Reabold Resources - Reabold's Response to Union Jack Circular
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
RNS Number : 5485V
Reabold Resources PLC
21 September 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE
A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION
21 September 2026
All-Share Offer
for
Union Jack Oil plc ("Union Jack")
By
Reabold Resources plc ("Reabold")
Reabold’s Response to Union Jack Circular
Offer Declared As Final*
The board of Reabold notes the publication on 11 September 2026 of the circular (the “Circular”)
containing, inter alia, the views of the recently appointed Union Jack board (the "New Board") with
regard to the all-share offer for Union Jack by Reabold (the “Offer”).
The Reabold Board believes that the Circular contains a number of misleading, selective and highly
speculative statements regarding Reabold, the Offer and the West Newton project. Reabold believes
the rejection by the New Board of the Offer to be self-serving for and not in the best interests of Union
Jack as a whole or for Union Jack Shareholders.
Reabold hereby wishes to set out its view with regard to assertions in the Circular.
Reabold remains strongly of the view that the Offer represents the most credible route to value creation
for Union Jack Shareholders in the circumstances and that its terms are fair and reasonable for Union
Jack Shareholders and Reabold Shareholders alike.
*Accordingly, Reabold declare that the Offer is final and will not be increased, except that it reserves
the right to revise the financial terms of the Offer if: (i) there is an announcement of a possible offer or a
firm intention to make an offer for Union Jack by any third party; or (ii) the Panel otherwise provides its
consent (which will only be provided in wholly exceptional circumstances). This is a statement to which
Rule 32.2 of the Takeover Code applies.
Capitalised words and expressions in this announcement shall, unless otherwise defined, have the
meaning given in the offer document containing the full terms and conditions of the Offer and the
procedures for acceptance of the Offer published on 29 July 2026 (the “Offer Document”).
The Offer continues to represent the most credible route to value creation for Union Jack
Shareholders
The Offer provides Union Jack Shareholders with an opportunity to participate in a larger, better
capitalised and more diversified energy company with exposure to a broader portfolio of production,
appraisal and development assets.
The New Board's rejection of the Offer appears to be based principally on short term share price
movements, highly subjective views regarding West Newton and a speculative belief that future funding
can be raised on attractive terms. Reabold believes that shareholders should assess the transaction on
strategic merit, asset quality, funding capability and long-term value creation.
The New Board's valuation analysis is selective and misleading
The Circular places substantial emphasis on the fall in Reabold's share price since the commencement
of the offer period.
As shareholders will appreciate, the Offer is an all-share offer under which both sets of shareholders
will participate in the future performance of the Enlarged Group. Short-term share price movements are
an inherent feature of any share-for-share transaction and should not be viewed in isolation.
The New Board does not address:
the strategic rationale for combining the two companies;
the potential benefits of consolidating ownership interests in West Newton and other assets;
the enhanced funding capability of the Enlarged Group;
the corporate cost savings available through combination; or
the increased scale and market relevance of the Enlarged Group.
Nor does the Circular explain how Union Jack, with limited cash resources and ongoing funding
requirements, can deliver superior value on a standalone basis without materially diluting Union Jack
Shareholders.
Reabold notes, in particular, that the resolutions proposed at the most recent Annual General Meeting
of Union Jack both to (a) disapply pre-emption rights and enable an equity issue to be conducted
without further shareholder approval and (b) approve a sub-division of Union Jack Shares to lower the
nominal value below the current 5 pence, were rejected. Absent convening a further General Meeting
to approve these measures, incurring both time and cost, the New Board will be unable to effect a
capital raise.
Reabold strongly rejects the suggestion that West Newton lacks strategic merit
The New Board seeks to characterise West Newton as a risk that Union Jack Shareholders should
avoid.
Reabold considers this position inconsistent with Union Jack's longstanding investment in West
Newton and the repeated statements made by the former Union Jack board regarding the significance
of the project.
West Newton remains one of the largest onshore conventional gas and condensate discoveries in the
United Kingdom. Significant technical work has been undertaken to understand historic well
performance and to design the forthcoming WNA-2 recompletion programme.
