LONDON: Caledonia Investments has sold its shareholding in Buzz Bingo to Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) for a nominal amount, a news release said.
The Covid-19 crisis and the severe restrictions imposed by the Government on leisure sector businesses have led to Buzz’s clubs being unable to trade for much of the past 12 months.
Buzz Bingo was refinanced in the summer of 2020 as part of a company voluntary arrangement, in which Caledonia invested £22m. However, the third national lockdown has resulted in a further requirement for new capital.
Caledonia, having carefully assessed the available investment opportunity, chose not to participate in the latest fundraising and has sold its shares to ICG which, together with Barclays, have provided further capital to Buzz.
The investment in Buzz Bingo was valued at nil in Caledonia’s most recent net asset value statement as at 28 February 2021. A full portfolio trading update will be released in early April, incorporating the year end valuations.
Caledonia Investments plc is an investment trust company based in London, England. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. www.caledonia.com