I have an old share certificate - is it worth anything?

[CoolHands]

Hi

I just found I have a share certificate of 2000 shares in British Biotech plc. which I bought in year 2000. According to wiki was taken over then ultimately merged with Vernalis plc who are still trading. How can I find out if my original shares were converted into new shares in the new companies, and thus worth anything, anyone know? I have a google but don't really understand if I'm honest. Cheers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Biotech

does the following article mean I get 0.86% of vernalis shares for each of my original shares? (rubs hands...)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2856769/British...

[Ozzie Osmond]

Vernalis is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

The Company's Registrars are Capita Asset Services. Contact them on 0871 664 0300, lines are open 9.00 am to 5.30 pm weekdays, or you may email them at [e-mail], or write to:

Shareholder Queries
Capita Asset Services
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent BR3 4TU

[CoolHands]

thats great thanks ozzie, I shall be on the blower monday morning

[IanA2]

Could be good....

[CoolHands]

yeah although I notice that I paid £491, so if they're worth 0.86x0.43x2000=£739.60 - whatever the share dealing cost will be, so 200-odd quid profit in 16 years isn't great!

Mind you I'd forgotten all about them (I thought I'd sold them in the long distant past) so I suppose I should look at it as a windfall

[Simpo Two]

I do wonder how many minor shareholders have no idea they have shares, given the number of takeovers, mergers and, it seems, a general lack of information imparted to shareholders.

I only found out I had a residual, tiny, pension from my employer 1986-88 because Capita managed to find me. I cashed it in in the great Private PensionFest of 88, but there was a residual sum that will pay me c.£200pa somehow.

[iantr]

CoolHands said:

Hi

does the following article mean I get 0.86% of vernalis shares for each of my original shares? (rubs hands...)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2856769/British...

Daily Telegraph said:

The shares swap terms, 0.86 new British Biotech shares for each Vernalis ordinary, will see British Biotech shareholders emerge with 47pc of the enlargedcompany, and Vernalis shareholders with 53pc.

Each Vernalis share was swapped for 0.86 of a British Biotech share so (assuming no other changes) you'll have 2000/0.86 = 2325 shares. Just over £1k at the price above.

Edited by iantr on Sunday 21st August 21:15

[CoolHands]

Well just to close the thread, it turns out in 2005 I already sold the new shares after the share consolidation! When he told me all the info it vaguely rang a bell