| SECTION 1 : | | Questions relating to the claims of Randgold against
JCI and of JCI against Randgold (if any) currently being addressed through
the process of mediation |
| | |
| 1 | Question 1.1 : A copy of the Umbono Report as delivered to
JCI by Randgold in terms of the Mediation Agreement is required |
| | |
| | Randgold declines to make available the Umbono Report. |
| | Randgold and JCI are engaged in a mediation process as
a prelude to a possible arbitration. The mediation process is privileged. |
| | In the event that the mediation should not bring about
a result acceptable to Randgold’s Shareholders or JCI’s Shareholders, an
arbitration will follow. |
| | Randgold approached the Mediators after the
Requisition was served. The Mediators are in agreement that the mediation is
privileged and that no documents forming the subject matter thereof should
be made available to Randgold’s Shareholders nor should any matter germane
to the mediation / arbitration process be allowed to filter into the public
domain. |
| | In any event, Randgold and JCI are contractually bound
in terms of the Mediation Agreement not to do anything which may have the
effect of undermining the mediation process. A release of the document
sought would be contrary to this. |
| | |
| 2 | Question 1.2 : A copy of the KPMG Report as delivered to Randgold by JCI in terms of the Mediation Agreement is sought |
| | |
| | Randgold is similarly and for the grounds
mentioned, not prepared to divulge the KPMG Report. |
| | |
| 3 | Question 1.3 : A synopsis of the KPMG Report in
a format similar to the synopsis of the Umbono Report, which appears at
pages 8 to 18 of the Notice of General Meeting dated 9 June 2006 issued in
anticipation of the General Meeting of Randgold’s Shareholders held on 30
June 2006 (“the Notice of General Meeting”) has been requested |
| | |
| | Randgold declines to make available a
synopsis of the KPMG Report as requested. |
| | |
| 4 | Question 1.4 : A copy of the Statement of
Claims, Statement of Defence and Replication (and any amendments thereto)
delivered by Randgold to JCI in terms of the Mediation Agreement is sought |
| | |
| | Randgold is of the firm view that its
Shareholders are not entitled to the documents which are requested. |
| | This approach has been endorsed by the
Mediators. |
| | |
| 5 | Question 1.5 : A copy of the Statement of
Claims, Statement of Defence and Replication (and any amendments thereto)
delivered by JCI to Randgold in terms of the Mediation Agreement is sought |
| | |
| | The Shareholders are not entitled to these
documents. |
| | The Shareholders are however advised that
JCI did not serve a Statement of Claim as envisaged in the Mediation
Agreement and Randgold did not file a Replication to JCI’s Statement of
Defence. |
| | |
| 6 | Question 1.6 : In terms of an announcement made
by JCI on 12 September 2006, JCI had not submitted any claims against
Randgold in terms of the mediation process. Kindly confirm that the
announcement was indeed accurate and that no claims in any form have been
presented by JCI to Randgold as at date hereof |
| | |
| | Randgold can confirm that the announcement
which was made on 12 September 2006 is accurate |
| | JCI has not, as at the date of this meeting,
submitted any claims against Randgold. |
| | |
| 7 | Question 1.7 : If any claims have been
presented by JCI to Randgold, what is the nature and form of such claims? |
| | |
| | JCI has not submitted any claims against
Randgold. |
| | |
| 8 | Question 1.8 : What is the total amount of the
Randgold claims currently being claimed from JCI by Randgold and what claims
arise from - |
| | 1.8.1 | Misappropriation from investments in listed
shares; or |
| | 1.8.2 | The listing of new Randgold shares, issued
for no value, |
| | 1.8.3 | Selling such shares and “laundering the
proceeds through a web of special purpose vehicles with trading bank
account” |
| | |
| | The information which is being requested
is privileged and if furnished would have the effect of undermining the
sanctity of the mediation process which the Mediators have indicated ought
to be preserved. |
| | As previously advised, Shareholders are
informed that Randgold’s claims against JCI amount in the aggregate to R5
786 177 999.26. |
| | |
| 9 | Question 1.9 : What were the amounts of the
proceeds realised from – |
| | 1.9.1 | The sale of the misappropriated
assets as referred to in 1.8.1 above; |
| | 1.9.2 | The sale of the Randgold Shares