The New Board's comments regarding reservoir performance, permitting matters and future
development activity are largely speculative. The forthcoming programme is specifically intended to
further evaluate the productivity and commercial potential of the reservoir.
Importantly, the New Board provides no independent technical report to support its assertions
regarding the project's prospects.
Reabold's financial position is materially stronger than portrayed in the Circular
The Circular seeks to create concern regarding Reabold's funding position.
Reabold notes that:
it successfully completed a £4.16 million fundraising in April 2026;
it has demonstrated continuing access to capital markets;
it remains funded for its current work programme; and
it retains flexibility to pursue a range of funding alternatives available to AIM-listed companies.
The reference in Reabold's FY2025 accounts to a material uncertainty relating to going concern is a
disclosure commonly seen in pre-revenue development-stage businesses and reflects prudent
accounting practice rather than any immediate solvency concern.
In contrast, the New Board acknowledges that Union Jack currently holds only approximately £0.8
million of cash and may require additional funding in order to meet future commitments, including those
relating to West Newton.
The Reabold Board believes shareholders should carefully compare the relative funding positions of
the two companies before accepting the New Board's conclusions.
Assertions regarding possible future fundraisings are entirely speculative
The New Board repeatedly refers to future dilution at Reabold.
Such statements are speculative and cannot be presented as fact.
Equally, the New Board's assertion that it can raise all required future funding for Union Jack on
attractive terms remains wholly untested. Shareholders have not been provided with any evidence of
committed funding arrangements, cornerstone investors or financing proposals.
Acceptance levels should not be viewed as a referendum on the merits of the Offer
The New Board points to current acceptance levels and certain irrevocable undertakings and letters of
intent.
Reabold notes that:
the offer remains open;
shareholders continue to have ample time to assess the Offer; and
acceptance levels in UK takeovers frequently build later in the offer timetable.
The Reabold Board remains confident that shareholders will assess the Offer based on its merits rather
than the New Board's highly subjective narrative.
Governance concerns raised against the former Union Jack board are irrelevant to
shareholders' assessment of the Offer
A substantial portion of the Circular is devoted to criticism of the former Union Jack board.
Whether shareholders agreed or disagreed with decisions taken by the former board does not alter the
strategic rationale for the Offer or the value available from combining the businesses.
The relevant question for shareholders remains whether they are better served owning shares in a
standalone Union Jack with limited scale and funding resources or owning shares in a larger,
diversified and better-capitalised Enlarged Group.
Reabold continues to believe the Offer is compelling
The Reabold Board continues to believe that:
the Offer provides Union Jack Shareholders with an attractive opportunity to participate in a
larger diversified energy business;
the Enlarged Group would benefit from improved scale, enhanced access to capital and
reduced corporate overheads;
the ownership interests of the two companies are strategically complementary; and
the transaction represents the most credible route to unlocking value from the combined
portfolio.
The Reabold Board therefore continues to encourage that Union Jack Shareholders ACCEPT the
Offer.
Action to be taken by Union Jack Shareholders
As announced on 11 September 2026, the Panel Executive published Panel Statement 2026/13 in
which it ruled that “Day 60” of the Reabold Offer (being the latest date by which the conditions to the
offer must be satisfied or waived) would be re-set to 2 October 2026.
The Offer will therefore now remain open for acceptances until 1.00 p.m. (London time) on 2 October
2026, which is the Unconditional Date. The Unconditional Date may be extended in accordance with
the Code, as further described in paragraphs 2.2 and 2.4 of Section C of Part III of the Offer Document.
Union Jack Shareholders are encouraged to accept the Offer as soon as possible. Acceptance of the
Offer can help ensure that Union Jack's assets become part of a better-capitalised and more
competitive business. The Reabold Board therefore urges all Union Jack Shareholders to read the
Offer Document carefully and accept the Offer as soon as possible.
