TRANSPORT services firm, Unifreight Africa Limited (UAL) says it is planning to purchase shares in Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed agricultural implements assembler, Zimplow Holdings Limited (ZHL) for $125,3 million. BY TATIRA ZWINOIRA The deal is part of a mega transaction announced by ZHL last month, which will see it acquire two UAL subsidiaries as it seeks to diversify operations. The Unifreight subsidiaries at the centre of the transaction are Tredcor Zimbabwe, where it controls 51% shareholding and Birmingham Investments, in which the logistics firm has full shareholding. If Unifreight shareholders approve the transaction at a special meeting on November 12, it will take over 18 399 564 newly-issued ZHL shares in exchange of its 51% shareholding in Tredcor. In addition, the transaction will result in Unifreight assuming control of 15 774 446 newly issued shares in ZHL in exchange for its stake in Birmingham Investments, according to a statement released by the logistics group. “Unifreight shareholders are being called by notice dated October 28, 2020 to attend the (extraordinary general meeting) EGM of the company … to consider and, if deemed fit, approve … the proposed disposal by Unifreight Africa Limited’s sub-subsidiary, Clan Services (Private) Limited, of its 51% shareholding in Tredcor Zimbabwe (Private) Limited in exchange for 18 399 564 newly-issued ordinary shares in Zimplow Holdings Limited,” Unifreight said. It said the EGM would also discuss “the proposed disposal by Unifreight Africa Limited of its 100% shareholding in Birmingham Investments (Private) Limited in exchange for 15 774 446 newly issued ordinary shares in Zimplow Holdings Limited”. “Zimplow has offered to acquire Unifreight’s 100% shareholding in Birmingham Investments for a consideration of $57 984 401,88 to be settled with 15 774 446 newly-issued ordinary shares in Zimplow such that, Zimplow will become the sole shareholder of Birmingham Investments and Unifreight will become a shareholder of Zimplow holding a total of 15 774 446 ordinary shares in Zimplow,” the circular said. “Zimplow has also offered to acquire Clan Services’ 51% shareholding in Tredcor for a consideration of $67 339 926,99 to be settled with 18 399 564 newly issued ordinary shares in Zimplow such that Clan Services will become a shareholder in Zimplow, holding a total of 18 399 564 ordinary shares in Zimplow,” it added. UAL said the disposal of Birmingham and Tredcor had become necessary after both companies were negatively affected by the economic downturn. It said as a result, their problems had caused a strain on the business. “Birmingham Investments is the 100% shareholder in Birmingham Property (Private) Limited. Birmingham Property’s sole asset … has been vacant for almost a year now owing to difficulties found in the industrial property sector. The industrial property sector has not been spared by the economic downfall which has resulted in very high voids,” Unifreight chairman Peter John Annesley, said in a letter to shareholders. “This has been worsened by