Sale of Virgin Money UK (ASX: VUK)

22nd March 2024

Across the Australian Equity component of investor portfolios, we have sold Virgin Money UK (ASX: VUK). Virgin Money UK is a UK bank serving both retail and commercial customers.

VUK is currently subject to a preliminary takeover offer from Nationwide Building Society (Nationwide) at £2.20 per share which is approximately AU$4.20. VUK trades at a mid-single digit spread to the takeover offer and we believe it is unlikely VUK sees a higher offer. In addition to this there are pressures to give building society members a vote on whether the transaction should go ahead which may create uncertainty around the transaction proceeding.

Proceeds from the sale of VUK have been retained in cash and we expect to begin to deploy this within the next fortnight.

As always, thank you for your support. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact your adviser.

Warnings and disclosures

This material has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in this material is General Advice and does not take into account any person’s individual investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider whether it is appropriate to your particular circumstances, alternatively seek professional advice. Where the General Advice relates to the acquisition or possible acquisition of a financial product, you should obtain a Product Disclosure Statement (“PDS”) relating to the product and consider the PDS before making any decision about whether to acquire the product. You will find further details of the service we provide and any cost to you within the Financial Services Guide. Any references to past investment performance are not an indication of future investment returns. Prepared by EP Financial Service Pty Ltd ABN 52 130 772 495 AFSL 325 252 (“Elston”). Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information contained in this material, Elston, its officers, representatives, employees and agents disclaim all liability (except for any liability which by law cannot be excluded), for any error, inaccuracy in, or omission from the information contained in this material or any loss or damage suffered by any person directly or indirectly through relying on this information.