1. Introduction
The MERJ Regulatory News Service ("MERJ RNS") is designed to provide a central place for MERJ listed companies ("MERJ Issuers") to publish news, citations in the media and disclosures to keep the public informed about your company in a timely manner. This article provides an overview and guidelines for MERJ Issuers regarding their submissions to MERJ in line with initial and ongoing disclosure obligations prescribed by the MERJ Listing Rules. Following this guideline ensures the disclosures are consistent, transparent, and provide accurate information to investors.
The MERJ RNS is also available for publishing other news releases (e.g product/services launches, partnerships, new customers, etc.) and links to media where the MERJ Issuer is cited that may not be strictly required from a regulatory standpoint but may be important in terms of keeping investors informed. We provide guidelines and sample press release formats for effective news releases that you are free to use.
2. General Guidelines
Document Format
All document submissions for publication must be in .txt, .docx or.rtf format.
Spacing must be 0 points. Line spacing must be single. Double space between paragraphs or anywhere else an extra space is required.
Submissions
All submissions should be sent to rns[at]merj.exchange with the subject as follows: "[Ticker] RNS Publication" e.g. MERJ-S RNS Publication.
Drafting (Beta)
You may use the A.I. Agent created by MERJ to assist with assessing whether a particular event requires disclosure as well as to draft such disclosures and news releases. However, please note that this is still in beta. All matters relating to disclosures remain the responsibility of the issuer and the results should be double checked accordingly.
3. Regular Disclosures
Specific regulatory disclosure obligations include those found in Listing Particulars Schemes, Directive - Regular Reporting Obligations and Directive - Financial Reporting.
Standard Titles
All regular disclosure submissions must follow the MERJ RNS Standard Title Format. This will allow the public to more easily search and understand the contents of each publication.
4. Ad Hoc Disclosures of Other Material Events
Ad Hoc Disclosures should adhere to the following guidelines.
Title Format
The title of the disclosure must accurately reflect the content so that the average investor understands the nature of the information. For example:
If a company anticipates that its next financial reporting period results will be materially lower than past results or forward guidance previously provided, a suitable title could include "Profit Warning" or "Earnings Update" respectively.
Best Practices for Ad Hoc Disclosures:
- Timeliness: Ensure that all material events are disclosed promptly to keep investors informed.
- Accuracy: Provide clear and accurate information. Avoid ambiguous language that could mislead investors.
- Completeness: Include all relevant details that an investor would need to make an informed decision.
- Consistency: Use standardized formats and terminologies to maintain consistency across all disclosures.
- Clarity: Write in plain language. Avoid jargon and technical terms that might not be understood by the average investor.
- Compliance: Ensure that all disclosures comply with applicable laws, regulations, and MERJ Listing Rules and Directives.
5. News Releases
MERJ Issuers may use the MERJ RNS to distribute news releases relating to new products, services, partnerships or anything similar that may be of interest to the public, even if not specifically required for regulatory reasons. Frequent news is beneficial to developing interest in your securities and trust from the public that the company operates in a transparent manner.
The following guidelines should be followed when submitting a news release for publication through the MERJ RNS.
Policy Guidelines:
- Consistency: Maintain a consistent structure for all press releases (examples under "References" at the bottom of this article), customizing only the company-specific sections.
- Compliance: Ensure all regulatory and legal disclaimers are appropriately included and up to date.
- Clarity: Make the footer information clear and easily understandable to both investors and the general public.
- Contact Accessibility: Always include up-to-date contact information for further inquiries.
- Review: Periodically review and update the footer template and policy guidelines to align with any changes in regulatory requirements or company policies.
Press Release Format:
Tip: use an AI generator such as this AI Press Release Generator powered by Newsmatics (einpresswire.com)
or
Headline
Start with a compelling headline that succinctly captures the main message of your release. Ensure it is engaging and clear to your target audience.
Subheadline(s)
(Optional) Provide additional context or highlight a key point from the release. This should support the headline and encourage further reading.
Dateline
Include the city where the press release is originated and the date of release.
Introduction [First Paragraph]
- Who: Mention the company making the announcement.
- What: Describe the main news or announcement.
- When: Specify the timing of the event, announcement, or data referenced.
- Where: Indicate the location or relevance of the event/news.
- Why: Explain the importance of the news or its impact.
Body [Second and Subsequent Paragraphs]
- Provide detailed information, including quotes from key company representatives, stakeholders, or industry experts to add credibility.
- Include further background on the news/event, such as development history, related achievements, or future implications.
- Present data, statistics, or research findings to support your announcement if applicable.
Boilerplate
Offer a brief overview of the company, including its mission, history, and significant achievements. This section remains relatively consistent across press releases from the company.
Call to Action (CTA)
(Optional) Guide readers on what to do next, such as visiting a website for more information, registering for an event, or participating in a public offering.
Media Contact Information
List the contact information of the company representative(s) who can provide further information or answer questions related to the press release. Include name, phone number, and email address.
Additional Tips:
- Clarity and Brevity: Keep the language clear and concise. Aim for a press release length of about 400-500 words.
- Use the Third Person: Maintain a professional tone by using third-person point of view.
- Multimedia Elements: Consider including images, videos, or infographics that can enhance the release and appeal to media outlets.
- Compliance and Legal Review: Ensure the press release complies with relevant regulations, especially those related to financial disclosures. It may be wise to have it reviewed by legal counsel before distribution.
- Distribution Strategy: Plan how the press release will be distributed to reach your target audience effectively, considering newswire services, social media, and direct communication with key journalists or industry influencers.
References
MERJ RNS Standardized Title Formats
Example Issuer News Release Template
Example Issuer + Another Company News Release Template #2
Last updated 7 January 2024