Damas - New AED 614 Million Agreement with Abdullah Brothers

Damas announced on Nasdaq Dubai that it had revised its agreement with the Abdullah Brothers regarding the amounts they owe to Damas.

One key item is the fixing of the price of the 1,840,250 grams of gold the Brothers stole from the Company at AED 256 million.

Presumably, this has been set so that Damas is not disadvantaged.

Setting the amount owed is a key step.  Collecting it may prove a bit more difficult.

Damas - Standstill Extension Signed

Damas announced another remarkable bit of progress and as well yet another "vote of confidence" from its lenders in its proven business model.

Here's the PR from Nasdaq Dubai this morning.

Following the announcement by Damas International Limited (the "Company") on 19 September 2010 that the steering committee of the Company's lenders had, in principle, approved an extension of the standstill agreement to 30 November 2010, the Company announces today that the Company has signed an amendment agreement dated 30 September 2010 to the standstill agreement dated 24 March 2010 (as amended pursuant to two amendment agreements dated 27 April 2010 and 13 July 2010 respectively) between the Company and the steering committee so as to formally extend the standstill to 30 November 2010.

A Company spokesman commented that "the agreement of the steering committee to the standstill extension shows once again the confidence that the bank lenders have in the restructuring process and the strength of the underlying business model of the Company".

If you believe the press release, and I hope you don't, Damas has scored yet another vote of confidence from its lenders.

 

Actually, it has not.

 

If there was a vote of confidence from its lenders, it is when they agreed the extension not when they signed the agreement.  Not when they signed to document that agreement.  Sorry, Damas, you only get one vote from this.

 

But more importantly this is actually a vote of no confidence in the local legal system. 

 

Rather than say no and refuse an extension.  Lenders realized that recourse to local courts would greatly diminish their already worrisome recovery prospects.  So they went along with another extension on the 19th and signed it today.

Damas - Board Undertakes Further "Progress" in "Enforcing" Enforceable Undertaking

Actual Cascade Agreement.

Look closely for the water.  

DIL shares in green.

 

Damas' Board announced on NasdaqDubai further developments related to the Abdullah Brothers and the DFSA mandated Enforceable Undertaking.

Damas is getting ready to sign a Cascade Agreement with the Flying Abdullah Brothers and their two companies Damas Real Estate LLC and Damas Investments Limited. as well as these entities' other lenders. 

Under the proposed CA Damas will agree:

(a)   not to enforce its rights under the settlement agreement dated 10 October 2009 between, amongst others, the Abdullah Brothers and DIL; and
(b)  not to enforce its rights under the share pledge (the "DIL Share Pledge") granted by the Abdullah Brothers on 31 October 2009 in favour of DIL in respect of 350 million shares in DIL (the "DIL Pledged Shares").

I presume that DIL is just agreeing to forbearance on its rights above.  That is, it has not renounced these rights nor is it sharing the DIL Pledged Shares with the other lenders.  This sort of inter lender agreement is fairly common.  The operative presumption being that if one creditor moves to exercise its rights it could bring the debtor down thus hurting all the parties. So it's an agreement among the lenders to move in tandem.

It's probably a safe bet that the FAB were consistently "wise" investors.  Thus, they probably used the loans from other lenders to finance similar "great" investments in real estate, etc. as they ones they made with the money they stole, excuse me, "withdrew without proper documentation" from DIL.  Which suggests that the cash flow may well be as depicted above.  In such a case one wouldn't want to be at the tail end of the cascade.

Not much that could be done.  They say (and they are so often right that I don't even bother to contradict them anymore) that Mar Jude is the Patron Saint of Bank Loan Workout Groups.  Where's Amos Yaqub when DIL needs him? He's got a special "in" with Mar Jude.

Damas Shareholders Meeting 30 September: Ernst and Young to Be Replaced by Deloitte Touche

Damas announced that it would hold its AGM/EGM on 30 September.

Among the agenda points are:

1. a change in auditors from Ernst & Young to Deloitte and Touche
2. formal election of the Board who were appointed in the wake of the resignation of the old Board as per the DFSA order.

Dubai: The Emirati Goldfinger

Fancy expensive car proving honesty and sincerity.

Dubai is known as an important gold trading center.  Apparently the story of Damas is just one of many.

This is another.

An Emirati identified solely as AA, was taking gold from an Iranian woman, FH,  promising her he was selling to Russians at a "higher price".  Presumably because the Russians in the UAE are not sharp traders.  In one example, she gave him gold worth DH850,000 and he gave her a check for DH500,000.  

