Unpacking Pakistan International Airlines’ Restructuring A Guide to the New HoldCo Shares

Post Published June 4, 2024

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Unpacking Pakistan International Airlines' Restructuring A Guide to the New HoldCo Shares - PIA's Revamp - Introducing HoldCo





Unpacking Pakistan International Airlines’ Restructuring A Guide to the New HoldCo Shares

As part of its restructuring efforts, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has undergone a significant transformation, with the introduction of a new holding company, HoldCo.

This move is aimed at streamlining the airline's operations and paving the way for a potential privatization process.

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved the acquisition of 100% of PIA's shares by HoldCo, a public limited company wholly owned by the Government of Pakistan.

Following the successful approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), HoldCo will now assume PIA's assets, liabilities, and subsidiaries.

The delisting of PIA's shares from the Pakistan Stock Exchange and the commencement of trading for the new HoldCo shares mark a crucial milestone in the airline's revamp.

The final closing prices of PIA shares on May 25 will determine the trading prices for the new HoldCo shares, reflecting the changes in the company's structure and governance.

The restructuring of PIA into a holding company (HoldCo) was a strategic move to address the airline's financial challenges and pave the way for potential privatization.

HoldCo, a public limited company wholly owned by the Government of Pakistan, will acquire 100% of PIA's shareholding, absorbing its non-core assets and liabilities.

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved the acquisition of PIA by HoldCo, a crucial step in the restructuring process.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved the Scheme of Arrangement between PIA and HoldCo, facilitating the transfer of assets, liabilities, and subsidiaries.

After the successful completion of the restructuring, trading of the newly formed HoldCo shares commenced on the Pakistan Stock Exchange, with the final closing prices of PIA shares on May 25 determining the initial trading prices.

The delisting of PIA's shares from the Pakistan Stock Exchange and the introduction of the HoldCo structure represent a significant milestone in the airline's transformation, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and setting the stage for a potential privatization.

What else is in this post?

  1. Unpacking Pakistan International Airlines' Restructuring A Guide to the New HoldCo Shares - PIA's Revamp - Introducing HoldCo
  2. Unpacking Pakistan International Airlines' Restructuring A Guide to the New HoldCo Shares - Decoding the New Shareholding Structure
  3. Unpacking Pakistan International Airlines' Restructuring A Guide to the New HoldCo Shares - The Road to Privatization - PIA's Future
  4. Unpacking Pakistan International Airlines' Restructuring A Guide to the New HoldCo Shares - Managing Debt - A Challenging Endeavor
  5. Unpacking Pakistan International Airlines' Restructuring A Guide to the New HoldCo Shares - Stock Market Implications - Delisting and New Listings

Unpacking Pakistan International Airlines' Restructuring A Guide to the New HoldCo Shares - Decoding the New Shareholding Structure





Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has undergone a major restructuring, with the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) approving the acquisition of 100% of the airline's shares by a new holding company, PIA Holding Company Limited (HoldCo).

This move is part of the Government of Pakistan's privatization efforts, and the CCP's approval is a crucial step in the process.

The new shareholding structure involves HoldCo acquiring all of PIA's shares, and in return, new HoldCo shares will be allotted to existing PIA shareholders based on their current ownership.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange has delisted PIA's shares and listed the new HoldCo shares, reflecting the changes in the company's structure and governance.

The restructuring aims to streamline PIA's operations and pave the way for potential privatization, with a new board of directors and a CEO appointed to oversee the process.

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved the acquisition of 100% shareholding of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) by PIA Holding Company Limited (HoldCo), a crucial step in the restructuring process.

As part of the Scheme of Arrangements, HoldCo will acquire 100% of PIACL's shares, and in return, new HoldCo shares will be allotted to existing PIA shareholders based on their current shareholding in PIA.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSE) has delisted PIA shares and listed HoldCo shares, effective May 27, reflecting the change in the company's structure and governance.

The government has approved the incorporation of PIA Holding Company, and a new board has been constituted to oversee the airline's privatization, with a mix of private and government representatives.

Air Marshal Aamir Hayat has been named CEO of the new holding company, PIA Holding Company Limited (HoldCo), bringing his expertise to lead the restructuring and privatization efforts.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has sanctioned the Scheme of Arrangements under the Companies Act, providing the legal framework for the acquisition and restructuring of PIA.

The final closing prices of PIA shares on May 25 will determine the initial trading prices for the new HoldCo shares, reflecting the market's assessment of the company's value after the restructuring.


Unpacking Pakistan International Airlines' Restructuring A Guide to the New HoldCo Shares - The Road to Privatization - PIA's Future





The privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) appears to be in its final stages, with a new restructuring plan approved by the airline's board of directors.

The plan aims to create a significantly debt-free PIA focused on aviation, paving the way for future growth and potential sale to the highest bidder before the government signs a new deal with the IMF.

