Unfortunately the trading halt is to do with the mess at Opes Prime. I am guessing ANZ wish to sell the shares held as collateral to Opes' debt. Massive selling at very discount prices will take place in the coming days/weeks, many probably off market (i.e. out of the average investor's grasp). Image has requested the halt to negotiate with the bank the manner/timing (my guess) in which ANZ liquidate the shares. An announcement about the result of this will come out before the halt is lifted.
This timing has me a bit perplexed.
If ANZ decide to sell off their image shares when the halt is lifted, then this little gem can be grabbed up for a sweet discount before the Jorc comes out.
However, if they wait for the report to come out to begin selling, then their sales would add more liquidity at current prices thus limiting share growth potential.
If the banks are smart they would wait a couple of days to sell. I don't think they will.
They do not need the price to go up, they would sell and know they have recovered their debt. I've read about them selling other shares at 50% discounts off market already. This is a shame. If they were to sell at fair price they may have some cash left over for the mums and dad's who have fallen victim to Opes Prime's receivership.
With regards to Image's price rise, I'm pleased. I wish there was more depth in the market to offer more of a sustainable growth scenario for the Jorc, but i must again remember image is classed as a high risk investment, even though at this point i do not believe so.
With the sub prime uncertainty going on i can see a few large finance companies gearing up to pump and dump image to make some quick cash to cover margin losses elsewhere. Another unfortunate event potentially hindering share price growth.
Image has been on the ASX for 6 years now, they have done so much. Let me propose a question to the forum.
Do you think George and his team actually intend to set up mining operations of their own, or do you you think they intend to sell the company before?
By the way, these are my humble thoughts, i am no pro.
Tukker
Hi Tukker. Notice the loan is with ANZ (which is better news than Merryl because ANZ said at least they are in no hurry to sell generally.....Merryl have done the big discounting to my knowledge and have already sold off the majority of their holdings).
I think George will spin off Cooljarloo and C/North as a separate company and work on the balance with Image as a s/holder in the new formed one. Then Cooljarloo/North will be available for all sorts of things.
Would also love to hear others' thoughts though.
I'm a little anxious about Wednesday, but at least it seems it is not the Directors where other company's have their Directors with the big margin loans etc