Singapore Post has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to investigate corporate governance concerns relating to an independent director's interest in three recent transactions, local media reported.
The special audit will centre on the interest of SingPost director Keith Tay Ah Kee in the group's acquisition of stakes in three firms: Famous Holdings, FS Mackenzie and Famous Pacific Shipping
(NZ).
PwC will review whether the acquisitions complied with SingPost's internal policies and procedures - including those related to M&A transactions and conflicts of interest.
In a statement, the postal operator said that it selected PwC as it had "no conflict of interest that would impair its ability to discharge its professional responsibilities.”
It added: "As an added measure to ensure independence of advice, the company has required that no partner or auditor of the special auditor who has performed an audit or acted as consultant to
the company shall be involved in this."
In addition to the PwC investigation, SingPost will also conduct a corporate governance review, including looking at issues relating to the independence of its directors.
Irritating situation
Press reports said that conflict of interest concerns arose after it was disclosed that corporate finance advisory firm Stirling Coleman Capital arranged all three stake acquisitions, and was the
financial adviser to the seller for the FS Mackenzie and Famous Pacific transactions.
SingPost told the Singapore Exchange (SGX) Mr Tay had disclosed his interest in the FS Mackenzie deal and abstained from voting when the board approved it in July last year. But its announcement
to the SGX last July said none of its directors had any interest in its purchase of FS Mackenzie. It acknowledged last month that this was an "administrative oversight.”
Thorough investigation
PwC will review whether the relevant processes were followed regarding the acquisitions and why there was no disclosure of Mr Tay's interest in the SGX announcement.
It will also look at whether Mr Tay had disclosed his interests in the acquisitions, whether he abstained from voting on them and if he recused himself from deliberations.
It will also determine if the board adhered to its legal obligations and the company's procedures relating to conflicts of interest in the deals.
Meanwhile, the chief executive of the Securities Investors Association (Singapore), an interest grouping, has met with SingPost management to present the concerns of the firm's 28,000 retail
investors.
Why did Baier leave abruptly?
Mr David Gerald has queried SingPost's decision to call for a special audit without clarifying what was wrong and questioned the abrupt departure of former CEO Dr Wolfgang Baier.
Dr Baier submitted his resignation from his post as group chief executive officer on December 10, 2015. Dr Baier joined SingPost as chief executive officer (International) in February 2011 to
oversee the development of SingPost’s international wing. In October 2011, Dr Baier was appointed GCEO to lead SingPost in a crucial stage of its transformation.
SingPost has not provided any reasons for Dr Baier's departure.
Nol van Fenema
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