While there is interest from Gulf countries, the privatization process will be closely watched as it marks a significant shift in the airline's future.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has been facing substantial debts, with estimates suggesting its liabilities exceeded $5 billion as of 2023, making privatization a crucial step to address its financial challenges.

The privatization plan includes the creation of a holding company, PIA Holding Company Limited (HoldCo), which will acquire 100% of PIA's shares, allowing the government to divest its stake through an initial public offering (IPO).

PIA's fleet size has dwindled over the years, with the airline operating only around 30 aircraft as of 2023, down from its peak of over 50 planes in the early 2000s, highlighting the need for fleet renewal and expansion.

The restructuring plan aims to improve PIA's route network, with a focus on expanding its presence in key markets, including the Middle East, Europe, and North America, to better cater to the growing demand for air travel.

PIA's on-time performance has been historically poor, with the airline's punctuality rate averaging around 70% in recent years, a factor that has contributed to its declining reputation and customer satisfaction.

The privatization process has attracted interest from several Gulf countries, with reports suggesting that at least three major airlines from the region are keen to acquire a stake in the revamped PIA, indicating the potential for foreign investment.

PIA's shares have rallied to a record high on the Pakistan Stock Exchange, reflecting the market's optimism about the airline's future prospects following the announcement of the privatization plan.


Unpacking Pakistan International Airlines' Restructuring A Guide to the New HoldCo Shares - Managing Debt - A Challenging Endeavor





Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has been grappling with a significant debt burden, which has anchored the airline's progress.

The restructuring plan aims to create a financially viable PIA by transferring its assets and liabilities to a new holding company, HoldCo, which will issue shares to raise capital and pay off the airline's debts.

This strategic move is part of the government's efforts to privatize PIA and set the stage for its future growth and competitiveness in the global aviation market.

PIA's debt burden has reached an astronomical level, with its liabilities exceeding $5 billion as of 2023, underscoring the crucial need for a comprehensive debt management strategy.

The airline's fleet size has dwindled significantly over the years, with only around 30 aircraft in operation as of 2023, down from its peak of over 50 planes in the early 2000s, highlighting the urgency for fleet renewal.

PIA's on-time performance has been historically poor, with the airline's punctuality rate averaging around 70% in recent years, a factor that has severely impacted its reputation and customer satisfaction.

The restructuring plan involves the creation of a holding company, PIA Holding Company Limited (HoldCo), which will acquire 100% of PIA's shares, allowing the government to potentially divest its stake through an initial public offering (IPO).

The privatization process has attracted interest from several Gulf countries, with reports suggesting that at least three major airlines from the region are keen to acquire a stake in the revamped PIA, indicating the potential for foreign investment.

PIA's shares have rallied to a record high on the Pakistan Stock Exchange, reflecting the market's optimism about the airline's future prospects following the announcement of the privatization plan.

The airline's route network optimization is a key focus of the restructuring, with plans to expand its presence in key markets, including the Middle East, Europe, and North America, to better cater to the growing demand for air travel.

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved the acquisition of 100% of PIA's shares by the new holding company, HoldCo, a crucial step in the restructuring process.


Unpacking Pakistan International Airlines' Restructuring A Guide to the New HoldCo Shares - Stock Market Implications - Delisting and New Listings





As part of PIA's restructuring, the airline is considering delisting from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) due to high compliance costs and undervalued shares.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved regulations allowing listed companies to repurchase shares from the stock market, paving the way for PIA's delisting.

Following the delisting, PIA's shares will be replaced by the newly formed HoldCo shares, which will commence trading on the PSX, reflecting the changes in the company's structure and governance.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved regulations that allow listed companies to repurchase their own shares from the stock market, facilitating the delisting process.

Unilever Pakistan, one of the country's largest consumer goods companies, successfully delisted from the Karachi Stock Exchange in 2013 at a cost of $500 million, yet remained a significant player in the market.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has a long history of over 60 years in facilitating capital formation and providing a reliable platform for the trading of listed companies' securities.

Despite the delisting of PIA, the company's shares have rallied to a record high on the PSX, reflecting investor optimism about the airline's future prospects under the new restructuring plan.

The final closing prices of PIA shares on May 25, 2024, will be the basis for determining the initial trading prices of the new HoldCo shares, reflecting the market's assessment of the company's value post-restructuring.

PIA's authorized share capital stands at Rs 5 billion, and the company plans to repurchase shares from small stakeholders as part of the delisting process.

Approximately 91% of PIA's shares are currently traded on the PSX at a price of Rs 406 per share, highlighting the company's undervalued status prior to the restructuring.

The PSX Listing Committee will review PIA's application for the delisting and new listing of HoldCo shares, ensuring adequate disclosures in the prospectus and conducting due diligence.

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved the acquisition of 100% of PIA's shares by the new holding company, HoldCo, a crucial step in the restructuring process.

Despite the challenges of high compliance costs and undervalued shares, PIA's delisting and the subsequent listing of HoldCo shares on the PSX represent a significant milestone in the airline's transformation and potential privatization.

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