One could make a small fortune in such exchanges - though starting with a large fortune would be a prerequisite.

In any case the woman was sure this chap was on the "up and up". 

FH said that each time the accused, who addressed her as 'mother' visited her he used a different car. And, therefore, she believed whatever he said and never suspected him.

As Ken over at Wall St WTF can testify, justice has both a long arm and is swift in the Emirate of Dubai.  Interpol arrested the chap in Thailand and he's been arraigned in Dubai.

The accused has denied the accusation and the Dubai Misdemeanor Court has adjourned the case until August 9.

A couple of further notes.

Despite the similarity of names (AA), like a certain prominent Kuwaiti-Saudi businessman, I continue to deny any wrongdoing.  Mother, why won't you believe me?

And for Ken at Wall St WTF:

1. You've expressed some concern at your blog as to the  vigor (or lack thereof) in the legal pursuit of the Flying Abdullah Brothers.  Perhaps the judicial venue for this case  - the Misdemeanor Court - is an indication of the seriousness with which such crimes are viewed in the Emirate?
2. Also as one who has worked with the DIFX/DFSA, perhaps you can  advise whether Iranians are working there in senior management.  That potentially could explain a lot of things.  He called me "mother" when he signed his Enforceable Undertaking.

Damas - Auditors' Report

The Auditors' Report has been posted on NasdaqDubai:

This report is being released again due to technical difficulties experienced by some parties in downloading the Auditor’s Report.

Let's be crystal clear here.  This was definitely not due to a failing by the Company, nor its media consultant, nor NasdaqDubai.  Obviously, it's the fault of the downloader.  I apologize for my manifest error and lack of technical skills. 

In any case, Damas' auditors have issued an "emphasis of matter" report.  And that is muted by the language of Note  2 - which avoids such words as "material uncertainty" in reference to "going concern".  Clearly, it's smooth sailing.

Update:  It's been pointed out to me by a kindly reader that the Audit Report itself does contain the sentence:  "“In the event that the financial restructuring plan is not signed as envisaged or the standstill agreement is not extended further, there could be significant uncertainty over the ability of the group to continue operating as a going concern.”

Fair enough.  I stand corrected.

Damas: A Gem of Loss AED1.9 Billion for Fiscal 2010

You may have seen the news articles on the loss.  Here in the Gulf News.  Or Khaleej Times.  As usual, if you're looking for more content, you'll find it at The National.

Hopefully, this post will expand the discussion.

For this excursion, here are Damas' Press Release and its Audited Annual Report for 2010 (inexplicably missing the audit report).  Presumably a technical issue because ASDA'A - Burson Marsteller was involved in distributing this. I've sent NasdaqDubai an email to note the oversight.  If you live in the Emirate, you might give them a call. 

The first thing that becomes obvious is that the new board and management are  "taking an accounting bath" - writing down everything they possibly can.  This associates the loss with the previous board and management.  And then when there are recoveries in these same items in the future, they (the new "team") will look like "blooming business geniuses". 

The second thing is that the number of areas where writedowns or provisions have taken place give an idea of the extent of the corporate rot.  There seems scarcely an asset category  or company activity that was not touched.  In cases like this one has to be quite a charitable soul to ascribe the lowest possible level of intelligence and competence to those involved.  Otherwise one would be forced to conclude that they were complicit in the Abdullah Brothers' crimes.  That would, of course, include Damas' Accounting and Finance Department, its internal auditors, its Board Audit Committee and its then external auditors. 

Let's step through the charges.

First "impairments" of AED 790.6 million.   Note 11.

1. AED457 million against the AED767 million due from the Abdullah Brothers (Note 26).  A provision of 59.6%.  This is composed of the AED606 million  in unauthorized withdrawals plus AED150 million in a lost deposit - lost as a bank seized it for a gold loan to the Abdullah Brothers.  Less AED3.3 million in Board fees for fiscal 2010 - we'll file that  under "insult added to injury".  Seems Damas has a soft spot for the Abdullahs and still believes it needs to compensate them for the wise and highly beneficial services they provided to the Company during fiscal 2010.  We can be sure of one thing.  The Company will recover at least AED150 million from the Abdullahs by offsetting the AED150 million subordinated loan the Abdullahs made to the Company.
2. AED106.1 million against real estate due to a downturn in the market values.
3. AED54.7 million for investments in persistent loss making jointly controlled entities which are impacted by a change in the role of the Abdullah Brothers.  Since the losses were incurred while they were running the Company, is the assumption that now that they are not, the situation will change for the worse?
4. AED28.4 million for certain associates due to uncertainty of future cash profits.
5. AED84.4 million for long term loans and receivables from related parties.  Apparently wisely made by Damas with no fixed repayment tenors, no interest applicable and no collateral.  
6. AED14.1 million for available for sale investments.
7. AED16.0 million for intangible assets.
8. AED29.8 for receivables.

