Still have O2 share certificate, is it still worth anything ?

[CW1]

Put in Share Dealing originally, probably too tucked away ... ;o)

Hi, Long story cut short ...

I found an O2 share certificate for several thousand shares (used to work for BT many moons ago, and paid into their sharesave schemes), and from what I can see on t'Internet, Telefonica SA bought these in 2005/2006 and I should've sent them the certificate. I was moving at the time and never heard about the compulsory buy back and, thinking about it, only ever received 1 dividend cheque from them.

I've e-mailed Telefonica SA and hope I get a reply sooner rather than later but from what I can make out meantime is once it gets past 6 years the certificate'll be worthless ! Is that right, am I really looking at losing £000s ??!!

[DocHH]

You are absolutely correct Telfonica bought O2 for £2.00 a share in 2005 for cash. I hope you are not looking at a substantial loss!

[carrot99]

http://www.telefonica...etion-Acquisition.pdf

Looks like they should have got in touch with you in Feb 2006 to compulsorily buy your shares. So if the 6 year thing is correct you may have until Feb 2012 to put in a claim. I'm only googling so phone Lloyds TSB Registrars tomorrow.

[boxtops]

If carrot's right, then don't hang about!

[CW1]

Thanks guys :o)

Haven't had a response from Telefonica but I did speak to someone at Equiniti (previously Lloyds TSB Registrars), very helpful.

I certainly don't remember it (I was in the process of finding a flat to rent temporarily / getting my stuff in storage / buying a house end of 2005 / beginning of 2006, was an absolute 'mare, hence long story !) but the guy read me a letter I'd written in Dec 2005 saying I'd take part of the sum in cash, and the remainder as a loan certificate. I'd have to go thru' bank statements from that time to prove it (and I've no reason to doubt him, the letter he read sounded genuine), and he also said he wasn't aware of a 6 year deadline - gave me another number to ring to confirm that - but he is writing to me re getting a cheque issued as redemption of the loan certificate (minus £50 admin charge - I can live with that !) ! Result !! :)

[twix123]

There is no 6 year limit on claiming the the funds, or new shares, following a takeover. Any unallocated amounts would be held in a 'suspense' account awaiting the rightful claimants to come forward.

[Ksharma]

I'm told those expire this year 2018 (12 years after takeover), am contacting Equiniti to confirm:

Equiniti ​General enquiries

0371 384 2030

Equiniti International callers:
[phone]