issued for no value as referred to in 1.8.2 above? |
| | |
| | The answers which are being requested by
the Requisitionists, if furnished, would similarly have the effect of
undermining the mediation process and be at variance with the Mediators and
Randgold’s legal advisor’s view, that the mediation process should not be
exposed. |
| | The mediation process is privileged and is
to be safeguarded. |
| | |
| 10 | Question 1.10 : Who were the recipients of the
proceeds identified in 1.9 above? |
| | |
| | As previously disclosed, JCI was amongst
the parties who benefited from the proceeds resulting from the sale of
Randgold’s assets. |
| | In addition, Consolidated Mining
Management Services Limited (being a subsidiary of JCI) also received
certain benefits. |
| | As to the other persons who received
benefit, the information being requested is confidential. |
| | Randgold will pursue all and any third
parties who have wronged Randgold where legally sustainable causes of action
exist and where the Board deems it appropriate to do so. Such actions are
already underway. |
| | |
| 11 | Question 1.11 : What is the current status of the
mediation process? |
| | |
| | Shareholders are referred to the Statement
which the Mediators requested Randgold to publish to its Shareholders dated
28 February 2007 as well as the Postscript which the Mediators made
available on 5 March 2007. |
| | |
| 12 | Question 1.12 : Has JCI been requested by
Randgold to waive the Defence of Prescription in respect of the Randgold
claims? If so, a copy of the waiver concerned is requested. If not, is it
contended that it is not necessary for JCI to have waived the Defence of
Prescription? If it is so contended, on what basis is this the case? |
| | |
| | Randgold declines to answer this question. |
| | This is a matter which descends into the
mediation. |
| | |
| 13 | Question 1.13 : Is it accepted by the
Directors of Randgold that, in the light of the provisions of clause 9 of
the Mediation Agreement (and in particular 9.1.1.1 to 9.1.1.3 thereof), the
Board of Directors of Randgold is precluded from settling any dispute in
regard to the Randgold claims and JCI claims (if any), it being specifically
stipulated in the Mediation Agreement that the Mediators’ recommendations
shall be tabled before each of Randgold’s and JCI Shareholders and that the
Shareholders concerned shall be called upon to vote either in favour of or
against the Mediators’ recommendations? |
| | |
| | The Board does not agree that clause 9 of
the Mediation Agreement is limiting. |
| | The Board is well within its rights to act
responsibly and as it deems appropriate in managing the Company. The Board
has no hesitation that it is acting in the best interests of its
Shareholders. |
| | Although the Board has participated
actively in the mediation process it has, where it felt that it was
appropriate, engaged in settlement discussions with JCI. |
| | Ultimately, the Shareholders of both
Randgold and JCI will be required to determine the outcome of the mediation.
This applies equally to any settlement of the mediation. |
| | |
| 14 | Question 1.14 : If any of the Directors do
not accept the statement expressed in 1.13 above, the reasons for their
disagreement are requested |
| | |
| | Not one of the Randgold Board members is
opposed to a responsible settlement of the mediation with JCI. |
| | |
| 15 | Question 1.15 : If settlement negotiations
between Randgold and JCI are in fact under way – |
| | 1.15.1 | Why are the same being conducted
in apparent contravention of clause 9 of the Mediation Agreement? |
| | 1.15.2 | Who are the Directors involved
in such negotiations on behalf of Randgold? |
| | 1.15.3 | Who are the Directors involved
in such negotiations on behalf of JCI? |
| | |
| | It is surprising that the Requisitionists
seem to be aware of the settlement discussions which are taking place
entirely without prejudice and in the utmost confidence. |
| | Prior to the 19th of January 2007 when the
requisition was served, no announcement had been made by Randgold that it
had engaged in settlement discussions with JCI in tandem with the Mediation
process. |
| | When and if a proposal is made to settle
the mediation, Shareholders will be fully informed hereof and be called upon
to determine whether or not a settlement of the mediation should occur. |
| | |
| 16 | Question 1.16 : What is the view of
Randgold’s Board as to the recoverability of the total amount of the