Now to Provisions - AED572 million.  Note 12.

1. AED434 million for Inventories (Note 22 (ii)).  Seems Damas gave gold from its inventory to certain "consignment vendors, ventures, debtors, associates, and jointly controlled entities without any margin and to certain parties against cash margin."  Some AED618.2 million (of which AED613.5 was gold) against which it had AED183.8 million in collateral.  It has fully provisioned the remaining amount AED434.4 million.  Once Damas "lent" gold or other inventory, then those assets should have been separated from the rest of inventory.  Especially since the amount is significant - 30% of total inventory.
2. AED121.1 million for doubtful receivables - in very rough numbers 37% of gross receivables.  There's one proven business way to increase sales and that's to sell on very easy terms.  Selling to people who can't or won't pay back works every time.  We are told that this provision is motivated by the change in the role of the Abdullah Brothers in the Company. It seems that the Abdullah Brothers originally approved the extension of these receivables. Which is perhaps why they weren't collected.  Now that they are no longer in control we are to conclude that the receivables won't be collected and must be written off? Frankly, I'm not following the logic here.
3. AED16.6 million for "slow moving inventories".  Since a jeweller's inventory turns really slowly these have to be some "real gems", no doubt.

Third, an AED79,6 million loss on settlement of bank liabilities (Note 13). 

1. AED73.3 million:  Damas couldn't meet margin calls against gold loans.  Wonder where the gold went? Borrowed by an Executive Director?  So the Company had to give Inventory with a cost of AED140.1 million for which the bank gave them AED66.8 million.  That led to an AED73.3 million loss.  Damas is buying back the inventory in a phased manner at the purchase price originally paid to the bank.  
2. AED6.2 million loss on a jewellery for debt exchange.

Provision for Dubai Ventures Loan AED311.5 million (Note 21).

1. You'll recall this transaction was part of the fraud perpetrated by the Abdullah Brothers at the time of the IPO.   They gave Damas funds to Dubai Ventures - part of the Dubai Group - to buy a portfolio of Damas shares to meet the minimum "free float" requirements.  This portfolio became a loan in Fiscal 2008.  And now "poof" it's provisioned.  Though management asserts it will do everything to collect the loan.  Since DV is holding highly valuable Damas shares, I guess it will be a matter of a few trades on DFM/NasdaqDubai.

 Other matters.

1. There are AED94.7 million in losses on Discontinued Operations.  A glance at Notes 15, 38 and 39 discloses a rabbit's warren of companies.  It's unclear to me how any lender could keep either an eye or control on his money once it enters a "black box" like this. That's not to say that there was any malfeasance at Damas on this score.  Just that this is a "tricky" situation for an unsecured lender.
2. Damas' Press Release refers to AED1.9 billion in one off expenses and provisions.  I think that's overstated.  Damas appears to be considering net interest expense of AED132 million as a one off expense as well as some of the losses on subsidiaries.
3. Damas is showing AED775.2 as Cash and Banks classified as a Current Asset.  Some AED392 million of this amount is pledged as security for loans (Note 29).  It seems a real stretch to consider these Current Assets.
4. Rescheduling:  There's a bit of cognitive dissonance between the Annual Report MD&A and the Press Release.  Presumably, the Press Release is the later document so we'll use that information on the structure.  The Press Release states there will be three tranches: Tranche 1 an amortising debt.  Tranche 2 a working capital facility probably "revolving" (not reducing).  Tranche 3 a term loan (presumably with no or a very pushed out amortisation schedule).   Note 2 to the Financials discloses that the proposed tenor is 6 years.   And that recovery from the Abdullah Brothers is not required to repay the debt.

