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EXHIBIT 99.(a)(1)(i)
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC. (THE “FUND”)
OFFER
TO REPURCHASE UP TO 100% OF THE FUND’S
ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING PREFERRED STOCK,
PAR VALUE $0.001 PER SHARE (THE “PREFERRED SHARES”),
AT 99% OF NET ASSET VALUE,
IN EXCHANGE FOR PORTFOLIO SECURITIES OF THE FUND
THIS REPURCHASE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON
AUGUST 14, 2009, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FUND HAS UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVED THE OFFER TO REPURCHASE AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY. NEITHER THE FUND NOR
ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION TO ANY PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS AS TO WHETHER TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE OFFER. PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO EVALUATE CAREFULLY ALL INFORMATION IN
THIS OFFER TO REPURCHASE, AND TO CONSULT THEIR OWN FINANCIAL AND TAX ADVISORS AND MAKE THEIR OWN
DECISIONS WHETHER OR NOT TO PRESENT PREFERRED SHARES FOR REDEMPTION.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION
WITH THE OFFER OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED HEREIN AND IN THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, AND IF GIVEN OR
MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MAY NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE
FUND. IN ADDITION, THE FUND HAS BEEN ADVISED THAT SOME OF THE DIRECTORS OF THE FUND MAY TENDER
SOME OR ALL OF THEIR PREFERRED SHARES PURSUANT TO THE OFFER.
IMPORTANT
Any holder of the Fund’s Preferred Shares (a “Preferred Stockholder”) desiring to tender any
portion of his or her Preferred Shares should either (1) complete and sign the Letter of
Transmittal, and mail or deliver the Letter of Transmittal with his or her certificates for the
tendered Preferred Shares if such Preferred Stockholder has been issued physical certificates, or
mail or deliver signature guarantees for all uncertificated Preferred Shares being tendered, and
any other required documents to Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the “Depositary”), or (2)
request his or her broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee to effect the
transaction for him or her. Any Preferred Stockholder having Preferred Shares registered in the
name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee is urged to contact such
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee if he or she desires to tender
Preferred Shares so registered.
If you do not wish to tender your Preferred Shares, you need not take any action.
July 13, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PAGE |
| SUMMARY TERM SHEET |
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2 |
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| INTRODUCTION |
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6 |
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1.
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Terms of the Offer; Expiration Date.
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2.
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Acceptance for Payment and Payment for Preferred Shares.
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3.
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Procedure for Tendering Preferred Shares.
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4.
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Rights of Withdrawal.
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15 |
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5.
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Source and Amount of Funds; Effect of the Offer.
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16 |
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6.
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Purpose of the Offer; Plans or Proposals of the Fund.
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7.
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Factors to Consider Regarding the Decision to Participate in the Offer.
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8.
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NAV and Market Price Range of Preferred Shares; Dividends.
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9.
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Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Offer.
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10.
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Selected Financial Information.
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11.
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Certain Information Concerning the Fund and the Fund’s
Investment Adviser.
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12.
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Interest of Directors and Officers; Transactions and Arrangements
Concerning the Preferred Shares.
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13.
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Certain Legal Matters; Regulatory Approvals.
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14.
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Certain Conditions of the Offer.
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15.
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Fees and Expenses.
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16.
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Miscellaneous.
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17.
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Contacting the Depositary.
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SUMMARY TERM SHEET
This Summary Term Sheet highlights certain information concerning this Offer. To understand the
Offer fully and for a more complete discussion of the terms and conditions of the Offer, you should
read carefully this entire Offer to Repurchase and the related Letter of Transmittal.
WHAT IS THE TENDER OFFER?
The Fund
is offering to repurchase up to 100% of its issued and outstanding Preferred Shares at 99%
of the per Preferred Share net asset value determined as of the close of regular trading on the New
York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) on the Expiration Date (as defined below) (the “Repurchase Price”)
in exchange for Portfolio Securities (the “Offer”). Portfolio Securities are defined as a pro-rata
portion of each of the securities (other than short-term fixed income securities with maturities of
less than one year, securities with transfer restrictions and certain illiquid securities), subject
to adjustments for fractional shares and odd lots, and any cash held in the Fund’s investment
portfolio at the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the Expiration Date.
2
WHEN WILL THE TENDER OFFER EXPIRE, AND MAY THE OFFER BE EXTENDED?
The Offer
will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 14, 2009, unless extended (the
“Expiration Date”). The Fund may extend the period of time the Offer will be open by issuing a
press release or making some other public announcement by no later than the next business day after
the Offer otherwise would have expired. See Section 1 of this Offer to Repurchase.
WHAT IS THE NET ASSET VALUE PER PREFERRED SHARE AS OF A RECENT DATE?
As of
July 10, 2009, the net asset value per Preferred Share was
$6.37. See Section 8 of this
Offer to Repurchase for additional information regarding net asset values and market prices. During
the pendency of the Offer, current net asset value will be calculated
on a weekly basis (after the close of regular trading on the NYSE
every Friday), and quotations can be obtained by calling the Fund’s
toll free number at 866-700-6104 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., central time, Monday through
Friday (except holidays).
WILL THE NET ASSET VALUE BE HIGHER OR LOWER ON THE DATE THAT THE PRICE TO BE PAID (IN PORTFOLIO
SECURITIES) FOR TENDERED PREFERRED SHARES IS TO BE DETERMINED?
No one can accurately predict the net asset value on a future date, but you should realize that the
net asset value on the date the Repurchase Price for tendered Preferred Shares is to be determined
may be higher or lower than the net asset value on July 10, 2009.
HOW DO I TENDER MY PREFERRED SHARES?
If your Preferred Shares are registered in your name, you should obtain and read the tender offer
materials, including this Offer to Repurchase and the related Letter of Transmittal, and if you
should decide to tender, complete a Letter of Transmittal and submit any other documents required
by the Letter of Transmittal. These materials must be received by the Depositary, in
proper form before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 14, 2009 (unless the tender offer is
extended by the Fund, in which case the new deadline will be stated in the public announcement of
the extension). If your Preferred Shares are held by a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust
company or other nominee (e.g., in street name), you should contact that firm to obtain the package
of information necessary to make your decision, and you can only tender your Preferred Shares by
directing that firm to complete, compile and deliver the necessary documents for submission to the
Depositary by August 14, 2009 (or if the Offer is extended, the expiration date as extended).
See Section 3 of this Offer to Repurchase.
IS THERE ANY COST TO ME TO TENDER?
No fees or commission will be payable to the Fund in connection with the Offer. However, brokers,
dealers or other persons may charge Preferred Stockholders a fee to tender their Preferred Shares
pursuant to this Offer. See the Letter of Transmittal.
3
MAY I WITHDRAW MY PREFERRED SHARES AFTER I HAVE TENDERED THEM AND, IF SO, BY WHEN?
Yes, you may withdraw your Preferred Shares at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
August 14, 2009 (or if the offer is extended, at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time,
on the new expiration date). Withdrawn Preferred Shares may be re-tendered by following the tender
procedures before the Offer expires (including any extension period). See Section 4 of this Offer
to Repurchase.
HOW DO I WITHDRAW TENDERED PREFERRED SHARES?
A notice of withdrawal of tendered Preferred Shares must be timely received by the Depositary,
which notice specifies the name of the Preferred Stockholder who tendered the Preferred Shares, the
number of Preferred Shares being withdrawn (which must be all of the Preferred Shares tendered)
and, with respect to share certificates representing tendered Preferred Shares that have been
delivered or otherwise identified to the Depositary, the name of the registered owner of such
Preferred Shares if different from the person who tendered the Preferred Shares. See Section 4 of
this Offer to Repurchase.
MAY I PLACE ANY CONDITIONS ON MY TENDER OF PREFERRED SHARES?
No.
IS THERE A LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF PREFERRED SHARES I MAY TENDER?
No. See Section 1 of this Offer to Repurchase.
IF I DECIDE NOT TO TENDER, HOW WILL THE TENDER OFFER AFFECT THE PREFERRED SHARES I HOLD?
Your percentage ownership interest in the Preferred Shares of the Fund will increase after
completion of the Offer.
IF PREFERRED SHARES I TENDER ARE ACCEPTED BY THE FUND, WHEN WILL I RECEIVE THE PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
?
It is contemplated that in-kind payment for tendered Preferred Shares, if accepted, will be made as
soon as reasonably practicable after the Expiration Date.
4
IS MY SALE OF PREFERRED SHARES IN THE TENDER OFFER A TAXABLE TRANSACTION?
For most Preferred Stockholders, yes. It is expected that all U.S. Preferred Stockholders, other
than those who are tax-exempt, who sell Preferred Shares in the Offer will recognize gain or loss
for U.S. federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the value of the Portfolio
Securities they receive for the Preferred Shares repurchased and their adjusted basis in those
Preferred Shares. It is possible, however, that for U.S. federal income tax purposes a Preferred
Stockholder, other than a tax-exempt Preferred Stockholder, may be taxed on the entire amount paid
to such Preferred Stockholder as if it were a dividend. See Section 9 of this Offer to Repurchase
for details, including the nature of any income or loss and the differing rules for U.S. and
non-U.S. Preferred Stockholders. Please consult your tax advisor as well.
IS THE FUND REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE TENDER OFFER AND PURCHASE ALL PREFERRED SHARES TENDERED UP TO
THE MAXIMUM OF THE OFFER?
Under most circumstances, yes. There are certain circumstances, however, in which the Fund will not
be required to purchase any Preferred Shares tendered as described below.
IS THERE ANY REASON PREFERRED SHARES TENDERED WOULD NOT BE ACCEPTED?
In addition to those circumstances described in Section 14 of this Offer to Repurchase in which the
Fund is not required to accept tendered Preferred Shares, the Fund has reserved the right to reject
any and all tenders determined by it not to be in appropriate form. For example, tenders will be
rejected if the tender does not include the original signature(s) or the original of any required
signature guarantee(s).
WHAT ACTION NEED I TAKE IF I DECIDE NOT TO TENDER MY PREFERRED SHARES?
None.
DOES MANAGEMENT ENCOURAGE PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TENDER OFFER, AND WILL
MANAGEMENT PARTICIPATE IN THE TENDER OFFER?
None of the Fund, its Board of Directors nor the Fund’s investment adviser, Pichardo Asset
Management, S.A. de C.V., is making any recommendation to tender or not to tender Preferred Shares
in the Offer. Some Directors of the Fund have indicated their intention to tender some or all of
their Preferred Shares. See Section 6 of this Offer to Repurchase.
5
\
TO ALL PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS
OF
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC. (THE “FUND”)
INTRODUCTION
The Fund, a Maryland corporation registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the “1940 Act”), as a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company, hereby offers to
repurchase up to 100% of its issued and outstanding shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per
share (“Preferred Shares”), or up to 603,001 issued and outstanding Preferred Shares, upon the
terms and subject to the conditions contained in the Offer to
Repurchase dated July 13, 2009,
and the related Letter of Transmittal that are filed as exhibits to the Schedule TO, at 99% of the
per Preferred Share net asset value (“NAV”) determined as of the close of regular trading on the
New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) on the Expiration Date (the “Repurchase Price”) in exchange
for Portfolio Securities (as defined below) (the “Offer”). Portfolio Securities are defined as a
pro-rata portion of each of the securities (other than short-term fixed income securities with
maturities of less than one year, securities with transfer restrictions and certain illiquid
securities), subject to adjustments for fractional shares and odd lots, and any cash held in the
Fund’s investment portfolio at the close of business on the Expiration Date. The Offer will expire
at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 14, 2009, unless extended (the “Expiration Date”).
