The shareholders of crystal maker Waterford Wedgwood and porcelain firm Royal Doulton respectively have given their overwhelming approval for the Waterford Wedgwood acquisition of Royal Doulton. Waterford's offer has now been declared unconditional; as a result, Royal Doulton was to join the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and all trading of Royal Doulton shares on the London Stock Exchange were to cease from 15 February, 2005. In a recent rights issue, Waterford raised approximately US$1.3M for the purchase of Royal Doulton. For every 3 shares held, shareholders had the opportunity to acquire 5 new Waterford Wedgwood shares at slightly below market price. At a general meeting held in Dublin in January/05, 99% of Waterford's shareholders approved the purchase of Royal Doulton, a decision followed shortly afterwards by the agreement of Doulton shareholders.