To accept the Offer in respect of Union Jack Shares held in certificated form (that is, not in
CREST), you must complete, sign and return the Form of Acceptance accompanying the Offer
Document (together with the relevant share certificate(s) and/or other document(s) of title) as soon as
possible and in any event so as to be received no later than 1.00 pm (London time) on 2 October 2026
or, if earlier, the Unconditional Date.
To accept the Offer in respect of uncertificated Union Jack Shares (that is, in CREST), you must
follow the procedure for Electronic Acceptance through CREST so that the TTE instruction settles as
soon as possible and, in any event, so that the transfer to escrow settles no later than 1.00 pm (London
time) on 2 October 2026 or, if earlier, the Unconditional Date. Full details of the procedures for
acceptance of the Offer are set out in paragraph 17 of Part 1 of the Offer Document and as further
described in the Form of Acceptance.
The Offer is subject to the full terms and conditions set out in the Offer Document and the Form of
Acceptance.
Shareholder helpline
If you have any questions about the Offer Document or are in any doubt as to how to accept the Offer,
or if you want to request a hard copy of the Offer Document (including if you are a person with
information rights or a holder of options or awards under the Union Jack Options), please contact the
Receiving Agent, Neville Registrars Limited, on 0121 585 1131 (if calling from within the UK) or on +44
(0) 121 585 1131 (if calling from outside the UK). Lines are open 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (London time)
Monday to Friday (excluding UK public holidays). Calls may be recorded and randomly monitored for
security and training purposes. The helpline cannot provide advice on the merits of the Offer nor give
any financial, legal or tax advice.
Further information and enquiries:
Reabold Resources Plc Via our Investor Hub
Stephen Williams
Sachin Oza
https://reabold.com/
Cavendish
Nominated & Financial Adviser and Broker to Reabold
+44 (0) 20 7220 0500
Neil McDonald
Pearl Kellie
Henrik Persson
Finn Gordon
Camarco
Investor Relations Adviser to Reabold
+44 (0) 20 3757 4980
Billy Clegg
Rebecca Waterworth
Sam Morris
Hill Dickinson LLP is acting as legal adviser to Reabold.
Important Notices
Cavendish Capital Markets Limited ("Cavendish"), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial
Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively as financial adviser to Reabold and no
one else in connection with the matters referred to in this announcement, and will not regard any other
person (whether or not a recipient of this announcement) as their client in relation to the matters
referred to in this announcement and is not, and will not be, responsible to anyone other than Reabold
for providing the protections afforded to clients of Cavendish nor for providing advice in relation to the
contents of this announcement or any transaction or arrangement referred to in this announcement.
Neither Cavendish nor any of its group undertakings or affiliates owes or accepts any duty, liability or
responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or
otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Cavendish in connection with this announcement, any
statement contained herein, any transaction or arrangement referred to herein, or otherwise.
This announcement is for information purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute or
form part of, an offer, invitation or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe
for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any
jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.
The Offer will be made solely by the Offer Document (together with, in the case of Union Jack Shares
in certificated form, the Form of Acceptance, which contains the full terms and conditions of the Offer,
including details of how the Offer may be accepted. Union Jack Shareholders should carefully read the
Offer Document (and, if they hold their Union Jack Shares in certificated form, the Form of Acceptance)
in its entirety before making a decision with respect to the Offer. Each Union Jack Shareholder is urged
to consult its independent professional adviser immediately regarding the tax consequences to it (or its
beneficial owners) of the Offer.
The Offer is subject to the full terms and condition that will be set out in the Offer Document and, in
respect of Union Jack Shares held in certificated form, the Form of Acceptance.
The statements contained in this announcement are made as at the date of this announcement, unless
some other time is specified in relation to them, and publication of this announcement shall not give
rise to any implication that there has been no change in the facts set forth in this announcement since
such date.
This announcement does not constitute a prospectus or prospectus exempted document.
Inside Information
This announcement contains inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU)
No. 596/2014 as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018
(together, "UK MAR"). Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service,
this inside information will be considered to be in the public domain. For the purposes of UK MAR, the
person responsible for arranging for the release of this information on behalf of Reabold is Chris
Connolly, Chief Financial Officer.