The Fund is mailing materials for the Offer to holders of Preferred Shares (“Preferred
Stockholders”), on or about July 15, 2009.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION
WITH THE OFFER OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED HEREIN AND IN THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, AND IF GIVEN OR
MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MAY NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE
FUND. IN ADDITION, THE FUND HAS BEEN ADVISED THAT SOME DIRECTORS OF THE FUND MAY TENDER SOME OR
ALL OF THEIR PREFERRED SHARES PURSUANT TO THE OFFER.
As of
July 10, 2009, there were 603,001 shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding, and
the NAV was $6.37 per Preferred Share. The Fund does not expect that the number of Preferred
Shares issued and outstanding will be materially different on the Expiration Date. Preferred
Stockholders may contact the Fund directly at its toll free number, 866-700-6104 to obtain current
NAV quotations for the Preferred Shares.
The Fund’s Preferred Shares are currently listed for trading on the NYSE under the symbol “MXE-Pr.”
You may continue to purchase and sell Preferred Shares in cash transactions over the NYSE. This
Offer is an alternative means to permit you to sell your Preferred Shares to the Fund in exchange
for Portfolio Securities. In order to participate in the Offer, you must provide information
regarding a Mexican brokerage or custodial account available to or established by you which can
receive the Portfolio Securities (the “Mexican Account”).
Tendering Preferred Stockholders may be obligated to pay brokerage fees or, subject to Instruction
6 of the Letter of Transmittal, transfer taxes on the Preferred Shares.
6
Background
The purpose of the Offer is to provide holders of Preferred Shares with an alternative source of
liquidity for their Preferred Shares in addition to cash sales of Preferred Shares on the NYSE, to
enhance Preferred Stockholder value and to help narrow the discount to net asset value at which
Preferred Shares trade. The Offer provides holders of Preferred Shares with the opportunity to
redeem their Preferred Shares in-kind (i.e., in exchange for Portfolio Securities) in order to
realize close to net asset value for their Preferred Shares.
This Offer
is related to the Fund’s previous rights offerings for the Preferred Shares pursuant to
registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (the “Registration
Statements”), in which the Board stated its intention to conduct an offer to repurchase in-kind up
to 100% of the Fund’s issued and outstanding Preferred Shares on a semi-annual basis. The Offer will
be the fourth and final time the Fund will conduct such a repurchase offer for its issued and outstanding
Preferred Shares.
The sale proceeds of the Offer will be remitted in Portfolio Securities except for (a) securities
which, if distributed, would be required to be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the “Securities Act”); (b) securities issued by entities in countries which restrict or
prohibit the holding of securities by non-nationals other than through qualified investment
vehicles; and (c) certain portfolio assets (such as forward currency exchange contracts, futures
and options contracts and repurchase agreements) that, although they may be liquid and marketable,
involve the assumption of contractual obligations, require special trading facilities or can only
be traded with the counterparty to the transaction in order to effect a change in beneficial
ownership. With respect to the Portfolio Securities, as to fractional shares and/or odd lots of
securities and/or amounts attributable to any cash position (including short-term non-equity
securities), the Fund will (a) pay cash for fractional shares and/or odd lots of securities and/or
amounts attributable to any cash position (including short-term non-equity securities); (b) round
off (up or down) odd lots or fractional shares so as to eliminate them prior to distribution; or
(c) pay a higher pro-rata percentage of equity securities to represent such items. The choice of
option (a), (b) or (c) with respect to the treatment of fractional shares and/or odd lots of
securities is at the discretion of the Fund.
The Offer also is intended to insulate Preferred Stockholders who choose not to participate from
bearing any portion of the significant unrealized capital gains of the Fund which would be realized
if the Fund sold the Portfolio Securities in order to satisfy redemption requests in cash.
Any
Preferred Stockholder desiring to tender any
portion of his or her Preferred Shares should either (1) complete and sign the Letter of
Transmittal, and mail or deliver the Letter of Transmittal with his or her certificates for the
tendered Preferred Shares if such Preferred Stockholder has been issued physical certificates, or
mail or deliver signature guarantees for all uncertificated Preferred Shares being tendered, and
any other required documents to Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the “Depositary”), or (2)
request his or her broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee to effect the
transaction for him or her. Any Preferred Stockholder having Preferred Shares registered in the
name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee is urged to contact
7
such broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee if he or she desires to tender
Preferred Shares so registered.
IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO PRESENT YOUR PREFERRED SHARES FOR REDEMPTION IN THE OFFER, YOU NEED NOT TAKE
ANY ACTION.
THIS OFFER IS BEING EXTENDED TO ALL PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS OF THE FUND AND IS SUBJECT TO CERTAIN
CONDITIONS AS OUTLINED HEREIN AND IN THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. SEE SECTIONS 3 AND 14 OF THIS
OFFER TO REPURCHASE.
NEITHER THE FUND NOR ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION TO ANY PREFERRED STOCKHOLDER
AS TO WHETHER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OFFER. PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO EVALUATE CAREFULLY
ALL INFORMATION IN THIS OFFER TO REPURCHASE, CONSULT THEIR OWN FINANCIAL AND TAX ADVISORS AND MAKE
THEIR OWN DECISIONS WHETHER OR NOT TO PRESENT PREFERRED SHARES FOR REDEMPTION.
THE FUND HAS BEEN ADVISED THAT ITS DIRECTORS MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE OFFER.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION
WITH THE OFFER OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED HEREIN OR IN THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. IF GIVEN OR
MADE, ANY INFORMATION AND REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE
FUND OR THE INVESTMENT ADVISER.
PARTICIPATING PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS WILL BE RECEIVING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES WHICH WILL INCLUDE
SHARES OF MEXICAN PUBLIC COMPANIES. INFORMATION ABOUT MEXICAN PUBLIC COMPANIES MAY BE LESS
EXTENSIVE THAN U.S. PUBLIC COMPANIES, IS LIKELY TO BE IN SPANISH, AND MAY NOT BE AS ACCURATE OR
CURRENT. PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS MAY WISH TO CONDUCT THEIR OWN INVESTMENT RESEARCH AND/OR CONSULT
THEIR FINANCIAL ADVISOR.
1. Terms of the Offer; Expiration Date.
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Offer to Repurchase, the Fund will
accept, for in-kind redemption, up to 100% of its issued and outstanding Preferred Shares, or up to
603,001 issued and outstanding Preferred Shares, at 99% of the per Preferred Share net asset value
determined as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the Expiration Date in exchange for
Portfolio Securities.
If the number of Preferred Shares properly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date
is less than or equal to 100% of its issued and outstanding shares of Preferred Shares (the “Offer
Amount”), the Fund will, upon the terms and conditions of the Offer, redeem all Preferred
8
Shares so tendered. A Preferred Stockholder may tender some or all of the Preferred Shares owned by
such Preferred Stockholder.
If a Preferred Stockholder decides against continuing to own Preferred Shares of the Fund,
consideration should be given to the relative benefits and costs of tendering Preferred Shares at
net asset value pursuant to the Offer versus selling Preferred Shares at the market price with the
associated transaction costs.
The Fund expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, at any time or from time to time, to
extend the period of time during which the Offer is open by giving oral or written notice of such
extension to the Depositary. Any such extension will also be publicly announced by press release
issued no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously
scheduled Expiration Date. If the Fund makes a material change in the terms of the Offer or the
information concerning the Offer, or if it waives a material condition of the Offer, the Fund will
extend the Offer to the extent required by Rules 13e-4(d)(2) and 13e-4(e)(3) under the Exchange
Act. During any extension, all Preferred Shares previously tendered and not withdrawn will remain
subject to the Offer, subject to the right of a tendering Preferred Stockholder to withdraw his or
her Preferred Share(s).
The Fund has received an order from the SEC permitting any holder of voting securities of the Fund,
who may be deemed an “affiliated person” of the Fund within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the
1940 Act solely as a consequence of such stockholder’s ownership of 5% or more of the outstanding
voting securities of the Fund, to participate in this Offer and future in-kind tender offers.
2. Acceptance for Payment and Payment for Preferred Shares.
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, the Fund will accept for payment, and
will pay for, Preferred Shares validly submitted for repurchase on or before the Expiration Date
and not properly withdrawn in accordance with Section 4 as soon as practicable after the Expiration
Date. In all cases, payment for Preferred Shares submitted for repurchase and accepted for payment
pursuant to the Offer will be made only after timely receipt by the Depositary of certificates for
such Preferred Shares (unless such Preferred Shares are held in uncertificated form), a properly
completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal, together with any required signature guarantees,
and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal, including any necessary tax forms.
The Fund expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to delay the acceptance for payment
of, or payment for, Preferred Shares, in order to comply, in whole or in part, with any applicable
law.
For purposes of the Offer, the Fund will be deemed to have accepted for payment Preferred Shares
validly submitted for repurchase and not withdrawn as, if and when the Fund gives oral or written
notice to the Depositary of its acceptance for payment of such Preferred Shares pursuant to the
Offer. The Depositary will, as the Fund’s transfer agent, cancel Preferred Shares accepted
9
for repurchase, and the Fund’s sub-custodian will transfer the Portfolio Securities to the Mexican
Accounts as promptly as practicable after the Expiration Date. Although the Fund will try to make
payment (in Portfolio Securities) for Preferred Shares repurchased as promptly as possible, the
Fund may be delayed in making payment, but such delays are likely to be the result of circumstances
beyond the Fund’s control. Under no circumstances will the Fund pay interest on the Repurchase
Price, regardless of any delay in making payment therefor. If any Preferred Shares submitted for
repurchase are not accepted for payment pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Offer for any
reason or are not paid because of an invalid submission (i) certificates for such unpurchased
Preferred Shares will be returned, without expense to the participating Preferred Stockholder, as
soon as practicable following expiration or termination of the Offer, and (ii) Preferred Shares
delivered pursuant to the Book-Entry Delivery Procedure (as defined in Section 3 below) will be
credited to the appropriate account maintained with the appropriate Book-Entry Transfer Facility
(as defined in Section 3 below).
If the Fund is delayed in payment for, or is unable to accept for payment or pay for, Preferred
Shares pursuant to the Offer for any reason, then, without prejudice to the Fund’s rights under the
Offer, the Depositary may, on behalf of the Fund, retain Preferred Shares submitted for repurchase,
and such Preferred Shares may not be withdrawn.
Participating Preferred Stockholders may be required to pay brokerage fees to a U.S. broker,
dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee in order to participate in the Offer.
Participating Preferred Stockholders may also be subject to certain tax consequences as discussed
in Section 9 of this Offer to Repurchase.
The Fund
publishes its net asset value per Share on a weekly basis after the close of
regular trading on the NYSE every Friday. The Fund’s Preferred Shares are listed for trading under the symbol
“MXE-Pr” on the NYSE. On July 10, 2009, the net
asset value per Preferred Share was $6.37 and
the Fund’s last reported sales price was $6.10 per Preferred
Share, representing a 4.24% discount
from the net asset value per Preferred Share. The Fund’s net asset value per Preferred Share will
be available weekly through the Expiration Date, through the Fund’s toll free number at
866-700-6104.
The Fund anticipates publishing the Fund’s investment portfolio via press release on the Expiration
Date. The Portfolio Securities to be received by participating Preferred Stockholders will be
pro-rata among tendering Preferred Stockholders in proportion to the number of Preferred Shares
tendered to the Fund by each such Preferred Stockholder.
Preferred Stockholders submitting Preferred Shares in the Offer must ensure that all required
information has been provided and is accurate. The Fund is not responsible for notifying Preferred
Stockholders of any inaccuracies or deficiencies in their submission and an invalid submission will
result in the return of Preferred Shares submitted for repurchase by a Preferred Stockholder.