Finally, as always with announcement like this, we at Suq Al Mal are on the look out for contributions to distressed debtors' rhetorical spin.  I'm happy to report that Damas has advanced this art significantly.  Here are some of their contributions:

1. A "difficult, if not unfortunate year".  (Chairman's Statement).  AA:  Unfortunate indeed.
2. "Unfortunate in that the problems which the Group now confronts are of its own making, through the failings of the then Board of Directors and, in particular, the actions of the Executive Directors, the Abdullah Brothers". (Chairman's Statement).  AA:  We can probably explain this statement by two facts.  It's true.  And there's a new team with no reputation at stake.
3. Operating performance "reconfirms the value proposition of the Group's core business"  (Chairman's Statement).  And from the MD&A:  "The robustness of the underlying business model was tested under actual stress conditions ..."   AA:  Much better than a "proven business model".
4. "The Group’s difficulties and the continued involvement with the Abdullah Brothers have raised a number of concerns, publicly. While recognising these concerns and putting in place the appropriate governance structure to mitigate against any potential issues, the continued involvement of the Abdullah Brothers is of strategic importance.  Fundamental in this regard is their knowledge of the  industry, in the areas of product design, quality, but more importantly their involvement in the  recovery of accounts receivables and the inventory given on consignment. In their role as Advisors,  the Group will be able to secure a knowledge transfer and an expedited, if not enhanced, recovery of  its receivables and consignments."  AA:  One certainly hopes so.  Wonder what the compensation is?  And if it's cash or reduction in their payable?

Damas Extends Standstill To September - Business Model Apparently Validated Yet Again

From Nasdaq Dubai 22 July:

Damas International Limited (the Company) announces today that the Company has signed an extension to the standstill agreement signed with a majority of its bank lenders. 

 

The standstill agreement has been extended until 30 September 2010 in accordance with its terms in order to allow the Company to finalize its restructuring plan and having regard to the Ramadan period. The Company has agreed a term sheet with the steering committee of its bank lenders and which has now been sent to the entire lender group for approval.  

The Company is pleased to announce that a majority of its bank lenders have approved the extension which proves once again the confidence of the Company's bank lenders in the strength of the underlying business model of Damas, a Company spokesman stated.

With respect to latter comment, I was surprised that Damas neglected to mention their lenders' confidence in Damas proven corporate governance model.  So I will mention it here.

Some commentators might remark that the lenders are making the best of a bad situation in the hopes of securing their recovery.  But those with Vision (like AA) know this can't possibly be right.  Can it?

Abdullahs Roll in Recovery for Damas

This is the actual headline in The National, though I suppose at some point the editor will change it to "role".  But the original headline is forever immortalized above.

Some quotes from the article which are just too good to pass up.

The three Abdullah brothers, whose family founded Damas jewellers and were held responsible for unauthorised transactions including about 50 property deals and two tonnes of gold borrowed from the company, are back at the firm – in charge of recovering money owed to the company.

Someone is definitely getting "rolled" here.  I suspect it's the hapless shareholders once again.

Though in light of this explanation from Damas' new CEO, shareholders will probably have a better understanding of the Abdullah Brothers' transactions.

“Not everything was well documented, which was very normal in the jewellery business. Most of the business was done on the basis of a handshake and based on the personal relationship between the management and the business partners … One of the three brothers was in charge of that file. Without his assistance, any progress on the recoveries front would have been impossible.”

An interesting explanation for what might charitably (and AA is always charitable) be described as theft.  It's always very important to be sure the documentation is properly prepared when you take someone else's assets.

In any case it's pretty clear from the above quote that the new CEO has an apparent keen understanding of  the intricacies of corporate governance.  There isn't the slightest doubt in my mind that he will be looking out carefully for their interests.  And making sure any related documentation is in tip top shape.

WallSt WTF "Appreciation" of Damas Saga

Ken over at WallSt. WTF has an "appreciation" of the Damas saga.  Well worth a read if you haven't seen it.

Damas - Enforceable Undertaking Latest Developments

A rather enigmatic press release from Damas on Nasdaq Dubai this morning.

Three points of note:

1. Damas International Limited ("DIL") is negotiating a Cascade Agreement with Damas Investments Limited and Damas Real Estate Limited, the Abdullah Brothers who own both companies, and their respective creditors.  "The purpose of the Cascade Agreement will be to effect an orderly realisation of the assets of the Abdullah Brothers Group. DIL and its board will at all times continue to act in accordance with their legal duties."
2. "DIL notes that its undertaking to recover amounts owing from the Abdullah Brothers at paragraph 17.37 of the DIL Enforceable Undertaking is expressed to be subject to any stand-still, restructuring, security, cascade or similar agreement with the Abdullah Brothers Group and their creditors, including DIL. DIL further notes that in the enforceable undertaking given by the Abdullah Brothers dated 21 March 2010 (the "Abdullah Brothers Enforceable Undertaking") the obligation to repay the Drawings Amount (as defined therein) to DIL at paragraph 15.11 is expressed to be on terms and conditions either already agreed or to be agreed with DIL. Further, the obligations of the Abdullah Brothers to use the net proceeds of realisation of assets to repay the Drawings Amount at paragraph 15.12.1 of the Abdullah Brothers Enforceable Undertaking is expressed to be subject to the terms of any settlement, stand-still, restructuring, security, cascade or similar agreement with creditors (including DIL)."

