SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a - 16 OR 15d - 16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of November, 2005
SkyePharma PLC
SkyePharma PLC, 105 Piccadilly, London W1J 7NJ England
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40F.
Form 20-F X Form 40-F
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes No X
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- _______
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 14 November 2005 |
SkyePharma PLC
Strategic Review
LONDON, ENGLAND, 14 November, 2005 -- SkyePharma PLC (Nasdaq: SKYE; LSE: SKP)
announces that following a recent unsolicited approach from a third party, the
Board of SkyePharma has decided to review all of its strategic options,
including inter alia offers for the company as a whole.
The Board has appointed Lehman Brothers as sole financial adviser to undertake
this review. There is no certainty that the review will result in any change to
the present ownership structure of the company. A further announcement will be
made when appropriate.
For further information please contact:
SkyePharma PLC | +44 207 491 1777 | ||
Peter Laing, Director of Corporate Communications | +44 7766 906626 | ||
Sandra Haughton, US Investor Relations | +1 212 753 5780 | ||
Buchanan Communications | +44 207 466 5000 | ||
Tim Anderson / Mark Court/ Rebecca Skye Dietrich |
Notes to Editors
About SkyePharma
SkyePharma PLC uses its world-leading drug delivery technology to develop
easier-to-use and more effective formulations of drugs. The majority of
challenges faced in the formulation and delivery of drugs can be addressed by
one of the Company's proprietary technologies in the areas of oral, injectable,
inhaled and topical delivery, supported by advanced solubilisation capabilities.
For more information, visit http://www.skyepharma.com.
Lehman Brothers Europe Limited, which is regulated in the United Kingdom by the
Financial Services Authority, is acting for SkyePharma PLC and no one else in
relation to the matters described in this announcement, and will not be
responsible to anyone other than SkyePharma PLC for providing the protections
afforded to customers of Lehman Brothers Europe Limited or for providing advice
on matters described in this announcement.
Dealing Disclosure Requirements
Under the provisions of Rule 8.3 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the
"Code"), if any person is, or becomes, "interested" (directly or indirectly) in
1% or more of any class of "relevant securities" of SkyePharma PLC, all
"dealings" in any "relevant securities" of that company (including by means of
an option in respect of, or a derivative referenced to, any such "relevant
securities") must be publicly disclosed by no later than 3.30 pm (London time)
on the London business day following the date of the relevant transaction. This
requirement will continue until the date on which the offer becomes, or is
declared, unconditional as to acceptances, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn or
on which the "offer period" otherwise ends. If two or more persons act together
pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to
acquire an "interest" in "relevant securities" of SkyePharma PLC, they will be
deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.
Under the provisions of Rule 8.1 of the Code, all "dealings" in "relevant
securities" of SkyePharma PLC by SkyePharma PLC or by the potential offeror, or
by any of their respective "associates", must be disclosed by no later than
12.00 noon (London time) on the London business day following the date of the
relevant transaction.
A disclosure table, giving details of the companies in whose "relevant
securities" "dealings" should be disclosed, and the number of such securities in
issue, can be found on the Takeover Panel's website at
www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
"Interests in securities" arise, in summary, when a person has long economic
exposure, whether conditional or absolute, to changes in the price of
securities. In particular, a person will be treated as having an "interest" by
virtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by virtue of any option in
respect of, or derivative referenced to, securities.
Terms in quotation marks are defined in the Code, which can also be found on the
Panel's website. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are required
to disclose a "dealing" under Rule 8, you should consult the Panel.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SkyePharma PLC
By: /s/ Douglas Parkhill
Name: Douglas Parkhill
Title:
Company Secretary
Date: November 14, 2005