Participating
Preferred Stockholders are reminded in this Offer
to Repurchase and the related Letter of Transmittal that certain Mexican securities brokers or
custodians might choose not to accept repurchase offer proceeds (portfolio securities of the Fund)
on the Expiration Date on behalf of participating Preferred Stockholder clients or might
10
delay acceptance of proceeds until certain additional instructions and confirmations required by
such Mexican securities brokers or custodians were received. Participating Preferred Stockholders
are advised to consult with their Mexican securities broker or custodian and to submit any
additional instructions or confirmations before the Expiration Date or as quickly as possible
thereafter to avoid any delay payment. In order to transfer all of the repurchase offer proceeds
on the Expiration Date, the Fund has established a segregated account with the Fund’s sub-custodian
to hold the repurchase offer proceeds for the benefit of the participating Preferred Stockholders
who had not submitted any additional instructions or confirmations sought by their Mexican Account
holder. The proceeds for each such Preferred Stockholder will be held in this segregated custodial
account until his or her Mexican securities broker or custodian notifies the Fund that the required
documentation has been received and that the repurchase offer proceeds will be accepted for their
participating Preferred Stockholder customer. At this point, the Fund will transfer the proceeds
for that Preferred Stockholder to his or her Mexican securities broker or custodian, for the
account of the Preferred Stockholder.
The Fund is neither responsible nor liable in any manner for any delay participating Preferred
Stockholders may experience (as well as any possible fluctuations in the value of the proceeds) in
the receipt of their repurchase offer proceeds as a result of these additional requirements imposed
by certain Mexican securities brokers or custodians. Participating Preferred Stockholders whose
Preferred Shares were accepted for repurchase by the Fund and who are affected by this additional
documentation requirement are urged to confirm with their Mexican securities broker or custodian
the receipt of their repurchase offer proceeds.
3. Procedure for Tendering Preferred Shares.
A. Proper Presentation of Preferred Shares for Redemption.
Preferred Stockholders having Preferred Shares that are registered in the name of a broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee should contact such firm if they desire to
participate in the Offer. For a Preferred Stockholder to properly submit Preferred Shares pursuant
to the Offer, either (a)(i) a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal and
certificates representing Preferred Shares (if certificated), together with any required signature
guarantees, and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal, including any required
U.S. tax information, must be transmitted to and received by the Depositary at the address set
forth on the last page of this Offer to Repurchase or, in the case of a book-entry transfer, an
Agent’s Message (as defined below), and DTC Delivery Election Form must be received by the
Depositary at the address set forth on the last page of this Offer to Repurchase prior to the
Expiration Date and either the certificate for Fund shares must be transmitted to and received by
the Depositary at its address set forth on the last page of this Offer to Repurchase or the
participating Preferred Stockholder must comply with the Book-Entry Delivery Procedure set forth in
this Section 3, or (b) participating Preferred Stockholders must comply with the Guaranteed
Delivery Procedures set forth in this Section 3, in all cases prior to the Expiration Date.
Letters of Transmittal and certificates representing Preferred Shares presented for redemption
should NOT be sent or delivered to the Fund. Preferred Stockholders who do not have Preferred
Shares registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other
11
nominee may wish to contact one of these entities and deposit their Preferred Shares with it and
seek its assistance in submitting the documents (including the Mexican Account information) for
participation in the Offer.
Participating Preferred Stockholders must submit instructions as to brokerage or custodial
arrangements entered into with appropriate Mexican stock brokers or Mexican banks, i.e. the Mexican
Account, required in the transmittal documents in order to have validly presented Preferred Shares
for participation in the Offer. The forms for these instructions appear in the Letter of
Transmittal and, in the case of brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies or other
nominees submitting Preferred Shares on behalf of clients, on the DTC Delivery Election Form.
The term “Agent’s Message” means a message transmitted by a Book-Entry Transfer Facility (as
defined in Part C below) to, and received by, the Depositary and forming a part of a Book-Entry
Delivery Procedure (as defined in Part C below), which states that such Book-Entry Transfer
Facility has received an express acknowledgement from the participant in such Book-Entry Transfer
Facility submitted the Preferred Shares for repurchase that such participant has received and
agrees to be bound by the terms of the Letter of Transmittal and that the Fund may enforce such
agreement against such participant.
Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14e-4 promulgated thereunder prohibit both “short”
redemption requests and “hedged” redemption requests by any person, whether acting alone or in
concert with others. It is a violation of Rule 14e-4 under the Exchange Act for a person to request
redemption of Preferred Shares unless the person requesting redemption (i) has a net long position
equal to or greater than the amount as to which a redemption request has been made in Preferred
Shares presented for redemption, and (ii) will cause these Preferred Shares to be delivered in
accordance with the terms of the Offer.
The acceptance by the Fund of Preferred Shares for repurchase will constitute a binding agreement
between the participating Preferred Stockholder and the Fund upon the terms and subject to the
conditions of the Offer, including the participating Preferred Stockholder’s representation that
(i) the Preferred Stockholder has a net long position in the Preferred Shares being presented for
redemption within the meaning of Rule 14e-4 under the Exchange Act, and (ii) the presentation of
Preferred Shares for redemption complies with Rule 14e-4.
B. Signature Guarantees and Method of Delivery.
No signature guarantee is required on the Letter of Transmittal if (a) the Letter of Transmittal is
signed by the registered holder(s) (which includes any participant in the Depository Trust Company
(“DTC”) book-entry transfer facility whose name appears on DTC’s security position listing as the
owner of Fund shares) of Preferred Shares presented for redemption, or (b) Preferred Shares are
presented for redemption for the account of a firm (an “Eligible Institution”) which is a bank,
broker, dealer, credit union, savings association or other entity which is a member in good
standing of a Stock Transfer Association approved medallion program (such as STAMP, SEMP or MSP).
In all other cases, all signatures on the Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by an Eligible
Institution. See the Letter of Transmittal, “Instructions Forming Part of the Terms and Conditions
of the Offer.”
12
Signature(s) on the Letter of Transmittal by the registered holder(s) of Preferred Shares submitted
for redemption must correspond with the name(s) as written on the face of the certificate(s)
without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever.
If any of the Preferred Shares presented for redemption are owned of record by two or more joint
owners, all such owners must sign the Letter of Transmittal.
If any of the Preferred Shares presented for redemption are registered in different names on
several certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate Letters of
Transmittal as there are different registrations of certificates.
If the Letter of Transmittal or any certificates or stock powers are signed by trustees, executors,
administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a
fiduciary or representative capacity, they should so indicate when signing, and proper evidence
satisfactory to the Fund of their authority to act must be submitted. “Satisfactory” evidence is in
the sole discretion of the Fund.
C. Book-Entry Delivery Procedure.
The Depositary will establish an account with respect to the Preferred Shares at DTC for purposes
of the Offer within two business days after the date of this Offer to Repurchase (the “Book-Entry
Transfer Facility”). Any financial institution that is a participant in the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility’s systems may make delivery of Preferred Shares submitted for redemption by causing (i)
such Book-Entry Transfer Facility to transfer such Preferred Shares into the Depositary’s account
in accordance with such Book-Entry Transfer Facility’s procedure for such transfer; and (ii) a
confirmation of receipt of such delivery to be received by the Depositary (the “Book-Entry Delivery
Procedure”). The Book-Entry Transfer Facility may charge the account of such financial institution
for submitted Preferred Shares on behalf of participating Preferred Stockholders. Notwithstanding
that delivery of Preferred Shares may be effected in accordance with this Book-Entry Delivery
Procedure, the DTC Delivery Election Form and Authorization Instructions Form must be transmitted
to and received by the Depositary at the appropriate address set forth on the last page of this
Offer to Repurchase before the Expiration Date or the participating Preferred Stockholder must
comply with the Guaranteed Delivery Procedure set forth below (which requires submission of the
Authorization Instructions Form).
Delivery of documents to a Book-Entry Transfer Facility in accordance with such Book-Entry Transfer
Facility’s procedures does not constitute delivery to the Depositary for purposes of this Offer.
D. Guaranteed Delivery Procedure.
If certificates for Preferred Shares are not immediately available or time will not permit the
Letter of Transmittal and other required documents to reach the Depositary prior to the Expiration
Date, Preferred Shares may be properly submitted for redemption provided that:
(i) the submission is made by or through an Eligible Institution, as defined above;
13
(ii) a properly completed and executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, DTC Delivery Election
Form and Authorization Instructions Form, substantially in the form provided by the Fund, is
received by the Depositary by the Expiration Date; and
(iii) the Fund Share certificates evidencing all Preferred Shares, in proper form for
transfer, or a Book-Entry Confirmation, together with the Letter of Transmittal properly completed
and executed with any required signature guarantees (or, in the case of a book-entry transfer, an
Agent’s Message) and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal, are received by the
Depositary within three NYSE trading days after the date of execution of the Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery.
The Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be delivered by hand to the Depositary or transmitted by
telegram, facsimile transmission or mailed to the Depositary and must include a guarantee by an
Eligible Institution in the form set forth in such Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, repurchase of Preferred Shares accepted for repurchase
pursuant to the Offer will in all cases be made only after timely receipt by the Depositary of
(a) certificates for (or a timely receipt of confirmation with respect to such Preferred Shares)
(b) a Letter of Transmittal, properly completed and duly executed, with any required signature
guarantees, or, in the case of a book-entry transfer, an Agent’s Message, and (c) any other
documents required by the Letter of Transmittal. Accordingly, participating Preferred Stockholders
may be paid at different times depending upon when certificates for Preferred Shares or
confirmations of receipt for such Preferred Shares are actually received by the Depositary.
E. Determination of Validity.
All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance of
Preferred Shares presented for redemption will be determined by the Fund, in its sole discretion,
and the determination shall be final and binding. The Fund reserves the absolute right to reject
any or all presentations for redemption determined not to be in appropriate form or to refuse to
accept for payment, repurchase or pay for any Preferred Shares if, in the opinion of the Fund’s
counsel, accepting, repurchasing or paying for the Preferred Shares would be unlawful. The Fund
also reserves the absolute right to waive any of the conditions of the Offer or any defect in any
redemption, whether generally or with respect to any particular Preferred Share(s) or Preferred
Stockholder(s). The Fund’s interpretations of the terms and conditions of the Offer shall be final
and binding.
NONE OF THE FUND, THE INVESTMENT ADVISER, THE DEPOSITARY, THE SUB-CUSTODIAN OR ANY OTHER PERSON IS
OR WILL BE OBLIGATED TO GIVE ANY NOTICE OF DEFECTS OR IRREGULARITIES, OR WAIVERS OF DEFECTS OR
IRREGULARITIES IN A REDEMPTION REQUEST, AND NONE OF THEM WILL INCUR ANY LIABILITY FOR FAILURE TO DO
SO.
The method of delivery of Preferred Shares, the Letter of Transmittal, and any other required
documents, including delivery through the Book-Entry Transfer Facility, is at the election and risk
of the participating Preferred Stockholder. Preferred Shares will be deemed delivered only
14
when actually received by the Depositary (including, in the case of a Book-Entry Transfer, by
confirmation of receipt of delivery received by the Depositary). If delivery is by mail, registered
mail with return receipt requested, properly insured, is recommended. In all cases, sufficient time
should be allowed to ensure timely delivery.