It sounds as though Damas is in the process of revising the original repayment schedule agreed with the Abdullah Brothers.  No doubt legally required in terms of the rights of all creditors.  What it probably means for DIL is a longer payback period.  And depending on the assets, perhaps less than 100% payout.  From what I've read it seems likely that many of the investments may be problematic to sell at original cost.

Damas Engages Abdullah Brothers as Senior Advisors

Here's an interesting bit of news from Business 24/7.

"At a time when Damas is going through a period of transition and pursuing a renewed strategy for its sustainable growth, the involvement of the Abdullah brothers in an advisory capacity provides us [with] significant depth of knowledge and insight," a spokesperson for Damas International Limited (DIL) said.

Presumably they've been engaged to give advice on marketing and design and not on corporate governance or financial matters.

Damas Executive Management Changes

From Nasdaq Dubai.

Damas International Limited (the Company) announced today the appointment of Anan Fakhreddin as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Fakhreddin replaces Mr. Sanjay Kalsi, who held the position of Interim Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Kalsi will resume his previous responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer of the Company.
Anan Fakhreddin is a member of the Board of Directors of Damas International Limited. He, until most recently served as the Dubai based Managing Director for Middle East and Turkey, at the World Gold Council. Previously Mr. Fakhreddin worked with the Diamond Trading Company (a De Beers group company) for nine years covering the GCC region. Mr. Fakhreddin started his career with American Express International and held the position of Regional Manager in Saudi Arabia. He holds a BA in Business Administration from Yarmouk University in Jordan.

"I am delighted to have taken on this role at one of the oldest and most significant retail companies in the region, at a time of renewal and transition," said Fakhreddin. "Damas has a rich heritage of excellence across all its business lines, and this is the legacy we will look to build upon. I look forward to join a team of highly specialized and motivated professionals to further enhance our product line and customer service channels, while identifying expansion opportunities in growth markets. I am confident that with the support and insight of my colleagues, we will continue to develop Damas as a global leader in jewellery retail.”

Damas - Al Manara Jewellery Files AED114.7 Million Lawsuit Re JV

Damas announced this lawsuit on NasdaqDubai earlier today.

Damas International Limited (the Company) stated today, that it received a legal notice from Al Manara Jewellery on 10 May 2010, notifying the Company and one of its subsidiaries Damas Jewellery LLC, of a claim filed before the Abu Dhabi Courts for AED 114.7 million in relation to one of the joint venture business that the subsidiary had participated in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The civil suit filed by the JV partner claims compensation of an apparent breach of the joint participation agreement that the subsidiary of Damas had signed when establishing the venture. The Company firmly believes the case to be without merit and intends to vigorously defend its interests related to this civil action.

There is a mention on pages 46 and 75 of "Al Manara" in Damas' 2008/2009 financials in reference to a 49% owned JV.  

Probably an issue of failing to meet a cash call - no doubt motivated by its current cash position.

Damas - Update on Enforceable Undertaking

From Nasdaq Dubai.

Damas International Limited (The Company) announced today that it is taking all reasonable steps to secure and recover the drawings amount owed to the Company by the Abdullah brothers.

The Company is working with the Abdulla brothers within the overall timeline, to recover the drawings amounts, as agreed in the Settlement Agreement and the Share Pledge Agreement (the "Agreements"). Given the complexity involved in transferring / selling the assets declared to the Company, it is taking more time to affect the recoveries as per the timeline mentioned in the previous announcement by the Company on 4 November  2009. The delay in payments does not constitute an event of default under the Agreements.   However, the amount of US$55 million to be paid by the Abdullah brothers to The Company on or before 30th April 2010 will be carried forward and settled in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Agreements. Active efforts are underway by the Company and the Abdulla brothers to repay the amounts either in cash or by transfer of assets.