Randgold claims from JCI in the event of such claims all being upheld
(whether in the mediation or arbitration process or by a Court)? |
| | |
| | Randgold has not yet succeeded in proving
its claims against JCI. When and if Randgold succeeds in doing so, it will
only at that stage be able to determine the recoverability thereof against
JCI. |
| | Shareholders are advised to acquaint
themselves with JCI’s unreviewed and unaudited financial statements
regarding the last published view on the financial position of JCI. |
| | |
| | |
| SECTION 2 : | | The composition of the
Randgold Board |
| | |
| 1 | Question 2.1 : Whether a resolution exists in
terms of which the Randgold Board was so reconstituted. If so, a copy is
requested. |
| | |
| | A copy of the resolution giving rise to
the reconstitution of Randgold’s Board was made available to the office of
the Company Secretary with effect from 26 February 2007. |
| | |
| 2 | Question 2.2 : A copy of the minutes of the
meeting at which such resolution was proposed and voted upon. |
| | |
| | There are no minutes in respect of the
resolution that was passed. |
| | |
| 3 | Question 2.3 : The names of the directors who
passed such resolution and the list of the directors so appointed by them. |
| | |
| | The Directors who remained after the late
Brett Kebble, Roger Kebble, Hennie Buitendag and Lunga Ncwana resigned from
Randgold’s Board were Brenda Madumise and Chris Nissen. |
| | Brenda and Chris appointed Chris Lamprecht
and Peter Gray to fill the casual vacancies which had arisen on the Board as
a consequence of the aforesaid resignations. |
| | |
| 4 | Question 2.4 : The basis on which the directors
who voted for such resolution considered it to be in the interests of
Randgold to comply with the terms of the Investec Loan Agreement to which
Randgold was not a party and in circumstances where JCI was in fact
considered by Randgold to be a substantial debtor of Randgold. |
| | |
| | This is an internal matter to which
Shareholders are not entitled to become privy. |
| | Any decision which Randgold took on this
issue constitutes the exclusive domain of the Board at the time. The current
Board denies that there is any obligation on it to make available the
information requested. |
| | |
| 5 | Question 2.5 : The present composition of
the Board of Randgold together with an identification of those directors who
were appointed in terms of the Investec Loan Agreement or with the approval
of Investec (“the Investec appointees”) and those directors who were
subsequently appointed to the Board of Randgold to act as independent
directors. |
| | |
| | Randgold’s Board is currently comprised of
the following Directors: |
| | 5.1 | Mr Nurek – Chairman; |
| | 5.2 | Mr Gray – Chief Executive Officer; |
| | 5.3 | Marais Steyn – Financial Director; |
| | 5.4 | Brenda Madumise; |
| | 5.5 | Mr Nissen; |
| | 5.6 | Mr Blersch; |
| | 5.7 | Mr Dale. |
| | |
| | Mr Nurek, Mr Gray, Mr Lamprecht (the
former Financial Director of Randgold), Miss Madumise and Mr Nissen were not
appointed with the approval of Investec. They were appointed by the then
duly constituted Board of Randgold pursuant to an acceptance of the terms
and conditions set out in the Investec Loan Agreement. |
| | Randgold denies that the persons appointed
with the approval of Investec were “Investec appointees”. Such Directors
have throughout acted independently and in the best interests of Randgold. |
| | To the extent that Shareholders do not
share this view, they will be afforded the opportunity to indicate this when
it comes to voting on the reconstitution of the Board of Randgold, later
today. |
| | Mr Blersch and Mr Dale were appointed to
the Board of Randgold on 14 August 2006, following nominations to Randgold’s
Board having been called for in the Notice convening the General Meeting of
30 June 2006. (Mr Blersch and Mr Dale were recommended by Trinity Asset
Management) |
| | |
| 6 | Question 2.6 : The names of those directors on
the Randgold Board who are presently also members of the Board of JCI. |
| | |
| | The following Randgold Directors are also
Directors of JCI: |
| | o | Mr David Nurek is JCI’s Non-Executive
Chairman; |
| | o | Mr Peter Gray is JCI’s Chief Executive
Officer; |
| | o | Mr Chris Nissen serves as a Non-Executive
Director of JCI. |
| | |
| 7 | Question 2.7 : The names of those directors who
are presently Directors of Investec or of any of the subsidiary or associate