F. Federal Income Tax Withholding.
To prevent U.S. federal income tax backup withholding at a rate generally equal to 30% of the gross
payments made pursuant to the Offer, each participating U.S. Preferred Stockholder who has not
previously submitted a correct, completed and signed Form W-9 to the Fund or does not otherwise
establish an exemption from withholding must notify the Depositary of the Preferred Stockholder’s
correct taxpayer identification number (or certify that the taxpayer is awaiting a taxpayer
identification number) and provide certain other information by completing the Substitute Form W-9
included in the Letter of Transmittal. Certain U.S. Preferred Stockholders (including, among
others, all corporations) are not subject to these backup withholding requirements.
Participating non-U.S. Preferred Stockholders who have not previously submitted a correct,
completed and signed Form W-8 to the Fund must submit a form to the Depositary in order to avoid
backup withholding. For those Preferred Stockholders, a copy of Form W-8 is included with the
Letter of Transmittal.
Failure to submit the documentation described above or establish an exemption necessary to prevent
backup withholding will result in an invalid submission of Preferred Shares for participation in
the Offer and, accordingly, the Preferred Stockholder’s submitted Preferred Shares will not be
accepted for repurchase.
For a discussion of certain other U.S. federal income tax consequences to participating Preferred
Stockholders, see Section 9.
4. Rights of Withdrawal.
A request for redemption of Preferred Shares made pursuant to the Offer may be withdrawn at any
time prior to the Expiration Date. After the Expiration Date (including any date to which the Offer
is extended), all redemption requests made pursuant to the Offer are irrevocable.
To be effective, a written, telegraphic or facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal must be
timely received by the Depositary at its address set forth on the last page of this Offer to
Repurchase. Any notice of withdrawal must specify the name of the person who executed the
particular Letter of Transmittal or Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, the number of Preferred Shares
to be withdrawn, and the names in which the Preferred Shares to be withdrawn are registered. Any
signature on the notice of withdrawal must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution. If
certificates have been delivered to the Depositary, the name of the registered holder and the
serial numbers of the particular certificates evidencing the Preferred Shares withdrawn must also
be furnished to the Depositary. If Preferred Shares have been delivered pursuant to the Book-Entry
Delivery Procedure set forth in Section 3 of this Offer to Repurchase, any notice of withdrawal
must specify the name and number of the account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to be credited
with the withdrawn Preferred Shares (which must be the same name, number and
15
Book-Entry Transfer Facility from which the Preferred Shares were submitted for redemption, and
must comply with the procedures of the Book-Entry Transfer Facility).
Preferred Shares may be submitted again after a withdrawal has been made if the necessary documents
and procedures for the submission of Preferred Shares for participation in the Offer are followed
as described in this Offer to Repurchase.
5. Source and Amount of Funds; Effect of the Offer.
The actual cost of the Offer cannot be determined at this time because the number of Preferred
Shares to be repurchased will depend on the number of Preferred Shares submitted for redemption,
and the Repurchase Price will be determined on the Expiration Date. The Fund has the resources
necessary to make payment for Preferred Shares submitted for repurchase in the Offer since the Fund
will distribute to Preferred Stockholders participating in the Repurchase Offer the Portfolio
Securities.
Participating Preferred Stockholders may experience a delay in the reregistration of the Portfolio
Securities received as proceeds from the Offer due to the process of transferring title and
verification of Mexican Account information. Participating Preferred Stockholders who hold and
present their Preferred Shares in the name of a broker, dealer, financial institution or other
nominee will receive the Portfolio Securities to which they are entitled in the name of their
broker, dealer, financial institution or other nominee. It will be the responsibility of such
brokers, dealers, financial institutions or other nominees to calculate and distribute or credit
either fractional shares or cash in respect of fractional shares, at their election, to their
clients’ accounts. Participating Preferred Stockholders will have to confirm that the correct
number of Portfolio Securities has been credited to the participating Preferred Stockholders by the
participating Preferred Stockholder’s broker or agent.
The Fund anticipates publishing the identity of the Portfolio Securities via press release on the
Expiration Date.
Under no circumstances will the Fund pay interest to participating Preferred Stockholders for
Preferred Shares redeemed, regardless of any delay in making payment therefor. Participating
Preferred Stockholders will not be obligated to pay the Fund brokerage commissions or fees in
connection with their demand to redeem Preferred Shares, although a participating Preferred
Stockholder’s broker may charge a processing fee for assistance in transmitting the required
documentation for participation in the Offer to the Depositary, and a participating Preferred
Stockholder may incur expenses associated with establishment of the Mexican Account to receive the
Portfolio Securities plus fees, expenses and brokerage commissions associated with the disposal or
retention of such Portfolio Securities. The fact that Preferred Shares are being repurchased at 99%
of the net asset value per Preferred Share reflects that all redemptions affected by the Fund
pursuant to the Offer will bear the administrative costs and expenses incurred in transferring
Portfolio Securities from the Fund to the participating Preferred Stockholders. The Fund estimates
that expenses related to the Offer will be $40,000, including legal, accounting, filing, printing,
Depositary fees. To the extent expenses exceed 1% of the Fund’s assets to be repurchased, the Fund
will absorb the remaining expenses.
16
The repurchase of Preferred Shares pursuant to the Offer will have the effect of increasing the
proportionate interest in the Fund of non-participating holders of Preferred Shares and reducing
the net assets of the Fund. The reduced net assets of the Fund as a result of the Offer will result
in a higher expense ratio for the Fund. Additionally, a reduction in the number of Preferred Shares
issued and outstanding may reduce the liquidity and the depth of the trading market for the
Preferred Shares. All Preferred Shares repurchased by the Fund pursuant to the Offer will be
cancelled.
In addition, there is a risk that the Fund’s investments and the Portfolio Securities may
experience a decrease in value following the Offer depending on the level of participation in the
Offer and whether participating Preferred Stockholders choose to dispose of the Portfolio
Securities shortly after the Offer. Because of the size of the Fund and the characteristics of the
Mexican securities market, if a large percentage of Preferred Stockholders participate in the Offer
and choose to liquidate the Portfolio Securities shortly after they receive them, there could be an
adverse impact on the Mexican securities market and the market prices of the Portfolio Securities
and the Fund’s other investments, which risk affects all holders of Preferred Shares.
Because the proceeds of the Offer are Portfolio Securities, the Fund will not experience the
typical effects associated with a cash tender offer including the attendant risks of declining net
asset value because of significant market pressure to dispose of securities, increased Fund
brokerage and related transaction expenses, and the realization of capital gains by the Fund
accompanying the liquidation of portfolio securities for cash.
Participation in the Offer will, however, have certain tax consequences, risks and expenses as
further discussed below.
PRO FORMA CAPITALIZATION (1)
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustment For |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Repurchase at $6.31 |
| |
|
As
of July 10, 2009 |
|
Per Preferred Share(2) |
Total Net Assets |
|
$ |
53,129,029 |
|
|
$ |
49,324,093 |
|
Common Shares
Outstanding |
|
|
7,731,038 |
|
|
|
7,731,038 |
|
Preferred Shares
Outstanding |
|
|
603,001 |
|
|
|
— |
|
NAV Per Share (3) |
|
$ |
6.37 |
|
|
$ |
6.38 |
|
|
|
|
| (1) |
|
This table assumes purchase by the Fund of 603,001 Preferred
Shares, equal to 100% of the
Fund’s outstanding Preferred Shares as of July 10, 2009. |
| |
| (2) |
|
This amount represents 99% of net asset value per Preferred
Share as determined on July 10, 2009.
Preferred Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer will be repurchased at 99% of net
asset value per Preferred Share on the Expiration Date, which may be
more or less than $6.31 per Preferred Share, and the Pro Forma net asset value per Preferred Share also may be more or
less than that shown above. |
| |
| (3) |
|
The net asset value per share of capital stock of the Fund is normally determined on each business
day of the week that the NYSE is open, as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE, and is
determined by dividing the total net assets of the Fund by the
aggregate number of shares of common stock and Preferred Shares
outstanding. |
17
6. Purpose of the Offer; Plans or Proposals of the Fund.
Making payment for an in-kind tender offer will provide potential benefits to both participating
and non-participating holders of Preferred Shares and fulfill the Board’s commitment to
stockholders who acquired Preferred Shares. The potential benefits of the Offer arise from the
Fund’s closed-end fund structure, its investments in relatively less liquid securities, and its
maintenance of relatively small cash positions. Potential benefits of the Offer include:
| |
• |
|
avoiding a cascade of required liquidations and distributions that would be
associated with cash tender offers, and that would reduce the size of the Fund
drastically; |
| |
| |
• |
|
causing the tax burden of capital gains realized in connection with the Offer to be
borne only by participating Preferred Stockholders; |
| |
| |
• |
|
minimizing disruption to the investment management of the Fund and therefore
minimizing the impact on the investments of stockholders who remain invested in the
Fund after the Offer; |
| |
| |
• |
|
enhancing liquidity for the Fund’s Preferred Stockholders; and |
| |
| |
• |
|
assisting the Fund to maintain its status as a closed-end fund while potentially
addressing the discount to net asset value at which the Fund’s capital stock has
historically traded. |
Since the Fund’s inception, its capital stock has at times traded at a significant discount from
net asset value. Consequently, the Fund has taken several different measures to address such
discount. At a Meeting of the Board of Directors held on December 13, 2001, the Board of Directors
approved a tender offer (the “Tender”) for shares of the Fund’s common stock, $0.001 par value. The
Tender allowed the Fund to purchase up to 100% of each stockholder’s shares of common stock, not to
exceed 80% of the total outstanding shares of its common stock, for cash at a price equal to 100%
of our net asset value per share as of the closing date. The Tender commenced on February 19, 2002
and expired on March 20, 2002. In connection with the Tender, the Fund purchased 6,122,069 shares
of common stock at a total cost of $68,444,728. There were no gains or losses to the Fund because
the repurchase of tendered shares was executed at 100% of the Fund’s net asset value as calculated
on the Expiration Date. At a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors held on October 11, 1999,
the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program. Pursuant to the share repurchase
program, the Fund was authorized to commence a two phase share repurchase program for up to
2,800,000 shares of common stock, or approximately 25% of our then outstanding shares of common
stock, through a combination of share purchases and tender offers. During the years ended July 31,
2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005, the Fund made no repurchases pursuant to the program. Pursuant to the
share repurchase program, during the year ended July 31, 2001, the Fund purchased 174,000 shares of
common stock in the open market at a total cost of $1,703,552. The weighted average discount of
these purchases comparing the purchase price to the net asset value at the time of purchase was
9.01%. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2000, the Fund purchased 1,199,700 shares of common
stock in the open market at a total cost of $10,573,159. The weighted average discount of these
18
purchases comparing the purchase prices to the net asset value at the time of purchase was 16.40%.
This Offer
is related to the Fund’s previous rights offerings for the Preferred Shares pursuant to
the Registration Statements, in which the Board stated its intention to conduct an offer to
repurchase in-kind up to 25% of its issued and outstanding Preferred Shares on a semi-annual basis.
The Offer will be the final time the Fund will conduct such a repurchase offer for its issued and
outstanding Preferred Shares. The first tender offer, which expired
on Friday, November 16, 2007 at 5:00 P.M. EST, resulted in a total of
1,098,070 shares tendered by Preferred Stockholders, representing
approximately 77% of the Preferred Shares outstanding. The second
tender offer, which expired on Friday, June 27, 2008 at 5:00 P.M.
EST, resulted in a total of 845,328 shares tendered by Preferred
Stockholders, representing approximately 79% of the Preferred Shares
outstanding. The third tender offer, which expired on Friday,
December 26, 2008 at 5:00 P.M. EST, resulted in a total of
674,604 shares tendered by Preferred Stockholders, representing
approximately 84% of the Preferred Shares outstanding. Similar to the
guidelines stated for this Offer, the Portfolio Securities received by participating Preferred Stockholders were pro-rata
among tendering Preferred Stockholders in proportion to the number of
Preferred Shares tendered to the Fund by each Preferred
Stockholder.
