The Vimy (ASX:VMY) share price soared 13% today. Here's why

Vimy has let a takeover offer lapse on a day of drama for the uranium developer

| More on:
three young children weariing business suits, helmets and old fashioned aviator goggles wear aeroplane wings on their backs and jump with one arm outstretched into the air in an arid, sandy landscape.

Image source: Getty Images

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 Vimy Resources Ltd (ASX: VMY) share price is soaring after a dramatic back-and-forth over a lapsed takeover offer.

Deep Yellow Limited (ASX: DYL) released a statement to the ASX today, saying it offered to purchase the uranium developer in an attempt to create a $687 million uranium-producing entity. However, according to Deep Yellow, Vimy's board failed to engage with it.

Vimy has since responded to Deep Yellow's claims, stating its board didn't see appropriate value in the proposed merger. In fact, Vimy called the bid "unsolicited, unconventionally structured, and non-market premium".

At the time of writing, the Vimy share price is up 7.55% to 28.5 cents. However, it earlier hit 30 cents, a 13% gain on the previous closing price.

Meanwhile, the Deep Yellow share price is currently down 0.93% to $1.06.

Let's take a closer look at today's news.

Vimy share price gains on refuted offer

Vimy has abandoned a takeover proposal that would see its shareholders given 1 Deep Yellow share for every 3.74 Vimy shares they hold. The offer represented a 14.15% premium on Vimy's previous closing price of 26.5 cents.

The prosed takeover would see Vimy shareholders owning 43% of the resulting entity.

Deep Yellow stated it didn't think Vimy meaningfully engaged with its takeover proposal. It also mentioned it believes the offer would have appealed to Vimy's key major shareholders.

However, Vimy has called the proposal "unique", pointing to the fact it was given 72 hours to agree to the takeover and wasn't offered a due diligence period.

Additionally, Vimy stated Deep Yellow's offer didn't consider the value the latter's shareholders would gain from the takeover. Vimy noted the premium offered didn't account for such lost value.

Finally, Vimy stated a 43% hold in the combined company was too small a share.

Instead of merging with Deep Yellow, Vimy will be undergoing another strategic review.

According to Vimy, this review will be looking to de-risk the company's flagship Mulga Rock Uranium Project. It will also assess whether corporate transactions could provide greater value than advancing Mulga Rock on a standalone basis.

Vimy announced its strategic review yesterday. Today, Vimy stated it was disappointed Deep Yellow announced it hadn't engaged with the offer as it had done so in good faith.

What did management say?

Deep Yellow managing director and CEO John Borshoff commented on the rejected proposal, saying:

The merger would have delivered to Vimy's projects an experienced technical team of proven uranium mine builders, able to expedite the development of Mulga Rock. Completion of the merger would have achieved the market consolidation we consider necessary to establish as a first step, a company with significant size and scale to create a leading Tier-1 uranium producer, well positioned to supply a growing uranium market.

In response, Vimy chair Cheryl Edwardes stated:

The Vimy board assessed the unconventionally structured proposal and found it deficient on many points. Expecting any board to sign a binding merger term sheet within 72 hours of receipt with exclusivity and break fee liabilities without due diligence is unrealistic and uncommercial. The Vimy board is committed to maximising value for our shareholders and are open to engaging with all parties in a professional and respectful manner, including Deep Yellow, under appropriate confidentiality arrangements to create a level playing field for all parties that have interest in a corporate transaction.

Vimy share price snapshot

Today's gains included, the Vimy share price has increased 250% since the start of 2021.

It is also 600% higher than it was this time last year.

Should you invest $1,000 in Deep Yellow Limited right now?

Before you buy Deep Yellow Limited shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Deep Yellow Limited wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. 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 Share Market News

Legendary share market investing expert and owner of Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett
Opinions

3 things I learned from Warren Buffett being the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway

The Oracle from Omaha is in his last year as CEO.

Read more »

A male ASX 200 broker wearing a blue shirt and black tie holds one hand to his chin with the other arm crossed across his body as he watches stock prices on a digital screen while deep in thought
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

Here's what to expect on the local market today.

Read more »

A neon sign says 'Top Ten'.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a rough trading day for ASX stocks this Monday.

Read more »

A bland looking man in a brown suit opens his jacket to reveal a red and gold superhero dollar symbol on his chest.
Broker Notes

Bell Potter names more of the best ASX 200 stocks to buy in May

These stocks could be best buys this month according to the broker.

Read more »

A financial expert or broker looks worried as he checks out a graph showing market volatility.
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers believe that now could be the time to snap up these shares.

Read more »

Oil worker using a smartphone in front of an oil rig.
Energy Shares

ASX 200 energy shares plunge on shock OPEC move

ASX 200 energy shares like Woodside and Santos are tumbling on Monday. Let’s find out why.

Read more »

Two happy excited friends in euphoria mood after winning in a bet with a smartphone in hand.
Share Gainers

Why 4DMedical, Gold Road, Syrah, and Tyro shares are racing higher today

These shares are starting the week strongly. But why?

Read more »

Rising gold share price represented by a green arrow on piles of gold block.
Gold

2 ASX gold stocks racing higher in Monday's sinking market

Investors are sending these ASX gold stocks flying higher on Monday. But why?

Read more »