The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc., The European Equity Fund, Inc., and The New Germany Fund, Inc. Announce Extension of Share Repurchases

Rhea-AI Summary

The Central and Eastern Europe Fund (NYSE: CEE), The European Equity Fund (NYSE: EEA), and The New Germany Fund (NYSE: GF) have announced an extension of their share repurchase authorization. Each Fund can buy back up to 10% of its outstanding shares during the period from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023. Specific repurchase amounts include 622,066 for CEE, 708,104 for EEA, and 1,756,928 for GF. Repurchases will occur when deemed beneficial for each Fund, and no buybacks will happen if shares are trading at a premium to net asset value.

Positive

• Repurchase authorization allows CEE, EEA, and GF to buy back shares, potentially enhancing shareholder value.
• The buyback could positively impact EPS for each Fund.

Negative

• CEE shares are currently trading at a premium to net asset value, limiting buyback opportunities.
• Macroeconomic uncertainties like the geopolitical situation in Ukraine may adversely affect Fund performance.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (NYSE: CEE), The European Equity Fund, Inc. (NYSE: EEA), and The New Germany Fund, Inc. (NYSE: GF) (each, a “Fund,” and collectively, the “Funds”) each announced today that its Board of Directors has approved an extension of the current repurchase authorization permitting CEE, EEA, GF and to repurchase up to 622,066, 708,104 and 1,756,928 shares, respectively (representing approximately 10% of each Fund’s current shares outstanding) for the twelve month period from August 1, 2022 through July 31, 2023. Repurchases will be made from time to time when they are believed to be in the best interests of a Fund. Repurchases will not be made when a Fund’s shares are trading at a premium to net asset value, which is currently the case for the shares of CEE.

In addition, each Fund announced that its Board continues to reserve its discretion to determine if it would be appropriate to initiate a tender offer during the twelve-month period from August 1, 2022 through July 31, 2023. Each Board intends to continue to consider this matter on a regular basis.

For more information on each Fund, including the most recent month-end performance, visit www.dwsfunds.com or call (800) 349-4281.

Important Information

Closed-end funds, unlike open-end funds, are not continuously offered. There is a one-time public offering and once issued, shares of closed-end funds are sold in the open market through a stock exchange. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. The price of the fund’s shares is determined by a number of factors, several of which are beyond the control of the fund. Therefore, the fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at, below or above net asset value.

The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. is non-diversified and can take larger positions in fewer issues, increasing its potential risk. Investing in foreign securities presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Emerging markets tend to be more volatile and less liquid than the markets of more mature economies, and generally have less diverse and less mature economic structures and less stable political systems than those of developed countries. Any fund that focuses in a particular segment of the market or region of the world will generally be more volatile than a fund that invests more broadly. This fund is non-diversified and can take larger positions in fewer issues, increasing its potential risk.

The European Equity Fund, Inc. is diversified and primarily focuses its investments in equity securities of issuers domiciled in Europe, thereby increasing its vulnerability to developments in that region. Investing in foreign securities, particularly of emerging markets, presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Any fund that concentrates in a particular segment of the market or a particular geographical region will generally be more volatile than a fund that invests more broadly.

The New Germany Fund, Inc. is diversified, but primarily focuses its investments in Germany, thereby increasing its vulnerability to developments in that country. Investing in foreign securities, particularly of emerging markets, presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Any fund that concentrates in a particular segment of the market or a particular geographical region will generally be more volatile than a fund that invests more broadly.

The shares of most closed-end funds, including the Funds, are not continuously offered. Once issued, shares of closed-end funds are bought and sold in the open market through a stock exchange. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. The price of a fund’s shares is determined by a number of factors, several of which are beyond the control of the fund. Therefore, a fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at, below, or above net asset value.

War, terrorism, sanctions, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, public health crises and related geopolitical events have led, and, in the future, may lead to significant disruptions in US and world economies and markets, which may lead to increased market volatility and may have significant adverse effects on the Funds and their investments. In the case of The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc., Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has materially adversely affected, and may continue to materially adversely affect, the value and liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio.

The European Union, the United States and other countries have imposed sanctions on Russia in response to Russian military and other actions in recent years. These sanctions have adversely affected Russian individuals, issuers and the Russian economy. Russia, in turn, has imposed sanctions targeting Western individuals, businesses and products. The various sanctions have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, not only the Russian economy, but also the economies of many countries in Europe, including countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The continuation of current sanctions or the imposition of additional sanctions may materially adversely affect the value of the Funds’ portfolios.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction.

Certain statements contained in this release may be forward-looking in nature. These include all statements relating to plans, expectations, and other statements that are not historical facts and typically use words like “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” and similar expressions. Such statements represent management’s current beliefs, based upon information available at the time the statements are made, with regard to the matters addressed. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such statements. Management does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements: (i) the effects of adverse changes in market and economic conditions; (ii) legal and regulatory developments; and (iii) other additional risks and uncertainties, including public health crises (including the recent pandemic spread of the novel coronavirus), war, terrorism, trade disputes and related geopolitical events.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. 

NOT FDIC/ NCUA INSURED • MAY LOSE VALUE • NO BANK GUARANTEE

NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

The brand DWS represents DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA and any of its subsidiaries such as DWS Distributors, Inc. which offers investment products or DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. and RREEF America L.L.C. which offer advisory services. (R-091235-1) (07/22)

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220729005376/en/

For additional information:

DWS Press Office (212) 454-4500

Shareholder Account Information (800) 294-4366

Deutsche Closed-End Funds (800) 349-4281

Source: DWS

FAQ

What is the repurchase authorization amount for CEE, EEA, and GF?

CEE can repurchase up to 622,066 shares, EEA up to 708,104 shares, and GF up to 1,756,928 shares.

When is the repurchase period for the Funds?

The repurchase period runs from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023.

Under what conditions will the Funds repurchase shares?

Repurchases will occur when it is in the best interests of the Fund and will not take place if shares are trading above net asset value.

How might the share buyback affect stock prices for CEE, EEA, and GF?

The share buyback could enhance shareholder value and potentially increase the share price if successful.

What factors could negatively impact the performance of the Funds?

The geopolitical situation, particularly concerning Ukraine, and economic uncertainties could adversely affect the Funds' performance.