As stated in Section 1 above, the Fund received an order from the SEC permitting any holder of
voting securities of the Fund, who may be deemed an “affiliated person” of the Fund within the
meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act solely as a consequence of such stockholder’s ownership
of 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, to participate in this Offer and
future in-kind tender offers.
The Offer has been provided to create greater liquidity in Preferred Shares by permitting Preferred
Stockholders to redeem their Preferred Shares other than through secondary market transactions and
has as a goal the ability of Preferred Stockholders to recoup the discount to net asset value per
Preferred Share, although there is no assurance that any of this goal will be achieved. Payment in
Portfolio Securities is expected to prevent the involuntary recognition and receipt by
non-participating stockholders of any portion of the unrealized capital gains which would be
realized if the Fund sold the Portfolio Securities in order to satisfy redemption requests in cash.
As discussed below, however, the Offer is generally a taxable transaction for participating
Preferred Stockholders.
The Offer has been unanimously approved by the Board. However, none of the members of the Board or
any of the Fund’s executive officers has made any recommendations to any Preferred Stockholders as
to whether to participate in the Offer. In making its decision, the Board considered the desire of
certain Preferred Stockholders to enhance stockholder value, reduce the discount at which the
Fund’s Preferred Shares are trading and realize close to net asset value for their Preferred
Shares. The Board also sought an alternative that would minimize adverse tax consequences to the
Fund and its stockholders. As discussed above, based on the Fund’s experience with other methods to
reduce the Fund’s market discount and consideration of the proposed Offer, the Board concluded that
the Offer is reasonably fair to all Preferred Stockholders.
7. Factors to Consider Regarding the Decision to Participate in the Offer.
The decision whether a Preferred Stockholder should participate in the Offer depends on the facts
and circumstances of each Preferred Stockholder. The Fund suggests that Preferred Stockholders
consider the expenses associated with participation in the Offer, including establishment of the
Mexican Account, and other related paperwork, the implications of owning Portfolio Securities and
the tax consequences of participation. Preferred Stockholders should also consider that the Fund
will be making future semi-annual in-kind repurchase offers.
Without consideration of any potential tax consequences to a Preferred Stockholder of participation
in the Offer, the actual per Preferred Share expense to a Preferred Stockholder of
19
participation depends on a number of factors, including the number of Preferred Shares submitted
for repurchase, the varying expenses associated with establishing the Mexican Account and/or
enlisting the assistance of a U.S. bank or broker which may charge clients a fee for submitting the
documentation necessary for participation. Moreover, participating Preferred Stockholders may incur
additional expenses following their participation in the Offer depending on whether they sell or
retain the Portfolio Securities.
Participating Preferred Stockholders may wish to retain the Portfolio Securities as an investment
for the long term. The Fund is not providing Preferred Stockholders with specific information
regarding each of the Portfolio Securities. However, participating Preferred Stockholders may not
have the means to effectively monitor, or monitor as efficiently as with a managed investment
vehicle, the performance of the Portfolio Securities, and the Portfolio Securities would be subject
to the typical investment risks associated with foreign investments in developing markets, such as
the risk of political and economic instability that developing countries periodically experience.
In addition, information regarding the Mexican companies that comprise the Portfolio Securities may
not be as current as information provided by U.S. public companies and is likely to be available
only in Spanish. Mexican public companies are subject to less stringent disclosure standards and
regulatory oversight than U.S. public companies. There also may be additional future expenses
participating Preferred Stockholders incur in retaining the Portfolio Securities. If participating
Preferred Stockholders receive Portfolio Securities and then determine to liquidate the Portfolio
Securities, participating Preferred Stockholders would be subject to investment and currency risks
as well as additional expenses and tax consequences associated with liquidation of the Portfolio
Securities. Preferred Stockholders will need to conduct their own investment research regarding the
Mexican companies comprising the Portfolio Securities and/or seek assistance from their financial
advisors. Preferred Stockholders are encouraged to consult with their financial and tax advisors
regarding these issues.
The Mexican Account
Participating Preferred Stockholders must provide information regarding a Mexican Account where
Portfolio Securities may be transferred. Establishing and maintaining a Mexican Account may entail
additional expenses that should be considered when determining whether participation in the Offer
represents the best method to realize the value of the Preferred Stockholder’s investment in the
Fund. Furthermore, the Mexican Account may be subject to different procedures, laws and risks than
a U.S. brokerage account. It may be more convenient for Preferred Stockholders to seek the
assistance of a U.S. broker or dealer in meeting this requirement.
Investing in Foreign Securities
The decision to participate in the Offer and retain the Portfolio Securities represents a direct
investment in the securities of Mexican issuers.
Participating Preferred Stockholders should be aware of the risks of such a direct investment and
the potential difficulties of managing a portfolio of foreign securities.
20
Investment in Mexican securities involves special considerations and risks that are not normally
associated with investments in U.S. securities, including (1) relatively higher price volatility,
less liquidity and a much smaller market capitalization; (2) currency fluctuations and the cost of
converting Mexican pesos into U.S. dollars; (3) restrictions on foreign investment and potential
restrictions on the repatriation of capital invested in Mexico and the remittance of related
profits and dividends; (4) political, economic and social risks and uncertainties, including risks
of confiscatory taxation and expropriation or nationalization of assets; (5) higher rates of
inflation, unemployment and interest rates than in the United States; and (6) less stringent
disclosure requirements, less available information regarding Mexican public companies and less
active regulatory oversight of Mexican public companies. Such risk factors are explained in greater
detail below:
Market Illiquidity; Volatility. Although the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores, S.A. de CV. (the “Mexican
Stock Exchange” or “Bolsa”) is one of the largest stock markets within the Latin American region
with, a market capitalization of US$460 billion as of July 3rd, 2009; it is smaller,
less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets of the United States. The Mexbol
Index is highly concentrated in a few issuers: thirty-five out of a total of 125. America Movil
(“AMX”) accounts for 22% of the Mexbol Index’s aggregate market capitalization, while no single
stock issue accounts for more than 8% of the aggregate market capitalization of the NASDAQ or the
DOW JONES. Thus, the performance of the Mexican Stock Exchange, as further described below, is
highly dependent on the performance of a few issuers. Additionally, the prices of stocks traded on
the Mexican Stock Exchange are generally more volatile than the prices of stocks traded on the
NYSE. The combination of price volatility and the relatively limited liquidity of the Mexican Stock
Exchange may have an adverse impact on the investment performance of the Fund.
Market Corrections. The Mexbol Index closed the year 2008 with a -40.48% loss in dollar terms for
the first time in six years in the midst of unprecedented record-high volatility, global panic and
steep declines among most asset classes. Year-to-date through June 30th, 2009, the
Mexbol Index registered a 14.9% gain in dollar terms and 8.9% gain in nominal terms. Amid a 68.2%
gain in dollar terms from its minimum on March 9th, 2009, the Mexbol Index is
still-31.6% below its close on December 2008. Mexbol’s rally from its minimum during the year was
in part driven by inflows from Mexican pension funds (AFORES).
The AFORES signed a voluntary agreement to invest exclusively in Mexican financial instruments for
a one-year period on March 18, 2009. AFORES’ current investment regime does not allow them to
channel resources to a specific sector of the economy in the Mexbol but rather to ETFs and have an
equity investment cap of 21% of total assets under management. As of April 30, 2009, assets under
management amounted to US$76 billion with a 9.6% exposure to equities (6.2% domestic and 3.6%
foreign). There is still approximately US$13 billion available for investing in securities in
general and this year in Mexican securities only. We believe that global market developments and
AFORE flows could provide support and limit any material downside from current level for the Mexbol
during the rest of 2009. As well as the relative underperformance of the Mexbol Index compared to
most emerging markets. As of July 3rd the Mexbol Index performance during 2009 ranked 32
out of 51 main world’s stock markets.
However, due to the high concentration of investors, issuers and intermediaries in the Mexican
securities market, the Mexican stock market may be subject to further corrections that are more
pronounced than those of more broad-based markets. As is the case with investing in any securities
market, there can be no assurance that there will be no repetition of similar market corrections.
21
The Mexican Economy. Mexico’s high correlation to that of the U.S. economy, where 80% of Mexican
exports are destined, have resulted in a sharp contraction of economic activity starting the fourth
quarter of 2008. Mexico’s economy deceleration has spread from the industrial sector to services
and private consumption via higher unemployment. Nonetheless, government and monetary authorities
have been able to preserve macro and fiscal stability in spite of financial turmoil. Mexico’s
public finances during 2009 have been resilience to the economic downturn as the government has
successfully hedged most of its 2009 oil output at US$70 dollars per barrel. This hedge has allowed
the government to meet its budgeted goals, which are based on an oil price estimate of US$70
dollars per barrel. Nonetheless, Mexico’s government revenues have a high dependence on oil income
(approximately 40%).
Mexico’s
Q1’09 GDP decreased -8.2% year-over-year and -22% quarter-over-quarter annualized rate.
The decline was led by industrial activity (-9.9%) despite being favored by the Easter effect,
followed by services (-7.8%) and agricultural production (1.4%). The Mexican economy is now
contracting at similar rate to Mexico’s liquidity crisis in 1995. Minister of Finance Casterns
revised down the Federal Government’s GDP estimate for 2009 to -5.5% from -4.1% previously and
there is a high probability of a further downgrade due to a swine flu episode that occurred in May
2009 that pressured further economic activity. On July 2009, International Monetary Fund slashed
its outlook for Mexico’s economic growth for this year to a -7.3% from previous -3.6% in April.
Although, the IMF trimmed its outlook for growth this year, it also raised its 2010 forecast to 3%
from 2% previously.
On the demand side, consumption, investment and exports have also registered a strong downturn: (i)
Private consumption declined -9.0% year-on-year and -21.3% annualized; (ii) investment -7.6% and
- -23.1% (annualized); and (iii) exports declined -20.2% and -37.8% (annualized); during the 1Q09.
Although, government investment and spending registered positive growth rates for the 1Q09, it has
not been enough to offset the weakness in the private sector. For the period government spending
and investment grew 2.2% and 29.2% year-on-year.
Labor conditions have also deteriorated in tandem with real economy, adding to pressures on private
demand. As of May 2009 unemployment rate reached 5.31% compared to 4.32% in December 2008.
22
Regarding Mexico’s general price index, inflation as at May 2009 reached 5.98% (last twelve mo.);
this figure is lower than the 6.53% level registered on December 2008. Inflation is expected to
continue to cede during the rest of 2009 and according to
Banamex-Citigroup analysts’ inflation
could reach 4.1% as at the end of December 2009. Inflation downtrend has facilitated monetary
authorities to lower its reference rate during the year to foster economic activity. Mexico’s
Central Bank reference rate is currently at a 4.75% level, close to
analysts’ 4.5% level for year
end and 355 basis points below the 8.3% on December 2008.
During the first half of this year the Mexican economy has experienced a sharper drop in economic
activity than most Latin countries, in view of its more open economy and consequently higher
exposure to global economy. Amid that the external shock has eminently been recessionary, the
domestic markets has been weaker than anticipated. The external shock most important implications
for 2009, other than its impact on export activity, will be the declining of inflation and a lower
current account deficit. The lower current account deficit along with the approximately US$80
billion in international reserves that have allowed Mexico’s Central bank to intervene in the
foreign exchange market at times of financial turmoil and prevented the Mexican peso exchange rate
to the USD from further losses in 2009. For the year 2008 the Mexican Peso lost -25% to the USD and
year-to-date through June 30th, it has registered an approximately 4% gain.
