Vocus (ASX:VOC) share price on watch after accepting takeover offer

The Vocus Group Ltd (ASX:VOC) share price will be on watch on Tuesday after revealing that it has accepted a takeover approach…

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Vocus Group Ltd (ASX: VOC) share price will be one to watch on Tuesday.

This follows the release of an update on its takeover approach by a consortium owned by Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA) and Aware Super.

asx share price rising on deal represented by hand shake

Image source: Getty Images

What did Vocus announce?

This morning the specialist fibre and network solutions provider announced that it has entered into a Scheme Implementation Deed with the consortium.

According to the release, the agreement will see the consortium acquire 100% of the share capital of Vocus for $5.50 cash per share.

This represents a 10% premium to the latest Vocus share price. It is also a 25.6% premium to Vocus' closing price of $4.38 per share on 5 February 2021. This was the day before the offer was first made.

Why is Vocus accepting the offer?

Vocus' Chairman, Bob Mansfield, believes that the offer is in the best interests of shareholders.

He commented: "The Vocus Board is unanimous in our view that this offer is in the best interests of Vocus shareholders. In making this assessment, the Board considered a range of alternatives, including the execution of our existing strategy under which the proceeds of an IPO of Vocus New Zealand would reduce debt and be invested in our core business."

"Feedback from shareholders in recent weeks on the indicative offer of $5.50 originally received from MIRA has been overwhelmingly positive and there is a broad recognition that this is a very fair value for Vocus shareholders," he added.

What now?

The Vocus Board has agreed to unanimously recommend that Vocus shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme. This is in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to an Independent Expert concluding that the Scheme is in their best interests.

Subject to these qualifications, each Vocus director has confirmed that they intend to vote any shares that they hold or control in favour of the Scheme.

Shareholders will be given the opportunity to vote on the takeover at a scheme meeting, which is currently expected to be held in June. After which, if shareholders vote in favour of the scheme, its implementation would occur in July.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Mergers & Acquisitions

Worried woman calculating domestic bills.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Challenger jumps 4%, Pepper Money sinks as takeover collapses

Bid rejected, premium gone. Here's why one stock fell while the other rallied

Read more »

Man sitting in a plane looking through a window and working on a laptop.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Flight Centre shares lift amid latest UK acquisition news

Flight Centre announced a new UK-based acquisition today.

Read more »

Worried woman calculating domestic bills.
Financial Shares

Pepper Money shares plunge 10% after Challenger slashes takeover offer

The revised proposal comes just over a month after the original takeover approach sparked a strong rally in Pepper’s share…

Read more »

Two young male miners wearing red hardhats stand inside a mine and shake hands.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Fortescue shares lifting off today amid big copper news

With copper prices up 35% in a year, Fortescue is making some strategic moves.

Read more »

A man using a phone shouts and puts his hand out in a stop motion indicating the Yancoal trading halt today
Capital Raising

Magellan requests trading halt ahead of major announcement

Magellan enters a trading halt ahead of a proposed merger and capital raising.

Read more »

Ecstatic man giving a fist pump in an office hallway.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Pepper Money shares pop 25%, Challenger slips 3% on take-private deal

The offer represents a meaningful premium to where the stock had been trading prior to the speculation.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Materials Shares

Rio Tinto shares charge higher after Glencore merger collapses

The parties couldn't come to an agreement.

Read more »

Man sitting in a plane looking through a window and working on a laptop.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Qantas shares higher on Jetstar Japan sale

The Flying Kangaroo is saying sayonara to one of its brands.

Read more »