3 ASX shares soaring on takeover bids today

Suitors appear to have seen something special in these ASX companies.

| 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

It's no secret the ASX loves a takeover target, and these three shares have proven to be just that. They've each been hurled acquisition bids on Friday and they're gaining as much as 26% on their suitors' attention.

Meanwhile, the broader market is in the red today. The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is down 0.6% at the time of writing while the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has slumped 0.66%.

So, without further ado, let's take a look at the ASX shares soaring on merger and acquisition activity on Friday.

3 ASX shares taking off on takeover attention

First off the bat, the Bigtincan Holdings Ltd (ASX: BTH) share price is soaring 12.5% to 76.5 cents right now after the company announced it's received a takeover bid.

SQN Investors has offered 80 cents per share to snap up the AI-powered sales enablement automation platform provider. So far, the company hasn't accepted the proposal. It also noted SQN Investors isn't the only suitor to have shown its acquisition interest recently.

Joining Bigtincan in the takeover frenzy is Mayfield Childcare Ltd (ASX: MFD). The ASX education share is surging 25.9% to $1.215 on the back of its own takeover offer.

Its largest shareholder Genius Education Holdings has put forward a $1.28 per share bid.

Like Bigtincan, Mayfield Childcare will consider Genius Education's bid against other, albeit lower and more conditional, proposals to maximise shareholder value. In the meantime, however, it has granted its major shareholder exclusive due diligence.

Finally, today brought more news of the ongoing battle for control of Warrego Energy Ltd (ASX: WGO). Shares in the ASX gas explorer are to lifting 9.6% to trade at 28.5 cents right now.

Today, ASX 200 oil giant Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) upped its previous 20-cent per share bid for the company to 25 cents per share, plus any proceeds from the sale of Warrego's Spanish assets.

Its improved offer comes after it was outbid by Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting. Hancock offered Warrego investors 23 cents per share earlier this week.

No doubt, all eyes will be on the ASX takeover targets and their share prices in the coming weeks to see how the three acquisition offers progress.

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 Bigtincan. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bigtincan. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Mergers & Acquisitions

A man sits in deep thought with a pen held to his lips as he ponders his computer screen with a laptop open next to him on his desk in a home office environment.
Real Estate Shares

ASX 200 stock slips on $482 million retail deal

The ASX 200 stock is expanding its retail holdings by almost half a billion dollars.

Read more »

a woman drawing image on wall of big fish about to eat a small fish
Financial Shares

Guess which ASX 200 share just received a $2.68b takeover offer

Private equity firm Bain Capital has its eyes on this financial services company.

Read more »

A senior pharmacist talks to a customer at the counter in a shop
Mergers & Acquisitions

Own Sigma shares? Here's the latest on the Chemist Warehouse merger

One year ago today, the two companies announced plans to merge. We could now be just a few months away…

Read more »

Two CEOs shaking hands on a deal.
Mergers & Acquisitions

2 ASX 200 shares announcing acquisitions today

M&A activity is heating up with two deals announced this morning.

Read more »

businesswoman holds hand out to shake
Mergers & Acquisitions

Is this ASX All Ords stock primed for a takeover offer in 2025?

The ASX All Ords stock could draw the interest of global companies saddled with fading patents.

Read more »

Woman shaking the hand of a man on a deal.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Up 146% in a year, ASX 200 stock marches higher on $950 million acquisition news

The ASX 200 company is expanding its renewable energy footprint.

Read more »

A man clenches his fists in excitement as gold coins fall from the sky.
Gold

Guess which ASX 200 gold share is up 29% amid $5b takeover offer from Northern Star

A big deal has been signed between two ASX 200 gold shares on Monday.

Read more »

A man in his 30s holds his laptop and operates it with his other hand as he has a look of pleasant surprise on his face as though he is learning something new or finding hidden value in something on the screen.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Guess which ASX All Ords share just rocketed 91% on $374 million takeover news

The ASX All Ords stock is in the takeover crosshairs at a significant premium.

Read more »