Over the long term, President Calderon’s government continues with its structural reform agenda to
achieve higher economic growth rates. Although past midterm elections for Congress on July 5th,
have favored the opposition party (PRI) in the lower house we believe discussion on a tax reform
will most likely be a priority for both parties during the present year. In view of the effect of
lower oil prices, declining oil production and the effect of current recession and next year’s slow
recovery will have on government revenues starting 2010.
There is a risk that the Fund’s investments and the Portfolio Securities may experience a decrease
in value following the Offering depending on the level of participation in the Offering and whether
participating Preferred Stockholders choose to dispose of the Portfolio Securities shortly after
it. Because of the size of the Fund and the characteristics of the Mexican securities market, if a
large percentage of Preferred Stockholders participate in the Offering and choose to liquidate the
Portfolio Securities shortly after receiving them, there could be an adverse impact on the Mexican
securities market and the market prices of the Portfolio Securities and the Fund’s other
investments, which would affect both participating and non-participating Preferred Stockholders.
23
Mexican Economic and Political Factors. Mexico’s opposition party (PRI) to current government party
(PAN) came out of the 2009 mid-term with approximately 236 seats (47% of the 500) in the Lower
House, from 106 before. It also won five out of six races for governor. While no party achieved an
absolute majority, the PRI and a small party ally faction could vote 51% of Mexico’s lower House.
The PAN only achieved 147 seats, which means it can no longer withhold a Presidential veto on its
own. Nonetheless, it remains the largest party in the Senate (40% versus the PRI’s 32%). Thus,
Congressional dynamics are set to make for the passing of a “reform agenda” more difficult and risk
of legislative gridlock has increased.
Although Mexico’s economy has strengthened in recent years, Mexico continues to be characterized as
a developing economy and investments in developing countries are subject to certain economic risks.
Mexico has experienced widespread bank failures, currency devaluations, high levels of inflation
and interest rates. Mexico is also dependent on certain industries and exports for the health of
its economy. The Portfolio Securities are denominated in pesos. As a result, the Portfolio
Securities must increase in market value at a rate in excess of the rate of any decline in the
value of the peso against the U.S. dollar in order to avoid a decline in their equivalent U.S.
dollar value.
Mexican Securities Laws and Accounting Rules. There is less publicly available information about
the issuers of Mexican securities, such as the Portfolio Securities, than is regularly published by
issuers in the United States. Information provided by Mexican public companies may not be current,
accurate or easily obtainable and, to the extent available, is likely to be in Spanish. Also, there
is generally less governmental supervision and regulation of exchanges, brokers and issuers in
Mexico than there is in the United States. U.S. holders of Portfolio Securities may also experience
difficulties enforcing U.S. laws or obtaining service of process against the issuers of the
Portfolio Securities.
Managing and Retaining the Portfolio Securities as an Investment. In addition to the risk factors
discussed above, participating Preferred Stockholders who wish to retain the Portfolio Securities
as part of their investment portfolio should consider whether they have the ability to actively
manage a portfolio of foreign securities. Preferred Stockholders may have invested in the Fund for
exposure to the Mexican securities market with the assistance of the Fund’s investment adviser, a
professional portfolio manager familiar with that market. Preferred Stockholders may not have
access to the information and experience necessary to effectively manage the Portfolio Securities
and may therefore incur losses from holding the Portfolio Securities as an investment.
Tax Consequences of Participating and Retaining or Disposing of Portfolio Securities. Participation
in the Offering is generally a taxable event and participating Preferred Stockholders will
recognize a gain or loss or dividend income upon receipt of the Portfolio Securities. Additionally,
the disposition of the Portfolio Securities represents a separate taxable event and Preferred
Stockholders will generally recognize a taxable gain or loss at the time of sale based on the
difference in the value of the Portfolio Securities received after the Expiration Date and the
value of the Portfolio Securities at their time of sale.
Depending on the level of participation in the Offering, the liquidity of Fund Preferred Shares is
likely to decrease and the Fund expense ratio increase because there will be fewer Preferred Shares
issued and outstanding as a result of the repurchases. However, the Fund’s investment
adviser does not anticipate that its investment strategy and the Fund’s investment objective will
be materially affected by the Offering.
24
Preferred Stockholders who desire to sell their Preferred Shares should evaluate these factors and
their own particular situation to determine if it is administratively easier and less costly to
sell their Preferred Shares for cash on the NYSE.
NONE OF THE FUND, ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, NOR ITS INVESTMENT ADVISER MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION TO
ANY PREFERRED STOCKHOLDER WHETHER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OFFER, AND NONE OF SUCH PERSONS HAS
AUTHORIZED ANY PERSON TO MAKE ANY SUCH RECOMMENDATION. PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO EVALUATE
CAREFULLY ALL INFORMATION IN THE OFFER, CONSULT THEIR OWN FINANCIAL AND TAX ADVISORS AND MAKE THEIR
OWN DECISIONS WHETHER OR NOT TO PARTICIPATE.
8. NAV and Market Price Range of Preferred Shares; Dividends.
The Preferred Shares are traded on the NYSE. During each fiscal quarter of the Fund during the
current fiscal year, the net asset value per Preferred Share (as of the last day of such fiscal
quarter), and the High, Low and Close NYSE market price per share (as of the last day of such
fiscal quarter) were as follows:
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
MARKET PRICE |
|
NAV |
| FISCAL QUARTER ENDED |
|
HIGH |
|
LOW |
|
CLOSE |
|
CLOSE |
January 31, 2006* |
|
$ |
19.30 |
|
|
$ |
18.35 |
|
|
$ |
19.12 |
|
|
$ |
21.17 |
|
April 30, 2006 |
|
$ |
19.50 |
|
|
$ |
18.00 |
|
|
$ |
19.50 |
|
|
$ |
22.40 |
|
July 31, 2006 |
|
$ |
20.90 |
|
|
$ |
16.05 |
|
|
$ |
19.00 |
|
|
$ |
22.18 |
|
October 31, 2006 |
|
$ |
23.40 |
|
|
$ |
19.90 |
|
|
$ |
23.20 |
|
|
$ |
26.54 |
|
January 31, 2007 |
|
$ |
28.60 |
|
|
$ |
23.25 |
|
|
$ |
23.78 |
|
|
$ |
28.96 |
|
April 30, 2007 |
|
$ |
33.50 |
|
|
$ |
24.86 |
|
|
$ |
33.40 |
|
|
$ |
32.99 |
|
July 31, 2007 |
|
$ |
42.00 |
|
|
$ |
32.01 |
|
|
$ |
36.10 |
|
|
$ |
38.18 |
|
October 31, 2007 |
|
$ |
38.00 |
|
|
$ |
32.00 |
|
|
$ |
37.00 |
|
|
$ |
39.91 |
|
January 31,
2008 |
|
$ |
36.40 |
|
|
$ |
23.25 |
|
|
$ |
24.95 |
|
|
$ |
27.56 |
|
April 30,
2008 |
|
$ |
26.90 |
|
|
$ |
24.00 |
|
|
$ |
26.90 |
|
|
$ |
30.22 |
|
July 31,
2008 |
|
$ |
29.10 |
|
|
$ |
25.50 |
|
|
$ |
25.50 |
|
|
$ |
28.29 |
|
October 31,
2008 |
|
$ |
24.50 |
|
|
$ |
11.93 |
|
|
$ |
11.93 |
|
|
$ |
14.76 |
|
January 31, 2009 |
|
$ |
13.40 |
|
|
$ |
5.25 |
|
|
$ |
5.25 |
|
|
$ |
5.48 |
|
April 30, 2009 |
|
$ |
5.85 |
|
|
$ |
4.00 |
|
|
$ |
5.18 |
|
|
$ |
6.14 |
|
July 10, 2009** |
|
$ |
6.15 |
|
|
$ |
5.44 |
|
|
$ |
6.10 |
|
|
$ |
6.37 |
|
|
|
|
| * |
|
The Preferred Shares were issued on or about January 6, 2006. |
| |
| |
| ** |
|
Share prices from May 1, 2009 through July 10, 2009. |
| |
On
December 27, 2006 the Fund paid a dividend of $3.03 per share on
the Preferred Shares.
On
December 26, 2007 the Fund paid a dividend of $7.41 per share on the
Preferred Shares.
On
December 23, 2008 the Fund paid a dividend of $6.78 per share on
the Preferred Shares.
9. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Offer.
The following is a general summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Offer and is
included for general information purposes only. In view of the individual nature of tax
consequences, each Preferred Stockholder is advised to consult his or her own tax advisor with
respect to the specific tax consequences to such Preferred Stockholder of participating (or not
participating) in the Offer, including the effect and applicability of state, local, foreign, and
other tax laws and the possible effects of changes in U.S. federal or other tax laws.
Exchange Treatment. The sale of Preferred Shares pursuant to the Offer will be a taxable
transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, either as a sale or exchange, or, under certain
circumstances, as a dividend. Under Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the “Code”), a sale of Preferred Shares pursuant to the Offer generally will be treated as a sale
or exchange if the receipt of cash by the Preferred Stockholder: (a) results in a complete
25
termination of the Preferred Stockholder’s interest in the Fund, (b) is substantially
disproportionate with respect to the Preferred Stockholder (meaning, generally, that the Preferred
Stockholder’s percentage interest in the Fund after the Offer has been completed is less than 80%
of the Preferred Stockholder’s prior percentage interest in the Fund), or (c) is not essentially
equivalent to a dividend with respect to the Preferred Stockholder. In determining whether any of
these tests has been met, Preferred Shares actually owned, as well as Preferred Shares considered
to be owned by the Preferred Stockholder by reason of certain constructive ownership rules set
forth in Section 318 of the Code, generally must be taken into account. If a tendering Preferred
Stockholder’s overall percentage interest in the Fund (taking into account Preferred Shares owned
constructively under Section 318 of the Code) does not decrease as a result of the sale of
Preferred Shares, none of the three tests would be met.
If any of these three tests for sale or exchange treatment is met, a Preferred Stockholder will
recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the price paid by the Fund for the Preferred
Shares purchased in the Offer and the Preferred Stockholder’s adjusted basis in such Preferred
Shares. If such Preferred Shares are held as a capital asset, the gain or loss will be capital gain
or loss and generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the Preferred Shares have been held
for more than one year. Under certain wash sales rules, recognition of a loss on Preferred Shares
sold pursuant to the Offer will ordinarily be disallowed to the extent the Preferred Stockholder
acquires Preferred Shares within 30 days before or after the date Preferred Shares are purchased
pursuant to the Offer and, in that event, the basis and holding period of the Preferred Shares
acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
Dividend Treatment. If none of the three tests under Section 302(b) of the Code outlined above is
met, the amount received by a Preferred Stockholder who sells Preferred Shares pursuant to the
Offer will be taxable to the Preferred Stockholder as a dividend to the extent of such Preferred
Stockholder’s allocable share of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits. Any
additional amount will constitute a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the Preferred
Stockholder’s adjusted basis in the Preferred Shares sold pursuant to the Offer and thereafter will
be taxable as gain from a sale of the Preferred Shares. Any remaining adjusted basis in the
Preferred Shares tendered to the Fund will be transferred to any remaining Preferred Shares held by
such Preferred Stockholder. In addition, if a tender of Preferred Shares is treated as a dividend
to a tendering Preferred Stockholder, a constructive dividend under Section 305(c) of the Code may
result to a non-tendering Preferred Stockholder whose proportionate interest in the earnings and
assets of the Fund has been increased by such tender.
