It has today been announced by Woodford Investment Management that the Woodford Equity Income Fund suspension has been extended. Woodford IM have released the following:
"Link Fund Solutions Limited (the Authorised Corporate Director of the LF Woodford Equity Income Fund) has formally reviewed the suspension and announced that the fund will remain suspended.
In accordance with the Fund's Prospectus, Link and the Depository will formally review the suspension at least every 28 days and will inform the FCA of the review and any change to the information given to Shareholders.
Link's decision to continue with the suspension of investor dealing in the Equity Income fund is to ensure investors' interests are protected. It affords Neil and the team the required time to execute the changes to the portfolio that we have outlined previously, in order to deliver the best possible outcomes for you, our investors.
When the fund reopens, you will see a much more liquid portfolio, but one that reflects the same investment strategy. The portfolio will continue to be focused on undervalued companies, but the majority of them will be FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 index constituents.
It is important to note that, because the fund is suspended, there are no redemptions and the Woodford team is not forced to sell assets at distressed prices. During the closed period, we will be selling these assets in a timely and orderly way through a variety of processes across a broad buyer base to ensure the best price can be obtained for the assets, and the best interests of investors are upheld.
In March 2019, we announced our intention to implement a shift within the fund's portfolio, away from unquoted holdings (private companies), towards a portfolio consisting of larger, more liquid stocks. Neil and the team have already made positive progress in selling parts of the less liquid quoted exposure from the portfolio, and we are in the process of appointing a partner who will work alongside us to help maximise value from the fund's exposure to unquoted holdings.
The suspension will be lifted when the fund's repositioning is complete, with less exposure to illiquid stocks. Until then, we are committed to operating the fund in a way that continues to protect the value of your savings, both for those who wish to remain invested and for others who may seek to withdraw from the fund.
The Woodford team is working around the clock to ensure the situation is resolved in everyone's best interests as quickly as possible."
We at Elson are in contact with Woodford and will be keeping up with the latest news available on this subject. We would advise our clients that there is no cause for alarm, as stated this has been done to protect existing investors. Please revisit our website for the latest updates on Woodford.
If investors have any questions regarding the suspension of dealing and wish to speak to someone at Woodford, please call 0333 300038 or alternatively email them at info@woodfordfunds.com. If you wish to speak to us please contact us here.
- uploaded - 2 July 2019