terms of the proposal and build a consensus of support, before presenting a definitive agreement which would form the basis of a board recommendation to shareholders.
Chairman
Guy Campbell explained: "SGX has indicated that in the event its bid is successful, it would maintain the current model for the Baltic business and our presence and building in London, as the platform for the Baltic's future growth. The proposed transaction would further strengthen the links between London and Singapore, two of the world's leading maritime business hubs, to the benefit of all.
"The Board considers this proposal is an exciting development for the Baltic and all the stakeholders in the markets it serves, which secures the future of the Baltic's role in the global maritime marketplace in the 21st century.
"We look forward to co mmunicating directly with many of our stakeholders in the next few weeks to explain the proposal to them."
Nomura International PLC and Norton Rose Fulbright LLP are acting as advisors to the Baltic Exchange.