Foreign Preferred Stockholders. Any payments to a tendering Preferred Stockholder who is a
nonresident alien individual, a foreign trust, foreign estate or a foreign corporation that does
not hold his, her or its shares in connection with a trade or business conducted in the United
States (a “Foreign Preferred Stockholder”) will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the 30% rate
applicable to dividends (or such reduced rate, if the Foreign Preferred Stockholder submits a
properly completed Form W-8BEN, as applies under an applicable tax treaty). If the sale of
Preferred Shares by a Foreign Preferred Stockholder is treated as a sale or exchange rather than a
dividend, the Foreign Preferred Stockholder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any
gain (and may seek a refund from the Internal Revenue Service for any U.S. withholding tax withheld
from the sale proceeds) unless the Foreign Preferred Stockholder is an individual who is physically
present in the United States for 183 days or more and certain other conditions exist.
26
Such persons are advised to consult their own tax advisors. Special rules may apply in the case of
Foreign Preferred Stockholders (i) that are engaged in a U.S. trade or business, (ii) that are
former citizens or residents of the U.S. or (iii) that are controlled foreign corporations, foreign
personal holding companies, corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax,
and certain foreign charitable organizations. Such persons are advised to consult their own tax
advisors.
Backup Withholding. The Fund generally will be required to withhold tax generally equal to the rate
of 28% (backup withholding) from any payment to a tendering Preferred Stockholder that is an
individual (or certain other non-corporate persons) if the Preferred Stockholder fails to provide
to the Fund its correct taxpayer identification number and certify that it is not subject to backup
withholding on dividends (by completing and returning the Substitute Form W-9 included in the
Letter of Transmittal) or if the Internal Revenue Service advises the Fund that the Preferred
Stockholder is subject to backup withholding for prior underreporting of reportable interest or
dividend payments. A Foreign Preferred Stockholder generally will be able to avoid backup
withholding with respect to payments by the Fund for tendered Preferred Shares only if it furnishes
to the Fund a duly completed Form W-8BEN, certifying under penalties of perjury, that it (1) is
neither a citizen nor a resident of the United States, (2) has not been, and reasonably does not
expect to be, present in the United States for a period aggregating 183 days or more during the
calendar year, and (3) reasonably expects not to be engaged in a trade or business within the U.S.
to which the gain on sale of the Preferred Shares would be effectively connected, or a duly
completed Form W-8ECI, certifying under penalties of perjury, that (1) it is neither a citizen nor
resident of the U.S., and (2) this income is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax, and any amounts withheld may be credited against a
Foreign Preferred Stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability or refunded by the Internal
Revenue Service.
10. Selected Financial Information.
Set forth below is a summary of selected financial information for the Fund as to the Fund’s
Preferred Stock for the period January 7, 2006 through
July 31, 2006 and for the fiscal periods ended
July 31, 2007, July 31, 2008 and January 31, 2009; and as to the Fund’s common stock for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2004,
2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and for the 6 months ended January 31, 2009. In addition, set forth below is a summary of selected financial information
for the Fund for the period specified in the second chart. The information with respect to the
fiscal years, and semi-annual periods have been excerpted from the Fund’s audited financial statements contained in its
Annual Reports to Preferred Stockholders and the Fund’s unaudited
financial statements contained in its Semi-Annual Reports to
Preferred Stockholders, respectively. These
Annual and Semi-Annual Reports were previously provided to all
stockholders of the Fund. Copies of these financial statements can be obtained free of
charge at the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission)
(http://www.sec.gov). The summary of selected financial information set forth below is qualified in
its entirety by reference to such statements and the financial information, the notes thereto and
related matters contained therein.
27
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For a Common Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
For the Six |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Months Ended |
|
|
For the Year |
|
|
For the Year |
|
|
For the Year |
|
|
For the Year |
|
|
For the Year |
|
| |
|
January 31, 2009 |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
Ended |
|
| |
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
July 31, 2008 |
|
|
July 31, 2007 |
|
|
July 31, 2006 |
|
|
July 31, 2005 |
|
|
July 31, 2004 |
|
Per Share Operating
Performance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value,
beginning of period |
|
$ |
28.29 |
|
|
$ |
38.18 |
|
|
$ |
22.18 |
|
|
$ |
21.27 |
|
|
$ |
13.66 |
|
|
$ |
10.15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
(loss) |
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
(0.14 |
) |
|
|
0.14 |
|
|
|
0.01 |
|
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
Net realized and
unrealized gains (losses)
on investments and
foreign currency
transactions |
|
|
(15.82 |
) |
|
|
(2.57 |
) |
|
|
19.17 |
|
|
|
6.54 |
|
|
|
7.60 |
|
|
|
3.55 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease)
from investment
operations |
|
|
(15.80 |
) |
|
|
(2.54 |
) |
|
|
19.03 |
|
|
|
6.68 |
|
|
|
7.61 |
|
|
|
3.53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Distributions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net
investment income |
|
|
(0.25 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(0.13 |
) |
|
|
(0.16 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
Distributions from
net realized gains |
|
|
(6.52 |
) |
|
|
(7.41 |
) |
|
|
(2.90 |
) |
|
|
(4.41 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends and
distributions |
|
|
(6.77 |
) |
|
|
(7.41 |
) |
|
|
(3.03 |
) |
|
|
(4.57 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Share Transactions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anti-dilutive effect
of Common Share Repurchase |
|
|
0.04 |
|
|
|
0.15 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.18 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Anti-dilutive effect
of Common Rights
Offering |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Anti-dilutive effect
of Preferred In-Kind
Tender Offer |
|
|
0.01 |
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Dilutive effect of
Reinvestment of
Distributions by
Common Stockholders |
|
|
(0.29 |
) |
|
|
(0.17 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(0.18 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Dilutive effect of
Preferred Shares
Offering |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(1.20 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total capital share
transactions |
|
|
(0.24 |
) |
|
|
0.06 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(1.20 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, end of
period |
|
$ |
5.48 |
|
|
$ |
28.29 |
|
|
$ |
38.18 |
|
|
$ |
22.18 |
|
|
$ |
21.27 |
|
|
$ |
13.66 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per share market value,
end of period |
|
$ |
5.13 |
|
|
$ |
24.39 |
|
|
$ |
44.23 |
|
|
$ |
19.40 |
|
|
$ |
18.82 |
|
|
$ |
11.73 |
|
Total Investment Return
Based on Market Value,
end of period
(1) |
|
|
(51.99 |
)% (4) |
|
|
(28.38 |
)% |
|
|
152.78 |
% |
|
|
37.62 |
% |
|
|
60.44 |
% |
|
|
29.10 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period
(000’s) |
|
$ |
42,401 |
|
|
$ |
106,484 |
|
|
$ |
100,251 |
|
|
$ |
54,872 |
|
|
$ |
52,621 |
|
|
$ |
33,779 |
|
Ratios of expenses to
average net assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Before expense
reimbursement |
|
|
1.81 |
% (4) |
|
|
1.50 |
% |
|
|
1.42 |
% |
|
|
1.90 |
% |
|
|
1.77 |
% |
|
|
2.09 |
% |
After expense
reimbursement |
|
|
1.81 |
% (4) |
|
|
1.50 |
% |
|
|
1.42 |
% |
|
|
1.90 |
% |
|
|
1.77 |
% |
|
|
2.08 |
% |
Ratios of net investment
income (loss) to average
net assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Before expense
reimbursement |
|
|
0.44 |
% (4) |
|
|
0.09 |
% |
|
|
(0.47 |
%) |
|
|
0.24 |
% |
|
|
0.03 |
% |
|
|
(0.15 |
%) |
After expense
reimbursement |
|
|
0.44 |
% (4) |
|
|
0.09 |
% |
|
|
(0.47 |
%) |
|
|
0.24 |
% |
|
|
0.03 |
% |
|
|
(0.15 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
|
163.29 |
% (2)(3) |
|
|
224.10 |
%(2) |
|
|
135.49 |
% (2) |
|
|
179.85 |
% (2) |
|
|
259.60 |
% |
|
|
234.42 |
% |
|
|
|
| (1) |
|
Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock at the
current market price on the first day and a sale at the current market price on the last day of
each period reported. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed for purposes of this
calculation to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan. Total
investment does not reflect brokerage commissions. |
| |
| (2) |
|
Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between shares
issued. |
| |
| (3) |
|
Not Annualized. |
| |
| (4) |
|
Annualized. |
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
28
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For a Preferred Share Outstanding Throughout the Period
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
For the Six |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Period |
|
| |
|
Months Ended |
|
|
For the Year |
|
|
For the Year |
|
|
January 7, 2006 |
|
| |
|
January 31, 2009 |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
through |
|
| |
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
July 31, 2008 |
|
|
July 31, 2007 |
|
|
July 31, 2006 |
|
Per Share Operating Performance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, beginning of period |
|
$ |
28.29 |
|
|
$ |
38.18 |
|
|
$ |
22.18 |
|
|
$ |
21.25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
(0.14 |
) |
|
|
0.13 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gains
(losses) on investments and foreign
currency transactions |
|
|
(15.82 |
) |
|
|
(2.57 |
) |
|
|
19.17 |
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) from investment
operations |
|
|
(15.80 |
) |
|
|
(2.54 |
) |
|
|
19.03 |
|
|
|
0.93 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Distributions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income |
|
|
(0.25 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(0.13 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Distributions from net realized gains |
|
|
(6.52 |
) |
|
|
(7.41 |
) |
|
|
(2.90 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends and distributions |
|
|
(6.77 |
) |
|
|
(7.41 |
) |
|
|
(3.03 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Share Transactions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anti-dilutive effect of Common Share Repurchase |
|
|
0.04 |
|
|
|
0.15 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Anti-dilutive effect of Common Rights Offering |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Anti-dilutive effect of Preferred
In-Kind Tender Offer |
|
|
0.01 |
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Dilutive effect of Reinvestment of
Distributions by Common Stockholders |
|
|
(0.29 |
) |
|
|
(0.17 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total capital share transactions |
|
|
(0.24 |
) |
|
|
0.06 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, end of period |
|
$ |
5.48 |
|
|
$ |
28.29 |
|
|
$ |
38.18 |
|
|
$ |
22.18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per share market value, end of period |
|
$ |
5.25 |
|
|
$ |
25.50 |
|
|
$ |
36.10 |
|
|
$ |
19.00 |
|
Total Investment Return Based on
Market Value, end of period
(1) |
|
|
(53.01 |
)%
(3) |
|
|
(8.25 |
)% |
|
|
110.66 |
% |
|
|
2.70 |
% (2) |
29
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
For the Six |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Period |
|
| |
|
Months Ended |
|
|
For the Year |
|
|
For the Year |
|
|
January 7, 2006 |
|
| |
|
January 31, 2009 |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
through |
|
| |
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
July 31, 2008 |
|
|
July 31, 2007 |
|
|
July 31, 2006 |
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000’s) |
|
$ |
3,307 |
|
|
$ |
22,742 |
|
|
$ |
54,567 |
|
|
$ |
31,708 |
|
Ratios of expenses to average net assets: |
|
|
1.81 |
% (4) |
|
|
1.50 |
% |
|
|
1.42 |
% |
|
|
1.97 |
% (3) |
Ratios of net investment income (loss)
to average net assets: |
|
|
0.44 |
% (4) |
|
|
0.09 |
% |
|
|
(0.47 |
%) |
|
|
0.37 |
% (3) |
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
|
163.29 |
% (2)(3) |
|
|
224.10 |
% (2) |
|
|
135.49 |
% (2) |
|
|
179.85 |
% |
|
|
|
| (1) |
|
Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock at the
current market price on the first day and a sale at the current market price on the last day of
each period reported. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed for purposes of this
calculation to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan. Total
investment does not reflect brokerage commissions. |
| |
| (2) |
|
Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between shares
issued. |
| |
| (3) |
|
Not Annualized. |
| |
| (4) |
|
Annualized. |
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
30
11. Certain Information Concerning the Fund and the Fund’s Investment Adviser.
The Fund, which commenced investment operations on August 21, 1990, is registered as a closed-end,
non-diversified management investment company under the 1940 Act and is organized as a Maryland
corporation. The Fund’s common stock and preferred stock are listed and trade on the NYSE under
the trading symbols “MXE” and “MXE-Pr,” respectively. As a closed-end investment company, the Fund
differs from an open-end investment company (i.e., a mutual fund) because it does not redeem its
shares at the election of a stockholder and does not continuously offer its shares for sale to the
public.