Overseas Shareholders
The Offer relates to securities in a company which is registered in England and Wales and which are
admitted to trading on the AIM market operated by the London Stock Exchange and is subject to the
disclosure requirements, rules and practices applicable to such companies, which differ from those of
Restricted Jurisdictions in certain material respects.
This announcement has been prepared for the purposes of complying with English law, the Market
Abuse Regulation, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, the AIM Rules, the rules of the
London Stock Exchange and the Code, and the information disclosed may not be the same as that
which would have been disclosed if this announcement had been prepared in accordance with the laws
of jurisdictions outside the United Kingdom.
The release, publication or distribution of this announcement in or into certain jurisdictions other than
the United Kingdom may be restricted by law and therefore any persons who are subject to the laws of
any jurisdiction other than the United Kingdom should inform themselves about, and observe, any
applicable requirements.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the companies and persons involved in the Offer
disclaim any responsibility or liability for the violation of such restrictions by any person.
Copies of this announcement and formal documentation relating to the Offer shall not be, and must not
be, mailed or otherwise forwarded, distributed or sent in, into or from any Restricted Jurisdiction or any
jurisdiction where to do so would violate the laws of that jurisdiction and persons receiving such
documents (including custodians, nominees and trustees) must not mail or otherwise forward,
distribute or send them in, into or from any Restricted Jurisdiction. Doing so may render invalid any
related purported acceptance of the Offer.
Unless otherwise permitted by applicable law and regulation, the Offer may not be made, directly or
indirectly, in or into, or by the use of mails or any means or instrumentality (including, but not limited to,
e-mail or other electronic transmission, telex or telephone) of interstate or foreign commerce of, or of
any facility of a national, state or other securities exchange of any Restricted Jurisdiction and the Offer
may not be capable of acceptance by any such use, means, instrumentality or facilities.
Further details in relation to Overseas Shareholders are contained in the Offer Document.
Forward Looking Statements
This announcement (including information incorporated by reference in this announcement), oral
statements made regarding the Offer, and other information published by Union Jack or Reabold
contain statements which are, or may be deemed to be, "forward looking statements". Such forward
looking statements are prospective in nature and are not based on historical facts, but rather on current
expectations and on numerous assumptions regarding the business strategies and the environment in
which Reabold shall operate in the future and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those statements. The forward-
looking statements contained in this announcement relate to Reabold’s’ future prospects,
developments and business strategies, the expected timing and scope of the Offer and other
statements other than historical facts. In some cases, these forward looking statements can be
identified by the use of forward looking terminology, including the terms “believes”, “estimates”, “will
look to”, “would look to”, “plans”, “prepares”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “is expected to”, “is subject to”,
“intends”, “may”, “will” ,”seeks”, “trends”, "shall" or "should" or their negatives or other variations or
comparable terminology. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty
because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that shall occur in the future. These
events and circumstances include the ability to complete the Offer, the ability to obtain requisite
regulatory and shareholder approvals and the satisfaction of other Conditions on the proposed terms
and schedule, changes in the anticipated benefits from the proposed transaction not being realised as
a result of changes in general economic and market conditions in the countries in which Reabold and
Union Jack operate, changes in the global, political, economic, business, competitive, market and
regulatory forces, future exchange and interest rates, changes in tax rates and future business
combinations or disposals. If any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialises or if any one
or more of the assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those expected,
estimated or projected. Such forward looking statements should therefore be construed in the light of
such factors.
Neither Reabold, nor any of their respective associates or directors, officers or advisers, provides any
representation, assurance or guarantee that the occurrence of the events expressed or implied in any
forward-looking statements in this document shall actually occur. Specifically, statements of estimated
cost savings and synergies relate to future actions and circumstances which, by their nature, involve
risks, uncertainties and contingencies. As a result, the cost savings and synergies referred to may not
be achieved, may be achieved later or sooner than estimated, or those achieved could be materially
different from those estimated. Due to the scale of the Union Jack Group, there may be additional
changes to the Union Jack’s Group’s operations. As a result, and given the fact that the changes relate
to the future, the resulting cost synergies may be materially greater or less than those estimated. Given
these risks and uncertainties, potential investors should not place any reliance on forward looking
statements. The forward-looking statements speak only at the date of this document. All subsequent
oral or written forward- looking statements attributable to Reabold, or any of its associates, directors,
officers, employees or advisers, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statement
above.
