THE entity that will emerge from the proposed merger between IJM Land Bhd and Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd (MRCB) will be a mega property owner and developer with an implied market value of RM7 billion.

IJM Land chairman, Datuk Krishnan Tan Boon Seng, said the entity was also expected to expand its presence not only in Malaysia but also in the region.

He said the creation of a leading listed property development entity would provide a platform for both parties to tap each other's strengths and capabilities.

"The proposed merger is also expected to provide an opportunity for both entities in terms of product offerings, land bank, management expertise and regional expansion plans," he told reporters after signing the memorandum of understanding with MRCB on the merger today.

Tan said the merged entity would benefit from better project management practices which were expected to give rise to improved operational efficiencies and economies of scale.

"By leveraging on each other’s core competencies, over time, the value of the merged entity can be further enhanced through the adoption of best practices currently being practised by IJM Land and MRCB respectively," he said.

Meanwhile, MRCB chief executive officer, Mohamed Razeek Hussain, said the merged entity would also be well-placed to pursue strategies that could propel its future growth on the back of a combined net assets in excess of RM3 billion.

"With the significant increase in size, the merged group will be able to further strengthen its market leadership in the commercial and residential segments of the property market and compete more effectively in both the local and international markets," he said.

The proposed merger was expected to be finalised within three weeks, Tan said.

Mohamed Razeek said the merged group was expected to have a combined landbank of over 3,600 hectares with presence in the Klang Valley, Penang, Johor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah and Sarawak.

The principal activity of IJM Land is investment holding while its units are involved in property development, construction, hotel operations and investment holding while MRCB is engaged in construction-related activities, infrastructure, property development and investment and provision of management services to its subsidiaries.

In a filing to Bursa Malaysia, the companies said the proposed merger would be implemented through a scheme of arrangement under Section 176 of the Act.

For the purpose of the scheme of arrangement, a newly-incorporated company would be formed (newco) to facilitate the proposed merger.

The shares in IJM Land and MRCB will be exchanged for securities in newco or a combination of shares in newco and cash.

The exchange will be based on RM3.65 per share in IJM Land and RM2.30 per share in MRCB.

The newco is to be admitted to the Official List of Bursa Securities upon completion of the proposed merger, in place of IJM Land and MRCB.

The proposed merger is subjected to approvals from the boards of directors of IJM Land and MRCB, shareholders of both companies and the relevant authorities.

RHB Investment Bank and Newfields Advisors have been appointed joint advisers to both the companies. — Bernama

SOURCE: Business Times