companies of Investec or who are employed by Investec (“the Investec
Directors”). |
| | |
| | Mr Nurek is the only member of Randgold’s
Board who has an affiliation with Investec. |
| | |
| 8 | Question 2.8 : An explanation as to why
the Randgold Board (or any of the individual directors who serve thereon)
consider it necessary or appropriate that any of the Investec appointees
and/or Investec directors should continue to sit as members of the Randgold
Board. |
| | |
| | It is not the function of the current
Board of Randgold to reconstitute Randgold’s Board at an Annual General
Meeting. That is a matter for the Shareholders to determine. |
| | Accordingly the Board declines to comment. |
| | As mentioned previously, Shareholders have
the opportunity to vote on a reconstitution of Randgold’s Board later today. |
| | |
| 9 | Question 2.9 : An explanation as to why the
Randgold Board (or any of the individual directors who serve thereon)
consider it necessary or appropriate that Mr Peter Gray and Mr David Nurek
should continue to act as CEO and Chairman respectively of both the debtor
company (JCI) and its major creditor (Randgold). |
| | |
| | This is a matter for the Shareholders to
decide. |
| | The Randgold Board is not seeking to
influence the Shareholders regarding the reappointment of Mr Gray and Mr
Nurek one way or the other. |
| | This is a matter which is best put to the
vote. |
| | |
| 10 | Question 2.10 : Do the directors of
Randgold accept that, to the extent that any of them are also directors of
JCI, they should be precluded from voting on any resolution regarding the
conduct of the mediation process with JCI or any subsequent arbitration or
litigation process against JCI; or any resolution pertaining to the
settlement of the Randgold claims and JCI claims (if any)? |
| | |
| | None of the Directors of Randgold believe
that they are precluded from voting on any resolution regarding the conduct
of the mediation process with JCI or any process associated with mediation. |
| | The Directors of Randgold will continue to
act responsibly and in the best interests of Randgold. |
| | Although the Board has no hesitation that
it has acted responsibly throughout, as regards the manner in which it has
handled the mediation process to date, following the appointment of Marais
Steyn on 13 December 2006 to Randgold’s Board, Mr Steyn was given the
portfolio of overseeing the mediation process and drawing from the input of
his fellow Directors where he felt this was necessary. Although viewed as
unnecessary, the Board put this in place as a sign of its commitment to act
independently and free of criticism. (It is denied that any criticism is
due). |
| | |
| 11 | Question 2.11 : If any of the directors of
Randgold who are also directors of JCI do not accept that he (or she) should
not be precluded from voting on any of the issues referred to in 2.10 above,
the reason(s) for such views. |
| | |
| | This is an internal matter and I do not
intend to allow the individual views of Randgold’s Board of Directors to be
laid before Shareholders. |
| | The Board has acted and will continue to
act (insofar as it is empowered), as it deems in the best interests of the
Company. |
| | Until the current Board is removed, they
are entitled to manage the Company as they deem fit. |
| | |
| 12 | Question 2.12 : In an affidavit deposed to by
the CEO of Randgold, Mr Peter Gray on 6 May 2006, Mr Gray stated as follows:
“I deny that the Randgold Board has a manifest conflict of interests which
in any manner precludes it from acting in the best interests of
Shareholders” Is Mr Gray still of the view that the Randgold Board (or any
of its directors) has no manifest conflict of interests, particularly in the
light of: |
| | 2.12.1 | the fact that the validity of
the Investec Loan Agreement is currently under attack in two applications
before the Johannesburg High Court and that a declaration by the Court to
the effect that the agreement is invalid would redound to the benefit of
Randgold (as a substantial creditor of JCI) while negatively impacting on
Investec, thus placing the “Investec appointees” and “Investec directors” in
a potentially invidious position. |
| | 2.12.2 | The fact that those directors of
Randgold who are also directors of JCI are effectively representing the
interests of both the debtor and creditor companies in respect of the
self-same Randgold claims which, if ultimately decided in favour of Randgold,
could conceivably bring about the liquidation of JCI. |