The Company is constantly engaged with the Abdulla brothers to ensure expeditious realization from the sale of assets to settle their drawings. These efforts are on going and the Company will report to its shareholders and the market on a regular basis as to its efforts, and the effectiveness of its efforts in recovering all amounts due to the Company by the Abdullah brothers.

The Company, having clarified this matter and informed the market of the developments requests an immediate reinstatement of the trading on its shares.

 Some reactions.

1. Sounds like the recovery isn't going particularly well.  Old hands in the banking business will tell you it's not a good sign when the obligor can't make the first scheduled payment on a deal he's recently negotiated with you.  I have good reason to believe that this rule applies pretty much around the world - even in Dubai. 
2. The Brothers took cash and a "bit" of gold from Damas.  The company is unable to pay its lenders. 
3. When I read comments about transfers of assets (even with a new presumably alert and scrupulous board), I worry about the transfer of illiquid and potentially duff assets.  If the Brothers can't liquidate the assets, why should Damas presume that it can?  And if the debt is extinguished at transfer and not upon realization, why should Damas bear the liquidity risk (that the price they actually get will be much less than the transfer value) and the costs of carrying the asset until realization.
4. As noted above, the Brothers took cash and a "bit" of gold.  Their obligation is to return the company to the position before the "withdrawal".   The goal should be to avoid a BPPN "settlement" that lets the obligors skate away scot-free.

Damas Lenders Extend Standstill Two Months

Damas announced on NasdaqDubai late this afternoon that a majority of its lenders had agreed to extend the standstill two months to give the company time to complete its rescheduling proposal.

29 Apr 2010 - 17:48:58

Damas International Limited (the Company) announces today that the Company has signed an extension to the standstill agreement signed with a majority of its bank lenders.

The standstill agreement which was due to expire on 30^th of April 2010, has been extended for a period of two months in order to allow the Company to finalize its restructuring plan.

The Company is pleased to announce that a majority of its bank lenders have approved the extension which proves once again the confidence of the Company's bank lenders in the strength of the underlying business model of Damas, a Company spokesman stated.

I'm not sure that a standstill is really effective if only a majority of lenders have signed.  All it will take to start a panic is if one lender break ranks.

I'm also not sure that extending the standstill proves anything except the banks feel it is the best way to maximize their recovery.    As noted earlier, the UAE has fairly low scores among the GCC for recoveries in insolvency.  And judging by the last minute timing, it seems that sentiment built "slowly" to a positive response to the company's request.

DIFC Court to Hear Case by Amwal AlKhaleej Against Abdullah Brothers

The National reports that the DIFC Court has rejected a motion by counsel for the Abdullah Brothers to the DIFC Court to dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction.

Earlier post here.

Damas Elects New Board

As you've probably seen in press reports yesterday, Damas held an Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders yesterday at which a new board was elected.  Here's the press release on NasdaqDubai with more details

As to the new board, the new members are:

1. Abbas G. Ameeri
2. Abdullah Fadhel Ahmed AlMazrui
3. Anan Fakreddin
4. Ehsan Abbas
5. Ibrahim Belsalih
6. Nicholas G. Hegarty
7. Simon Copleston
8. TN Pratap
9. Tariq L. Ali

The EGM also approved:

1. Dual listing of shares in both US$ and AED.  (Previously, Damas was listed only in US$ on NasdaqDubai).
2. The resignation of the former directors.

As you'll recall the DFSA settlement required a change in the Board along with other measures outlined here.

More Details on Damas "Standstill"

As per The National, the standstill was signed with the six banks that comprise the informal Steering Committee, Standard Chartered, HSBC, Emirates NBD, Mashreqbank, Gulf International Bank and ABN AMRO.  They reportedly account for more than 50% of Damas' debt.

Damas Signs Debt Standstill with Majority of Lenders

Damas announced today on NasdaqDubai that it had signed a standstill agreement with a majority of its lenders and was currently developing a restructuring plan which would be implemented at the end of the standstill period.  The length of the standstill period is not mentioned in the announcement.

Then taking a leaf from the Dr. Esam Janahi playbook, Damas then goes on to assert how this demonstrates "the confidence of the Company’s bank lenders in the strength of the underlying business model of Damas, the leading retail jewellery company in the Middle East".

Or then again it may just demonstrate the Company's bank lenders' experience in the backward local court system whose lightning quick procedures require an inordinate amount of time and result in abysmally low recovery rates.

And, yes, if you're wondering, a standstill agreement is only effective when 100% of the creditors have signed it as the TID experience has demonstrated.