Brian Riley – RA Chairman
Following Friday’s announcement of Phumelela’s Business Rescue and the emergence of a Racing Restructuring Team, questions have been asked.
Like, are they not conflicted?
Racing Association Directors should surely be acting for their members and owners first and foremost.
They sanctioned a stakes bale-out to help Phumelela and now they are the bridge linking the cash investment and the floundering operator, while representing the best interests of the vulnerable stakeholders. Can they really lie in so many beds and wear so many hats?
Turf Talk got Racing’s Restructuring Team (RTT) under the chairmanship of Brian Riley to answer questions surrounding Phumelela’s Business Rescue, the Post Commencement Finance, the continued involvement of RA directors and the immediate future of racing.
- Q: Who are you/ Why are you doing this?
A: Mary Oppenheimer Daughters (MOD) refers to the family office of Mary Slack (nee Oppenheimer) and her four daughters. MOD provides a range of services to the family and their various interests. MOD is involved in order to protect, secure and advance the interests of all racing’s stakeholders through the considered restructuring, transformation and re-capitalization of the horse racing industry.
- Q: What is Post Commencement Finance? (PCF)
A: PCF is finance provided to a company once business rescue proceedings have commenced.
- Q: Will PGL survive business rescue? Not many companies do. What makes this situation different or is this the beginning of the end?
A: The post commencement funding allows sufficient time for a suitable deal to be negotiated by the Business Rescue Practitioner and stakeholders. Many Companies entering Business Rescue do not receive such funding.
- Q: What is the difference between the old PGL and the new one under Business Rescue?
A: The affairs of PGL will be overseen by a Business Rescue Practitioner who is experienced in working with parties who are financially distressed, their creditors and other stakeholders.
- Q: If we do not race for another month or two will PGL run out of money?
A: It is anticipated that the funds provided will be sufficient for PGL to continue operations for a short period. However, the sooner we race here and around the world the better for all in the industry.
- Q: Has Covid-19 and Governments approach to it killed racing?
A: Zero revenue for the last few weeks has certainly brought the industry to its knees and in PGL’s case likely precipitated a Business Rescue.
- Q: How does this affect racing and the racing industry?
A: For now, when allowed by Government it is envisaged that races will continue with PGL continuing to operate Business Rescue.
- Q: What are the consequences for the stakes arrangement?
A: Stakes will still be paid under the condition of the PCF at the levels previously agreed by PGL until the end of the season. A new stakes agreement will be negotiated.
- Q: Does this have Government support? Have you liaised with government?
A: Some engagement has taken place and from meetings with various Government Departments it appears likely that a master plan for the industry will be agreed.
- Q: Are you going to buy back the race courses?
A: A potential transaction is still in its infancy. We are unable to comment at this stage, however race courses need to be secured for the sustainability of the sport.
- Q: Is transformation factored into the negotiations?
A: It is certainly envisaged at this stage.
- Q: How long before a deal is done?
A: A minimum of 3 months and probably longer.
- Q: Will we be updated regularly?
A: Negotiations are usually concluded under a Non-Disclosure Agreement and therefore until a deal is reached (or not) very little can be shared. Unfortunately, these things take time and patience is required.
- Q: Are the Racing Association Directors conflicted in offering advice to MOD?
A: On legal advisement it is believed not. They are acting for no financial consideration, in the interests of the horse racing industry and with the full support of the previous and current Racing Association Boards as well as other leading industry bodies. However, if any conflicts emerge at any point, appropriate steps will be taken to ensure conflicted parties are excluded from negotiations and decisions.
- Turf Talk