| | |
| | I have no doubt that if Mr Gray, or any of
the other Directors for that matter, are of the view that a conflict exists,
they, if there are any among them, will act responsibly and appropriately. |
| | Beyond this, I am not going to allow for
the individual views of Randgold’s Board Members to become the subject
matter of Shareholder debate. |
| | If the actions of the current Board do not
meet with the approval of Randgold’s Shareholders, Shareholders are at
liberty to reconstitute Randgold’s Board when voting on that issue takes
place shortly. |
| | |
| 13 | Question 2.13 : Do the Investec appointees and
directors on the Randgold Board and the JCI directors on the Randgold Board
not consider themselves to have a conflict of interest particularly in
regard to the issues highlighted in 2.12 above? If not, why not? |
| | |
| | Randgold intends adopting a similar
approach to that set out with reference to 2.12 above. |
| | |
| | |
| SECTION 3 : | | The convening of a Shareholders meeting in respect of Randgold to reconstitute its Board |
| | |
| 1 | Question 3.1 : In view of Mr Gray’s
above-quoted statement on oath, why were Shareholders not given the
opportunity at the general meeting of Randgold on 30 June 2006 to
reconstitute Randgold’s Board? |
| | |
| | The meeting of 30 June 2006 was not an Annual
General Meeting. |
| | Randgold’s Articles of Association only make
provision for the reconstitution of Randgold’s Board at an Annual General
Meeting. |
| | Randgold called for additional nominations to
its Board to fill casual vacancies which had arisen thereon by way of the
Notice to Shareholders convening the General Meeting of 30 June 2006. |
| | In response, Randgold received three
nominations of prospective candidates to its Board. |
| | One such candidate withdrew his willingness
to stand. The other two candidates were ultimately appointed to Randgold’s
Board in the form of Mr Blersch and Mr Dale. |
| | All three nominations were made by Trinity
Asset Management (Pty) Ltd. |
| | |
| 2 | Question 3.2 : Why was no Annual General
Meeting held on 28 September 2006, as heralded in the aforesaid Notice, and
why has no explanation been given to date to the Shareholders for the
failure to convene such meeting? |
| | |
| | Randgold was unable to hold its Annual
General Meeting on 28 September 2006 due to the fact that its audited
financial statements for the two years ended 31 December 2005, had not been
completed by its auditors. |
| | Although Randgold had hoped to convene its
Annual General Meeting on 28 September 2006, this was always subject to the
annual financial statements being available. |
| | Randgold’s ability to finalise its annual
financial statements was further impacted upon by: |
| | 2.1 | Mr Lamprecht’s resignation as Randgold’s
Financial Director in May 2006; |
| | 2.2 | The ongoing mediation; |
| | 2.3 | Mr Steyn’s appointment as Randgold’s
Financial Director in December 2006 he having identified new issues which
need analysis before Randgold’s financials may be prepared. |
| | |
| 3 | Question 3.3 : In as much as it was intended to
convene an Annual General Meeting on 28 September 2006, why was a general
meeting of Shareholders of Randgold in any event not convened on that date
for the purposes of allowing Shareholders to reconstitute Randgold’s Board,
particularly in the light of: |
| | 3.3.1 | Mr Gray’s aforesaid statement on oath; and |
| | 3.3.2 | The fact that a general meeting of JCI
Shareholders was convened on 29 September 2006 at the same venue intended
for the Randgold Annual General Meeting? |
| | |
| | As already mentioned, two of the three
nominations which were received following the General Meeting of 30 June
2006 resulted in the appointment of Mr Blersch and Mr Dale to Randgold’s
Board of Directors with effect from 14 August 2006. |
| | In these circumstances the Board decided
that it was no longer necessary to convene a further General Meeting of
Randgold’s Shareholders, hopeful that its financial statements would be
forthcoming shortly, whereafter an Annual General Meeting could be convened. |
| | |
| | |
| Section 4: | | The derecognition by
Randgold of the 5 460 000 shares and 900 000 shares in Randgold Resources
Limited (“RRL”) and the sale of the 4 000 000 RRL shares as referred to at
paragraph 2.3 on page 11 of the Notice of General Meeting, and the claims in
favour of Randgold which may result in the circumstances. |
| | |
