Capital markets glossary

Rights issue

What is a rights issue?

A rights issue is a new share issue in which existing shareholders are generally entitled to subscribe for new shares in proportion to their holdings.

01

Rights, terms and dilution

Pre-emption rights arise under the Swedish Companies Act but depend on the share classes and the resolution. The terms specify the amount, subscription price, ratio, record date and subscription period. Subscription rights are normally booked to shareholders after the record date and may trade for a limited period. A shareholder who neither exercises nor sells them may suffer economic dilution.

The general meeting, or the board under an authorisation, resolves on the issue. A listed issuer must coordinate company-law approvals with MAR, marketplace rules, the prospectus analysis, the issuing agent and communications. Figures and dates must match in minutes, announcements, prospectus or memorandum, application forms and website material.

02

From subscription to registration

After the subscription period, allocation follows the published principles. The outcome announcement normally distinguishes subscriptions with and without rights and any underwriting. Payment, any auditor certificate, registration with the Swedish Companies Registration Office and conversion of paid subscribed shares follow. A realistic timetable allows for meetings, regulatory or prospectus review and document production, not only the investor subscription window.

Finally, reconcile transaction costs, underwriting fees and net proceeds against public disclosures and retain a complete closing file for the next financing exercise.

Primary source

Rules change. Use the current official source before making a decision.

Riksdagen – aktiebolagslagen, 13 kap.

This explanation is general and is not legal, financial or investment advice. The application of a term depends on the instrument, marketplace, current rules and the facts of the individual matter.

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