Cat Rock Capital Issues Statement Regarding Just Eat’s First Quarter Results
Cat Rock Capital Management LP (together with its affiliates, Cat Rock Capital or Cat Rock), a long-term oriented investment firm and beneficial owner of approximately 13.0 million shares of the common stock of Just Eat plc (Just Eat or the Company) (LSE: JE), representing circa 2% of Just Eats outstanding shares, today issues the following statement regarding Just Eats first quarter 2019 results:
Cat Rock Capital Management LP (together with its affiliates, “Cat Rock
Capital” or “Cat Rock”), a long-term oriented investment firm and
beneficial owner of approximately 13.0 million shares of the common
stock of Just Eat plc (“Just Eat” or the “Company”) (LSE: JE),
representing circa 2% of Just Eat’s outstanding shares, today issues the
following statement regarding Just Eat’s first quarter 2019 results:
Just Eat’s first quarter results clearly underscore the need for urgent
change at the Company. Just Eat only grew orders 7% in the UK despite
benefitting from delivery investments and its acquisition of
HungryHouse. These results are unacceptable given that the average
customer still only orders less than once per month in the UK and
population penetration is still only about 20%.
Global peers are growing much faster in markets with similar levels of
frequency and penetration. Just Eat needs a world-class CEO with online
food delivery experience, and the Board should be actively evaluating a
merger with one of the many potential strategic partners available to
the Company.
Alex Captain, Founder and Managing Partner of Cat Rock Capital
Management LP, commented:
“There is a stark contrast between Just Eat’s results and those of its
industry peers with experienced leadership. Just Eat has a strong
competitive position and significant growth potential, but the Company
needs management with relevant industry experience to deliver on this
potential.”
“We urge the Board to seriously and actively consider merger
opportunities with its many potential strategic partners to secure
world-class leadership, delivery capabilities, a premium for Just Eat
shareholders, and continued participation in future value creation.”
Cat Rock’s previously released open letters to the Just Eat Board can be
downloaded and read in full at JustEatMustDeliver.com.
Sidley Austin LLP is serving as legal advisor to Cat Rock Capital
Management LP.
About Cat Rock Capital Management LP
Cat Rock Capital Management LP is a long-term focused investment firm
that manages capital on behalf of pension funds, endowments,
foundations, and other institutional investors. It seeks to invest in a
select number of high-quality companies, with a long-term approach that
emphasizes deep fundamental research. Cat Rock Capital is based in
Connecticut, USA and was founded in 2015 by Alex Captain, a former
Partner at Tiger Global Management.
DISCLAIMER
Cat Rock Capital is publishing this announcement solely for the
information of other shareholders in Just Eat plc. This announcement is
provided merely for general informational purposes and is not intended
to be, nor should it be construed as (1) investment, financial, tax or
legal advice, or (2) a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security
or other investment, or to pursue any investment style or strategy.
Neither the information nor any opinion contained in this announcement
constitutes an offer to purchase or sell or a solicitation of an offer
to purchase or sell any securities or other investments in the Company
or any other company by Cat Rock Capital or any fund or other entity
managed directly or indirectly by Cat Rock Capital in any jurisdiction.
This announcement does not consider the investment objective, financial
situation, suitability or the particular need or circumstances of any
specific individual who may access or review this announcement and may
not be taken as advice on the merits of any investment decision. Any
person who is in any doubt about the matters to which this announcement
relates should consult an authorised financial adviser or other person
authorised under the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release and the letter contain certain forward-looking
statements and information that are based on Cat Rock Capital’s beliefs
as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to,
Cat Rock Capital. These statements include, but are not limited to,
statements about strategies, plans, objectives, expectations,
intentions, expenditures and assumptions and other statements that are
not historical facts. When used herein, words such as “anticipate,”
“believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan” and “project” and
similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
These statements reflect our current views with respect to future
events, are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and
uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Further, certain
forward-looking statements are based upon assumption as to future events
that may not prove to be accurate. Actual results, performance or
achievements may vary materially and adversely from those described
herein. There is no assurance or guarantee with respect to the prices at
which any securities of the Company will trade, and such securities may
not trade at prices that may be implied herein. Any estimates,
projections or potential impact of the opportunities identified by Cat
Rock Capital herein are based on assumptions that Cat Rock Capital
believes to be reasonable as of the date hereof, but there can be no
assurance or guarantee that actual results or performance will not
differ, and such differences may be material and adverse. No
representation or warranty, express or implied, is given by Cat Rock
Capital or any of its officers, employees or agents as to the
achievement or reasonableness of, and no reliance should be placed on,
any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects or returns
contained herein. Any historic financial information, projections,
estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects or returns contained herein are
not necessarily a reliable indicator of future performance. Nothing in
these materials should be relied upon as a promise or representation as
to the future.
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