| In the light of such statement in the Notice of General
Meeting, the following information and documentation are required: |
| | |
| 4.1 | Whether the “additional base claim of R222
million” forms part of the Randgold claims in the mediation process and, if
so, what defence (if any) has been advanced by JCI thereto? If this claim
does not form part of the Randgold claims in the mediation process, how does
Randgold propose to prosecute such claim against JCI? |
| | |
| | The so called “additional base claim of
R222 million” is a matter which is the subject matter of mediation. |
| | Accordingly Randgold is not prepared to
comment in regard hereto. |
| | |
| 4.2 | All correspondence and documentation
evidencing or relating to the claim in the sum of R222 million. |
| | |
| | The correspondence and documentation which
is being requested is privileged. |
| | In the interests of preserving the
integrity of the mediation process, the Board is not agreeable to acceding
to the Requisitionists’ request herefor. |
| | |
| 4.3 | The identity of the foreign bank to which the
5 460 000 RRL shares were “on – lent”. |
| | |
| | This is a matter which forms the subject
matter of the mediation and is refused. |
| | |
| 4.4 | The whereabouts of the 5 460 000 RRL shares
at present. |
| | |
| | Again, this is a matter forming part of
the mediation and such details are not furnished. |
| | |
| 4.5 | The efforts, if any, to recover the 5 460 000
RRL shares concerned or their current value and the success, if any,
achieved to date in this regard. |
| | |
| | Save to advise that Randgold is taking
steps to recover the 5 460 000 RRL shares in the context of the mediation,
the Board declines to comment further hereon. |
| | |
| 4.6 | What was the commercial rationale to Randgold
or quid pro quo received by Randgold in respect of the borrowing by JCI of
the said 5 460 000 RRL shares and the on - lending thereof to the foreign
bank concerned? |
| | |
| | The information being requested is also
declined for the reasons already mentioned. |
| | |
| 4.7 | Did Randgold receive any security for the
said 5 460 000 RRL shares? If so: |
| | 4.7.1 | What was the nature and value of
the security concerned; and |
| | 4.7.2 | Is the security adequate; and |
| | 4.7.3 | Did the foreign bank involved
execute its security correctly; and |
| | 4.7.4 | Has any attempt been made to
exercise such security? |
| | |
| | The Board is similarly not prepared to
answer this question. |
| | |
| 4.8 | Was either the transaction regarding the
initial borrowing of the shares by JCI or the transaction involving the on -
lending thereof to the foreign bank concerned, ever authorised by Randgold?
If so, a copy of such authorisation is requested. |
| | |
| | The Board repeats that the matters under
this section are the subject matter of the mediation and accordingly
declines to answer. |
| | |
| 4.9 | All other correspondences and documentation
relating to the initial borrowing of the shares and the on - lending thereof
to the foreign bank concerned. |
| | |
| | For the reasons already given, the
correspondence and documentation sought is privileged and forms part of the
mediation. For this reason the correspondence and documentation is not being
made available. |
| | |
| 4.10 | The identity of the individual who
purportedly held the 900 000 RRL shares. |
| | |
| | This too is the subject matter of the
mediation. |
| | Accordingly the required details are not
furnished other than to advise that necessary steps are being taken to
recover the RRL shares or alternatively their value. |
| | |
| 4.11 | Has any commercial rationale or quid pro quo
been identified in regard to the acquisition by the individual concerned of
the 900 000 RRL shares and, if so, what is the rationale or quid pro quo? |
| | |
| | For the reasons already mentioned,
Randgold declines to comment further. |
| | |
| 4.12 | Did Randgold receive any security for the
said 900 000 RRL shares? If so: |
| | 4.12.1 | What was the nature and value of
the security concerned; and |
| | 4.12.2 | Is such security adequate; and |
| | 4.12.3 | Was such security properly
executed; and |
| | 4.12.4 | Has any attempt been made to
exercise such security; |
| | |
| | Randgold is similarly not prepared to
comment. |
| | |
| 4.13 | A description of the efforts made by
Randgold’s Board to recover the said 900 000 RRL shares and the success, if
any, achieved to date in this regard. |
| | |
| | A recovery is being pursued against JCI.
