Highlights
• Count completed a $35.9 million institutional placement at $1.05 per share
• Approximately 34.2 million new shares issued, reflecting a 7.5% discount to last close
• Funds to support acquisition of businesses within the Oracle Group
• Additional $315,000 director participation planned, subject to shareholder approval
• Share Purchase Plan (SPP) launched to raise up to $5 million from eligible shareholders

Count Ltd (ASX:CUP) shares declined 2.20% to AUD 11.11 on 1 April 2026, although the stock remains up 48% over the past year. Today’s price movement coincided with the company’s announcement confirming the successful completion of a capital raising initiative aimed at supporting its acquisition strategy.

Institutional Placement Secures Strong Investor Backing

The company announced it has successfully completed a fully underwritten institutional placement, raising $35.9 million through the issue of approximately 34.2 million new shares.

The shares were issued at an offer price of $1.05 per share, representing a discount to the company’s previous closing price. The placement attracted participation from both existing shareholders and new institutional investors, reflecting broad engagement across the investor base.

The newly issued shares are expected to settle on 8 April 2026, with trading on a normal settlement basis anticipated to commence on 9 April 2026.

Funding to Support Oracle Group Acquisition

Proceeds from the placement are intended to partially fund the acquisition of three businesses collectively referred to as the Oracle Group. These include Oracle Advisory Group Pty Ltd, Oracle Accounting (Australia) Pty Ltd, and Oracle Investment Management Pty Ltd.

Completion of the acquisition is expected later in the first half of FY26, subject to standard conditions including regulatory approvals and other requirements.

Management indicated that the acquisition is expected to create opportunities across the business, supporting its broader growth strategy.

Director Participation and Retail Offer

In addition to the institutional placement, certain directors have committed to participate in the capital raising by subscribing for approximately $315,000 worth of shares on the same terms. This component remains subject to shareholder approval at a future general meeting.

The company is also undertaking a Share Purchase Plan (SPP), providing eligible shareholders in Australia and New Zealand the opportunity to subscribe for up to $30,000 of shares at the same offer price as the placement. The SPP is targeting to raise up to $5 million.

Full details of the SPP are expected to be released in mid-April, with the offer scheduled to close in early May.

Capital Structure and Timeline

The placement was executed within the company’s existing capacity under ASX listing rules, meaning no shareholder approval was required for the institutional component.

All new shares issued under both the placement and the SPP will rank equally with existing shares from the date of issue.

The timetable outlines key milestones, including settlement and issuance of placement shares in early April, followed by the launch and completion of the SPP in the coming weeks.

Strategic Positioning and Growth Focus

Count Ltd operates as a financial services firm, and the planned acquisition of the Oracle Group businesses is intended to expand its capabilities across advisory, accounting, and investment management services.

The capital raising forms part of this broader strategic initiative, providing funding support for the transaction while also maintaining engagement with both institutional and retail investors.

What This Means for Investors?

The latest update highlights Count’s progress in executing its capital management and acquisition strategy. The successful completion of the placement, alongside the planned SPP, reflects access to funding to support the proposed acquisition.

With the transaction subject to completion conditions and further steps ahead, investors are likely to monitor how the integration of the Oracle Group businesses progresses and contributes to the company’s overall strategy.