American confectionery major Kraft Foods today said it has received "valid acceptances" from 75 per cent of Cadbury shareholders to the 11.9-billion-pound takeover deal and has started the move to delist the British chocolate maker by March 8.
As on February 4, Kraft Foods received valid acceptances in respect of 1,03,87,20,625 Cadbury shares (including those represented by Cadbury ADSs), amounting to around 75.41 per cent of the existing issued share capital of Cadbury, Kraft Foods said in a statement.
The 20 business days' notice period for the cancellation of the listing of Cadbury shares and the trading on the London Stock Exchange for listed securities has commenced. Cadbury also intends to apply for the delisting of Cadbury ADSs from the NYSE, the statement added.
"It is anticipated that cancellation of listing and trading will take effect no earlier than on March 8, 2010," Kraft said, adding that after Cadbury shares are delisted, Cadbury would be re-registered as a private company.
Regarding the acceptance of the offer, Kraft foods said the final offer remains open until further notice and at least 14 days' notice will be given if Kraft Foods decides to close the final offer.
"Cadbury Securityholders who have not yet accepted, and wish to accept, the offer should take action to accept the offer as soon as possible," Kraft Foods said.
