7 September 2011

Investor Meeting

A meeting of investors was held on 7 September 2011 at the Star Court Theatre, Lismore, commencing at 5pm. The meeting was attended by an estimated 250 investors, the Board of Directors of Mayne and the CEO.

The meeting opened with a brief introduction by Chairman Barry Wappett who outlined the agenda for the evening. The main feature was a comprehensive outline of developments to date and likely developments for the future, to be followed by a question and answer session.

CEO, Greg Andersen then gave investors a brief fund update, covering funds under management, distribution history, loans by security and geographic type and loans in arrears.

The Chairman commenced his address by referring to his three previous reports to investors. Investors were then given detailed information as to the reasons for the Fund’s current difficulties with two major borrowers, and the steps taken to recover their debts. He affirmed that all loans were originally written within long established policy, and that their effect on the Fund had been exacerbated by the fact that the Fund is now half the size it was at the time the loans were written.

The Chairman explained that the Fund was unable to make distributions following receipt of updated valuations and stress testing of the relevant loan securities which resulted in impairments having to be made. These impairments, which must be taken up in the quarter in which they are identified, meant that Fund was unable to pay a distribution for the May and August quarters and will likely be unable to do so for at least two, possibly three more quarters. In taking these impairments into account, the Board estimates that the Unit value has fallen from $1.00 to $0.97. It is expected that the Unit value should be restored to $1 during the current financial year.

The meeting was advised that until security property is sold, no actual loss has been incurred. It is possible that some sales will obtain a higher price than valuation. This would result in a smaller loss than has been allowed for, resulting in a speedier return to profit. At the end of August no other likely impairment had been identified.

The meeting was advised that Mayne had taken steps to reduce operating costs, including greatly reduced management fees, a freeze on salaries, closing our Ballina office and a reduction in staff numbers. The meeting was reminded that director fees are not paid by the Fund.

The Chairman summarised his address by stating that it was too early to know the future of the Fund. The Board was determined to continue to work hard to protect investor capital, which, at present, was not considered to be at risk. He reaffirmed that there would likely be no distribution for some time, and that the Fund would continue to make regular returns of capital. As well, the Fund would continue to evaluate and pay hardship claims (having already paid $5 million since the Fund was granted relief by ASIC) and Directors undertook to keep investors informed of all new developments.

The Chairman then explained that a number of written questions had been received from members prior to the meeting; many of which had been answered in his opening address. He then proceeded to answer the balance of those questions that had not yet been addressed. This included questions on the bank guarantee, deceased estates, the safety of investors’ funds, capitalised interest loans and when investors can expect to get their capital back. The question of whether members can vote to wind up the Fund was also addressed, as was the action being taken by Mayne to recover money from the developers who have defaulted.

This was then followed by a large number of questions from the floor which sought clarification of much of what had already been discussed. The Chairman, CEO and directors gave appropriate answers.

Investors wanted to know and were assured that defaulting borrowers were being actively pursued for payment of their debt and that all proceeds from the sale of distressed assets were paid to the Fund as first mortgagee. Investors were advised that whilst wanting to reduce the problem loans as soon as possible, the Board had determined that distressed assets would not be put to a fire sale. This meant that Mayne would look to make the properties as saleable as possible which would in some instances, require Mayne to spend additional funds to bring them to market condition. The Chairman assured investors that Mayne would meet market expectations once the properties were listed for sale. Assurances were also given that the Board had in place policies and procedures to ensure that any potential conflicts of interest were properly noted and dealt with so as not to influence, in any way, Board decisions.

In response to a number of questions from an investor, the Chairman explained that until the Fund was unfrozen, the Fund Constitution and the Managed Investments Act did not allow investments held by deceased estates to be treated any differently to other member investments.

There being no further questions, the meeting closed at 6.10 pm.