Independent action against third parties will be taken as Randgold may be
advised. |
| | |
| 4.14 | Was the acquisition of the 900 000 RRL
shares by the individual concerned ever authorised by Randgold? If so, a
copy of such authorisation is requested. |
| | |
| | The matters raised are the subject matter
of contemplated litigation and are privileged. |
| | Randgold declines to answer further. |
| | |
| 4.15 | All other correspondence and documentation
relating to the acquisition by the individual concerned of the 900 000 RRL
shares and the attempts by Randgold’s Board to recover same. |
| | |
| | Randgold is currently taking advice on the
formulation of a claim in regard hereto. |
| | The making available at this stage of
correspondence and documentation relative to this claim may compromise such
intended action. |
| | Furthermore, this is a matter which is being
dealt with in the context of the mediation and the Board will not divulge
information which may have the effect of undermining the mediation. |
| | |
| 4.16 | All correspondence and documentation
pertaining to the pledge of such shares and the subsequent sale thereof. |
| | |
| | For the reasons already given, Randgold is
not agreeable to making available the correspondence and documentation
sought. |
| | |
| 4.17 | Is the claim of R412 million (being the
proceeds of the 4 000 000 RRL pledged shares) included as part of Randgold’s
claims in the mediation process and, if so, what is the defence advanced
thereto by JCI? If such claim has not been prosecuted as part of the
mediation process, how is it proposed that the claim of R412 million be
prosecuted against JCI? |
| | |
| | This is a further matter which is the subject
matter of the mediation. |
| | In the result, it is not appropriate that
Randgold divulge further information in regard hereto. |
| | |
| 4.18 | Has any commercial rationale or quid pro quo
for the pledge to and sale by the foreign bank concerned of the 4 000 000
RRL shares been identified and if so what is the rationale or quid pro quo
concerned? |
| | |
| | An answer to this question would undermine
the mediation. Accordingly Randgold declines to answer this question. |
| | |
| 4.19 | Was any authority given by Randgold for the
pledge and subsequent sale of such shares? If so, a copy of such
authorisation is requested. |
| | |
| | The questions regarding the 4 000 000 RRL
shares traverse matters which are being dealt with in the context of the
mediation. Randgold declines to answer. |
| | |
| 4.20 | All other correspondence and
documentation relating to the pledge to and sale by the foreign bank
concerned of the 4 000 000 RRL shares. |
| | |
| | No documentation and correspondence is
made available for the reasons which have already been advanced. |
| | |
| 4.21 | To the extent that the above-quoted
paragraph 2.3 of the Notice of General Meeting distinguishes between claims
by Randgold against CMMS (Consolidated Mining Management Services Limited)
and JCI, kindly advise as to whether the claims against CMMS have been
included as part of the Randgold claims to be dealt with in the mediation
process. If not, have the claims against CMMS been prosecuted against it and
in what forum? If not, why not, and when is it envisaged that such claims
will be prosecuted? |
| | |
| | The Mediation Agreement contemplated that
those claims enjoyed by Randgold against JCI would include all and any
claims enjoyed by Randgold against JCI’s subsidiary and/or associate
companies. |
| | CMMS is a subsidiary company of JCI and
those claims which Randgold enjoys against CMMS have been proffered against
JCI on the basis of the understanding between Randgold and JCI that JCI
would be liable. |
| | In view of the mediation, Randgold
declines to comment further. |
| | |
| | |
| SECTION 5 : | | The preparation of
Randgold’s audited financial statements and Randgold’s financial position |
| | |
| 1 | Question 5.1 : It was stated at page 6
of the Notice of General Meeting that “subject to the timeous completion” of
the audited financial statements of Randgold the Annual General Meeting of
the Shareholders of Randgold would be held on 28 September 2006. In the
circumstances, why have such financial statements not been prepared
timeously (or at all) and why has no explanation been given by Randgold’s
Board for such failure? |
| | |
| | I have already touched on the reasons which
have impacted on Randgold’s ability to publish annual financial statements. |
| | To the extent that they were not clear,
Randgold repeats that: |
| | |
| | 1.1 | Randgold’s erstwhile Financial
Director Chris Lamprecht resigned in May 2006. This brought about the
challenge of finding a replacement for Mr Lamprecht in circumstances where
prospective candidates were reluctant to take up the appointment as
Randgold’s Financial Director; |
