ABRDN JAPAN EQUITY FUND, INC. (JEQ) ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL TENDER OFFER DETAILS AND ANTICIPATED TIMING OF REORGANIZATION WITH ABRDN GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE INCOME FUND (ASGI)

Rhea-AI Summary

abrdn Japan Equity Fund (NYSE: JEQ) has announced key details regarding its tender offer and upcoming reorganization with abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund (NYSE: ASGI). The tender offer will expire on September 2, 2025, with pricing at 98% of NAV determined on September 3, 2025, and settlement expected around September 12, 2025.

The reorganization timeline indicates that JEQ's final trading day will be around October 10, 2025. JEQ shareholders at market close on that date will receive newly issued ASGI common shares equal to their JEQ shares' net asset value, becoming ASGI shareholders when markets open on October 13, 2025. A potential final distribution announcement is scheduled for September 19, 2025.

Positive

• Shareholders will receive 98% of NAV in the tender offer, providing a clear exit opportunity
• Smooth transition process with clearly defined timeline and merger details
• JEQ shareholders will receive equivalent value in ASGI shares based on NAV

Negative

• 2% discount to NAV in tender offer represents a small value loss for tendering shareholders
• JEQ shareholders will lose their specific exposure to Japanese equities post-merger

Insights

Financial Restructuring Specialist

JEQ announces tender offer timeline and details of reorganization with ASGI, offering JEQ shareholders 98% of NAV and conversion to ASGI shares.

The announced tender offer from abrdn Japan Equity Fund (JEQ) represents a significant liquidity event for current shareholders, with a 98% of NAV cash redemption option expiring September 2, 2025. This modest 2% discount to NAV is relatively favorable compared to typical tender offers that often apply deeper discounts. The tender offer runs concurrently with JEQ's impending reorganization into abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund (ASGI), scheduled to complete around October 10, 2025.

The restructuring transforms shareholders' exposure from Japanese equities to global infrastructure assets - a material investment mandate shift. Any JEQ shareholders remaining after the tender offer will automatically receive ASGI shares based on NAV equivalence. This reorganization effectively eliminates JEQ as a standalone investment vehicle, consolidating assets under ASGI's broader infrastructure focus.

The consolidation likely creates economies of scale for the fund manager while giving former JEQ shareholders access to a different asset class. Infrastructure assets typically offer different risk/return characteristics than Japanese equities, including potential inflation protection and income generation from assets like utilities, transportation, and communication infrastructure. For JEQ investors not participating in the tender, this represents an automatic portfolio reallocation without incurring transaction costs, though with a fundamentally different investment exposure than their original Japanese equity position.

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. (NYSE: JEQ) today announces additional details relating to the Fund's tender offer and anticipated closing details relating to its upcoming reorganization with abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund (NYSE: ASGI).

Tender Offer Timeline

• Tender Offer Expiration Date: September 2, 2025
  The tender offer will expire at 5:00 PM ET, unless extended by the company.
• Tender Offer Valuation Date: September 3, 2025
  The tender offer will price per share equal to 98% of the NAV determined as of close of business September 3, 2025 (or such later date as may be determined by the Fund if the tender offer is extended.)
• Tender Offer Settlement Date: September 12, 2025
  Payment for shares accepted in the tender offer will be made on or around this date.

Reorganization Timeline

• Announcement of JEQ's Final Distribution, if needed: September 19, 2025
  If required, the Fund intends to announce details of a final distribution payment of the Fund's net investment income and/or realized gains prior to the completion of the reorganization.
• JEQ's Final Day of Trading: on or about October 10, 2025
  It is anticipated that October 10, 2025, will be the last day JEQ will trade on the New York Stock Exchange, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Any shareholders of JEQ as of market close on October 10, 2025 will receive newly issued common shares of ASGI with a value equal to the aggregate net asset value of the shares of JEQ and will be deemed shareholders of ASGI at the open of market trading hours on October 13, 2025. 

Please note that details relating to the pricing with respect to the above transactions will be announced on a timely basis in due course and available on the Fund's website at AberdeenJEQ.com.

Important Information

The Fund's daily NYSE closing price and NAV, as well as other information, including updated portfolio statistics and performance are available at https://www.aberdeeninvestments.com/en-us/investor/funds/view-all-funds/ or by calling the Fund's Investor Services at 1-800-522-5465.

abrdn Inc. has prepared this report based on information sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, neither the Fund, abrdn Asia Limited (the Investment Manager), nor any other person guarantees their accuracy. Investors should seek their own professional advice and should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before acting on this information.

Aberdeen Investments Global is the trade name of Aberdeen's investments business, herein referred to as "Aberdeen Investments" or "Aberdeen". In the United States, Aberdeen Investments refers to the following affiliated, registered investment advisers: abrdn Inc., abrdn Investments Limited, and abrdn Asia Limited.

Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. A Fund's investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor's shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the NAV of the fund's portfolio. There is no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Closed-End Funds | Aberdeen 

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SOURCE Aberdeen Investments U.S. Closed End Funds

FAQ

When will the JEQ tender offer expire?

The tender offer will expire on September 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET, unless extended by the company.

What is the pricing for JEQ's tender offer?

The tender offer price will be 98% of the NAV determined as of close of business on September 3, 2025.

When is the last trading day for JEQ before the ASGI merger?

JEQ's final trading day on the NYSE is expected to be October 10, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

How will JEQ shareholders be compensated in the ASGI merger?

JEQ shareholders will receive newly issued common shares of ASGI with a value equal to the aggregate net asset value of their JEQ shares at market close on October 10, 2025.

When will JEQ shareholders become ASGI shareholders?

JEQ shareholders will be deemed ASGI shareholders at the open of market trading hours on October 13, 2025.