Reabold expressly disclaims any obligation to update such statements other than as required by law or
by the rules of any competent regulatory authority, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise.
Disclosure requirements of the Code
Under Rule 8.3(a) of the Code, any person who is interested in 1% or more of any class of relevant
securities of an offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror (being any offeror other than an
offeror in respect of which it has been announced that its offer is, or is likely to be, solely in cash) must
make an Opening Position Disclosure following the commencement of the offer period and, if later,
following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. An Opening
Position Disclosure must contain details of the person's interests and short positions in, and rights to
subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities
exchange offeror (s). An Opening Position Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(a) applies must be
made by no later than 3.30 p.m. on the 10th
business day following the commencement of the offer
period and, if appropriate, by no later than 3.30 p.m. on the 10th
business day following the
announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. Relevant persons who deal in
the relevant securities of the offeree company or of a securities exchange offeror prior to the deadline
for making an Opening Position Disclosure must instead make a Dealing Disclosure.
Under Rule 8.3(b) of the Code, any person who is, or becomes, interested in 1% or more of any class
of relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror must make a
Dealing Disclosure if the person deals in any relevant securities of the offeree company or of any
securities exchange offeror. A Dealing Disclosure must contain details of the dealing concerned and of
the person's interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each
of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s), save to the extent that these
details have previously been disclosed under Rule 8. A Dealing Disclosure by a person to whom Rule
8.3(b) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 p.m. on the business day following the date of the
relevant dealing.
If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or
informal, to acquire or control an interest in relevant securities of an offeree company or a securities
exchange offeror, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.
Opening Position Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company and by any offeror and
Dealing Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company, by any offeror and by any persons
acting in concert with any of them (see Rules 8.1, 8.2 and 8.4).
Details of the offeree and offeror companies in respect of whose relevant securities Opening Position
Disclosures and Dealing Disclosures must be made can be found in the Disclosure Table on the
Panel's website at http://www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk, including details of the number of relevant
securities in issue, when the offer period commenced and when any offeror was first identified. You
should contact the Panel's Market Surveillance Unit on +44 (0)20 7638 0129 if you are in any doubt as
to whether you are required to make an Opening Position Disclosure or a Dealing Disclosure.
Electronic Communications
Please be aware that addresses, electronic addresses and certain information provided by Union Jack
Shareholders, persons with information rights and other relevant persons for the receipt of
communications from Union Jack may be provided to Reabold during the Offer Period as requested
under Section 4 of Appendix 4 of the Code to comply with Rule 2.11(c) of the Code.
Publication on Website and Availability of Hard Copies
Pursuant to Rule 26.1 of the Code, this announcement, together with all information incorporated into
this document by reference to another source, subject to certain restrictions relating to persons
resident in Restricted Jurisdictions, shall be available on Reabold's website at www.reabold.com by no
later than 12 noon (London time) on the Business Day following this announcement. For the avoidance
of doubt, the contents of these websites are not incorporated into and do not form part of this
announcement.
Pursuant to Rule 30.3 of the Code, you may request a hard copy of this announcement and/or any
information incorporated into this announcement by reference to another source by contacting the
Cavendish. You may also request that all future documents, announcements and information to be sent
to you in relation to the offer should be in hard copy form. Calls are charged at the standard geographic
rate and will vary by provider. Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable
international rate.
If you are in any doubt about the contents of this announcement or the action you should take, you are
recommended to seek your own independent financial advice immediately from your stockbroker, bank
manager, solicitor, accountant or independent financial adviser duly authorised under the Financial
Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended) if you are resident in the United Kingdom or, if not, from
another appropriately authorised independent financial adviser.
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