December 19, 2017

Aecon shareholders approve a $1.5-billion takeover by a Chinese firm

TORONTO — Aecon shareholders voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to approve a $1.5-billion takeover of the Canadian company by a Chinese firm.

CCCC International Holding Ltd., a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company Ltd., announced a friendly deal in October to buy the company for $20.37 per share in cash.

“It’s a bitter sweet moment for me personally,” Aecon chief executive John Beck told the meeting with roughly 50 people present.

“But it’s definitely the right thing for everyone involved with the company.”

Aecon (ARE.TO 0.23%) had said in August that it was looking for potential buyers.

Roughly 33.85 million votes were cast in favour, while more than 204,000 votes were against the deal — marking a 57.8 per cent participation rate by shareholders eligible to vote.

The deal has already received a “no action” letter granting approval under the Canadian Competition Act and Aecon has been advised by the buyer that it has approval from the National Development and Reform Commission, a Chinese economic planning regulator.

It still faces a review under the Investment Canada Act.

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