The bookbuild raised $70.5 million at $2.70 per stapled security and was strongly supported by a range of existing securityholders and new institutions from Australia and Asia. The stapled securities issued under the placement will rank pari passu with existing stapled securities. Entitlement for distributions of the new stapled securities will accrue from 1 July 2006. Macquarie Equity Capital Markets Limited was the lead manager, underwriter and sole bookrunner. ABN Amro Morgans Corporate Limited was the co-lead manager and underwriter. The transaction marks Macquarie Leisure�s first foray into the global leisure market with the acquisition of an established, well-managed and resourced business. Main Event is one of the largest operators of indoor family entertainment centres in North America�s southwest with six sites in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and Houston Texas plus two new sites, which are due to open in 2007. Macquarie Leisure�s chief executive officer Greg Shaw said there was strong investor support for the acquisition and its growth potential. �Our existing expertise in Main Event�s core operations of bowling, food and beverage and amusement games makes it a strong strategic fit with higher earnings and distributions expected,� he said. Macquarie Leisure also announced today that it would offer a Security Purchase Plan to eligible securityholders at $2.70, the same price as the institutional placement. |