Santos aims to raise money after failed takeover bid

The company wants to raise A$3.5bn to strengthen balance sheet and keep opportunistic bidders at bay

A new chief executive has also been appointed as the company concludes its strategic review. Santos said it will issue new shares to Chinese private equity giant Hony Capital at a 15% premium to the 6 November closing price of A$5.91. The company is also launching a rights issue offering all shareholders, including Hony, new shares at A$3.85, marking a 35% discount. The A$500m private placement to Hony Capital will see the firm increase its stake from 1.4% to 7.9%. However, the Chinese group will be barred from building a stake of more than 9.9% in the energy company for three months, ensuring the move is not seen as the start of an acquisition by one of China’s largest private equity groups