The Fund’s Board is currently comprised of five members. Three of the Board’s members are elected
by the holders of the common stock, while two of the Board’s
members are elected by the holders of the preferred stock.
The Fund’s investment adviser is Pichardo Asset Management, S.A. de C.V., a corporation organized
under the laws of Mexico and a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of
1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). The investment adviser’s principal office is located at
Teopanzolco Avenue #408, 3rd Floor, Cuernavaca 62260, Morelos, Mexico. Maria Eugenia Pichardo is
the President and Chief Executive Officer of the investment adviser. Ms. Pichardo owns 99% of the
total outstanding shares of common stock of the investment adviser and has acted as the Fund’s
portfolio manager since the inception of the Fund in 1990.
The Fund is subject to the information and reporting requirements of the 1940 Act and in accordance
therewith is obligated to file reports and other information with the Commission relating to its
business, financial condition and other matters. The Fund has also filed an Issuer Tender Offer
Statement on Schedule TO with the Commission in connection with the Offer. Such reports and other
information should be available for inspection at the public reference room at the Commission’s
office, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. The Fund’s filings are also
available to the public on the Commission’s internet site (http://www.sec.gov). Copies may be
obtained, by mail, upon payment of the Commission’s customary charges, or by writing to its
principal office at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549.
31
|
|
|
| 12. |
|
Interest of Directors and Officers; Transactions and Arrangements Concerning the Preferred
Shares. |
The directors and officers of the Fund, whose address is in care of the Fund at 777 E. Wisconsin Ave, 31st Floor, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, are set forth in the table below:
| |
|
|
| NAME |
|
POSITION |
Phillip Goldstein
|
|
Director and Chairman |
|
|
|
Gerald Hellerman
|
|
Director1, Treasurer and Chief
Compliance Officer |
|
|
|
Glenn Goodstein
|
|
Director |
|
|
|
Rajeev Das
|
|
Director |
|
|
|
Andrew Dakos
|
|
Director |
|
|
|
Maria Eugenia Pichardo
|
|
President |
|
|
|
Francisco Lopez
|
|
Secretary |
The number and percentage of outstanding Preferred Shares beneficially owned by the directors and
officers of the Fund as of July 10, 2009 were as follows:
Phillip
Goldstein—11,975 Preferred Shares (1.99%); Gerald Hellerman—0 Preferred Shares (0%); Rajeev
Das—2,313 Preferred Shares (0.38%); Andrew Dakos – 11,975
Preferred Shares (1.99%); Glenn
Goodstein—2,852 Preferred Shares (0.47%); Maria Eugenia Pichardo— 0 Preferred Shares (0%); and
Francisco Lopez — 0 Preferred Shares (0%).
To the Fund’s knowledge, none of the Fund’s officers or directors, or associates of any of the
foregoing, has effected any transaction in Preferred Shares during the past 60 business days.
None of the Fund nor, to the Fund’s knowledge, any of the Fund’s officers or directors is a party
to any contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship with any other person relating,
directly or indirectly to the Offer with respect to any securities of the Fund, including, but not
limited to, any contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship concerning the transfer or the
voting of any such securities, joint ventures, loan or option arrangements, puts or calls,
guarantees of loans, guarantees against loss or the giving or withholding of proxies, consents or
authorizations.
|
|
|
| 1 |
|
Mr. Hellerman is deemed an Interested Director by
virtue of being an executive officer of the Fund. |
32
13. Certain Legal Matters; Regulatory Approvals.
Other than
the order received from the SEC described in Sections 1 and 6 of this Offer to Repurchase
the Fund is not aware of any approval or other action by any government or governmental,
administrative or regulatory authority or agency, domestic or foreign, that would be required for
the acquisition or ownership of Preferred Shares by the Fund as contemplated herein. Should any
such approval or other action be required, the Fund presently contemplates that such approval or
other action will be sought. The Fund is unable to predict whether it may determine that it is
required to delay the acceptance for payment of, or payment for, Preferred Shares tendered pursuant
to the Offer pending the outcome of any such matter. There can be no assurance that any such
approval or other action, if needed, would be obtained without substantial conditions or that the
failure to obtain any such approval or other action might not result in adverse consequences to the
Fund’s business. The Fund’s obligations under the Offer to accept for payment and pay for Preferred
Shares are subject to certain conditions described in Section 14 of this Offer to Repurchase.
14. Certain Conditions of the Offer.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Offer, the Fund shall not be required to accept for
payment or pay for any Preferred Shares, may postpone the acceptance for payment of, or payment
for, tendered Preferred Shares, and may, in its reasonable discretion, terminate or amend the Offer
as to any Preferred Shares not then paid for if (1) such transactions, if consummated, would (a)
result in delisting of the Fund’s common stock or Preferred Shares from the NYSE or (b) impair the
Fund’s status as a regulated investment company under the Code (which would make the Fund subject
to U.S. federal (and possibly certain state and local) income taxes on all of its income and gains
in addition to the taxation of stockholders who receive distributions from the Fund); (2) the
amount of Preferred Shares tendered would require liquidation of such a substantial portion of the
Fund’s securities that the Fund would not be able to liquidate portfolio securities in an orderly
manner in light of the existing market conditions and such liquidation would have a material
adverse effect on the NAV of the Fund to the detriment of non-tendering stockholders; (3) there is
any (a) in the Board of Directors’ judgment, material legal action or proceeding instituted or
threatened challenging such transactions or otherwise materially adversely affecting the Fund, (b)
suspension of or limitation on prices for trading securities generally on the NYSE or other
national securities exchange(s), or the NASDAQ National Market System, (c) declaration of a banking
moratorium by any U.S. federal or state authorities or any suspension of payment by banks in the
United States or New York State, (d) limitation affecting the Fund or the issuers of its Portfolio
Securities imposed by any U.S. federal or state authorities on the extension of credit by lending
institutions, (e) commencement of war, armed hostilities or other international or national
calamity directly or indirectly involving the United States, or (f) in the Board of Directors’
judgment, other event or condition that would have a material adverse effect on the Fund or its
stockholders if tendered Preferred Shares were purchased; or (4) the Board of Directors determines
that effecting any such transaction would constitute a breach of any of its fiduciary duties owed
to the Fund or its stockholders.
33
The foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of the Fund and may be asserted by the Fund
regardless of the circumstances (including any action or inaction by the Fund)
giving rise to any such conditions or may be waived by the Fund in whole or in part at any time and
from time to time in its sole discretion. The failure by the Fund at any time to exercise any of
the foregoing rights shall not be deemed a waiver of any such right and each such right shall be
deemed an ongoing right which may be asserted at any time and from time to time. Any determination
by the Fund concerning the events described in this Section shall be final and binding on all
parties.
A public announcement shall be made of a material change in, or waiver of, such conditions, and the
Offer may, in certain circumstances, be extended in connection with any such change or waiver.
If the Offer is suspended or postponed, the Fund will provide notice to stockholders of such
suspension or postponement.
15. Fees and Expenses.
The Fund will not pay to any broker or dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other person any
solicitation fee for any Preferred Shares purchased pursuant to the Offer. The Fund will reimburse
such persons for customary handling and mailing expenses incurred in forwarding the Offer. No such
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other person has been authorized to act as agent
of the Fund or the Depositary for purposes of the Offer.
The Fund
has retained Computershare Trust Company, N.A. to act as Depositary. The Depositary will receive reasonable
and customary compensation for their services and will also be reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket
expenses.
16. Miscellaneous.
The Offer is not being made to (nor will tenders be accepted from or on behalf of) holders of
Preferred Shares in any jurisdiction in which the making of the Offer or the acceptance thereof
would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction. The Fund may, in its sole
discretion, take such action as it may deem necessary to make the Offer in any such jurisdiction.
17. Other Information About the Fund
On November 4, 2005, the Fund enacted its Articles Supplementary, reclassifying 2,000,000 shares of
common stock as shares of preferred stock (the “Articles Supplementary”). Upon further
consideration, the Board of Directors believes that it is in the best interests of the Fund and its
stockholders to permit, but not require, preferred stockholders, at their sole discretion, to
request that the Fund convert any or all of their preferred shares to shares of the Fund’s common
stock. At a meeting held on June 26, 2007, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to the
Articles Supplementary, whereby preferred stockholders of the Fund, at their sole discretion, may
request that the Fund convert their shares of preferred stock to
common stock. At the Annual Stockholders Meeting on November 26, 2007
the Fund’s common and preferred stockholders, each voting as a
seperate class approved the amendment to the Fund’s Articles
Supplementary to permit conversion of preferred stock to common stock
upon the request of a preferred stockholder.
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On February 14, 2003, the Fund obtained stockholder approval for the creation, issuance
and registration of put warrants, pursuant to a put warrant program, which are designed to
afford stockholders a series of opportunities to realize NAV for their shares. As initially
conceived, the put warrants would entitle a holder thereof to surrender to the Fund one
share of the Fund’s common stock for each put warrant held once each calendar quarter,
in exchange for cash equal to NAV per share.
A registration statement covering the issuance of the proposed put warrants and certain
no action and exemptive relief requested by the Fund with respect thereto is currently
under review by the staff of the Division of Investment Management
(“IM”) and the staff
of the Division of Corporate Finance (“Corp Fin”) of the
SEC. In June 2009, the staff of
Corp Fin informed the Fund that no action relief with respect to the
put warrants remains pending. Once Corp Fin has completed its full
review, the Fund expects that, no action will be recommended by Corp Fin pending
approval by IM.
The staff of both Corp Fin and IM have not indicated with any
certainty that the Fund’s
no action request or exemptive relief will be granted. Therefore, there can be
no assurance that such requested relief will be granted in the near future. In addition to the SEC’s
review, the NYSE has informally indicated that, if the put warrants are approved by the
SEC, the put warrants should be eligible to be listed on the NYSE.
If the put warrants are approved by the SEC and become listed on the NYSE, each outstanding share of preferred stock would automatically convert to one share of the
Fund’s common stock. In such an event, no shares of preferred stock would be
outstanding and, therefore, the Fund would not conduct any Tender Offers for such
shares. There can, however, be no assurance that the Fund will be able to register the put
warrants in the near future.
18. The Depositary.
The Letter of Transmittal, certificates for the Preferred Shares and any other required documents
should be sent by each Preferred Stockholder of the Fund or his or her broker-dealer, commercial
bank, trust company or other nominee to the Depositary as set forth below. Facsimile copies of the
Letter of Transmittal will not be accepted.
The Depositary for the Offer is:
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
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| By Certified Mail: |
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By Overnight Delivery: |
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
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Computershare Trust Company, N.A. |
P.O.
Box 43011
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250 Royall Street Suite V |
Providence,
RI 02940-3011
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Canton, MA 02021 |
Attn: Corporate Actions
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Attn: Corporate Actions |
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
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