| | 1.2 | Following the appointment of Mr
Marais Steyn, he identified new issues which are in the process of being
investigated and had not previously been identified. |
| | 1.3 | The progress in the mediation
process which has been slower than originally anticipated has also impacted
upon Randgold’s ability to finalise its financial statements. |
| | |
| | Once a suitable settlement is achieved
which carries the approval of Randgold’s Shareholders and the outstanding
issues addressed, Randgold intends to move forward to prepare its financial
statements as soon as possible. |
| | |
| 2 | Question 5.2 : What is Randgold’s
current nett asset value (“NAV”) and what proportion of such NAV is
attributable to the Randgold claims and what proportion is attributable to
other assets? |
| | |
| | Randgold is yet to finalise its audited
financial statements for the two years ending 31 December 2005. |
| | Shareholders are referred to Randgold’s
unaudited unreviewed Annual Financial Statements as published on 31 March
2006, wherein Randgold’s unaudited unreviewed nett asset value was proposed
to amount to approximately R674 000 000.00. |
| | Randgold’s Board’s preliminary unaudited
qualified view of Randgold’s nett asset value remains consistent with the
views expressed by management therein. |
| | Given that Randgold’s claims against JCI in
the context of the mediation have not been proved, it would be irresponsible
to venture a comment in regard to what proportion of Randgold’s NAV is
ascribable to the Randgold claims. |
| | |
| 3 | Question 5.3 : What is the current
market value of the shares and other assets apparently misappropriated from
Randgold and to what extent, if any, have such shares and assets been
recovered by Randgold? |
| | |
| | A possible value of the shares and other
assets misappropriated from Randgold is in line with its claim value of some
R5 800 000 000. No assurance however can be given as to whether Randgold’s
claims will be successfully prosecuted. |
| | Shareholders are well aware that Randgold
is engaged in the mediation and Shareholders are assured that Randgold is
furthermore pursuing a variety of legal processes against other persons who
wronged Randgold, the progress in respect of which, Shareholders will be
informed of, as and when further recoveries are made. |
| | |
| 4 | Question 5.4 : What would the NAV of
Randgold have been as at 31 December 2006, had Randgold not been the victim
of the transactions referred to in the quoted paragraph 2.3 of the Notice of
general meetings (at Section 4 above) or any other transaction identified by
the Randgold Board as fraudulent? |
| | |
| | It would be foolhardy to hypothesise on
what the NAV of Randgold would have been, had it not been the victim of the
transactions contemplated. |
| | A myriad of factors could have a bearing
hereon and it is irresponsible to venture comment in regard hereto.. |
| | |
| | |
| SECTION 6 : | | Investigations into the
culpability of third parties (if any) |
| | |
| 1 | Question 6.1 : Has any investigation
been mandated or conducted into the culpability (if any), of the stockbroker
firms through whom the various shares misappropriated from Randgold were
sold, or any of the Banks or other third parties who in any way, dealt with
such shares or may have been responsible for aiding and abetting such
misappropriation? If so, what is the current status of such investigation(s)?
If no such investigation has been mandated by Randgold’s Board, what is the
explanation for such omission? |
| | |
| | • | The Board of Randgold is, in conjunction with
its forensic auditors and legal advisors in the process of identifying which
third parties ought to be pursued. |
| | • | To the extent that it is economically feasible
and the Board is in agreement herewith, such third parties will be pursued
and action instituted against them. |
| | • | Randgold will pursue each and every person who
has wronged it, provided that it is not imprudent to do so and based upon
legal advice as to our prospects of success.. |
| | • | If Shareholders are dissatisfied with the level
of progress to date, they now have the opportunity of casting their votes in
respect of the reconstitution of Randgold’s Board. |
| | |
| The aforegoing constitutes all of the questions posed by the
Requisitioners and the Randgold Board’s responses thereto. Both the
questions and the responses will be posted on Randgold’s website as soon as
is reasonably practicable so that all shareholders can have access thereto.
Should any shareholders have any further questions or follow up questions,
they are requested to forward same in writing to the Company Secretary by
17h00 today. Any additional questions and the Randgold Board’s responses
thereto will be posted on Randgold’s website as soon as is reasonably
practicable thereafter. |