AGL shares left at the alter amid Origin's new proposal

AGL looks to be the bridesmaid to Origin's bride.

| More on:
A young woman looks at something on her laptop, wondering what will come next.

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

Key points

  • The chance of reconciliation – or a future acquisition agreement– between AGL and former suitor Brookfield appears to have gone down the drain today after Origin announced it's ready to accept the firm's takeover proposal
  • Brookfield was part of a consortium bidding for control of AGL earlier this year, apparently going so far as to snap up a sizeable stake in the energy giant
  • Today, however, Origin revealed it would likely recommend a binding $9 bid proposed by Brookfield and MidOcean Energy

The AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) share price is sliding on Thursday as its former suitor looks set to ride off into the sunset with a rival S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) company.

Wedding bells are ringing for Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) after the energy giant revealed it would likely recommend a $9 per share bid proposed by Brookfield Asset Management and MidOcean Energy.

That's the same Brookfield that was on AGL's doorstep earlier this year. Indeed, it appeared to snap up a 2.5% stake in the company in late June.

But the match apparently wasn't to be. The AGL share price is sliding 0.46% right now to trade at $7.605.

Meanwhile, that of Origin has rocketed 34.6% to $7.82. It's helping to drive the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) 13.2% higher while the ASX 200 is 0.23% in the red.

Let's take a closer look at the ASX 200 bride and the potentially jilted bridesmaid on Thursday.

AGL share price slumps amid Origin takeover proposal

The AGL share price is falling as its former suitor looks to have moved on with another Aussie energy giant.

Brookfield was previously part of a consortium, including Atlassian Corp (NASDAQ: TEAM) co-founder and co-CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes' Grok Ventures, bidding for AGL.

The pair offered as much as $8.25 per share for the ASX 200 energy favourite in March. Though, all offers put to the AGL board were promptly rejected.

Interestingly, the company said the offer undervalued it relative to the value expected to be born from its ultimately scrapped demerger.

It's hard to say whether any market watchers were expecting Brookfield to return to AGL in the future. If so, it could go some way to explaining why the AGL share price is underperforming today.

Today's proposal values Origin at $18.4 billion. If it makes it down the aisle, Brookfield will walk away with Origin's energy markets business. Meanwhile, MidOcean would take on its integrated gas business.

Meanwhile, all eyes will likely be on the AGL share price on Tuesday amid what's expected to be a turbulent annual general meeting (AGM).

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 positions in and has recommended Atlassian. 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 Scott Phillips.

More on Energy Shares

An oil worker in front of a pumpjack using a tablet PC.
Energy Shares

2 no-brainer ASX oil shares to buy with $1,500 right now

Morgans thinks these shares would be great options for investors wanting oil exposure.

Read more »

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
Energy Shares

Are Woodside shares dirt cheap right now?

Let's see what analysts are saying about this energy giant's shares.

Read more »

A man lays on a tennis court exhausted.
Energy Shares

Why 2025 could be a slippery time for ASX 200 energy shares

2025 could be another difficult year for ASX 200 oil and gas stocks.

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Energy Shares

Buy this beaten down ASX 200 uranium stock for a potential 60% return

Bell Potter is tipping this stock to rebound over 60% higher from current levels.

Read more »

A loudspeaker shoots out the words FINED against a blue backgroun
Energy Shares

AGL shares fall amid large Federal Court penalty

It’s a painful day for AGL shareholders.

Read more »

Worker inspecting oil and gas pipeline.
Energy Shares

What's happening with the Woodside share price following a key agreement today?

Woodside is aiming to simplify its global oil and gas portfolio.

Read more »

A man and a woman sit in front of a laptop looking fascinated and captivated.
Energy Shares

2 ASX 200 uranium shares releasing big news today

The ASX uranium miners released news on their international growth plans.

Read more »

hands holding up winner's trophy
Energy Shares

The best ASX 200 uranium stock to buy in 2025

Why is the broker feeling bullish about this mining stock? Let's find out.

Read more »