HRL share price jumps 10% as board backs takeover from ALS

HRL has accepted ALS' takeover offer…

| More on:

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
  • HRL has accepted a takeover offer from larger rival ALS
  • ALS is offering 16 cents per share for HRL
  • The HRL board believe this is a 'very good outcome' for shareholders

The HRL Holdings Ltd (ASX: HRL) share price has climbed to a 52-week high on Thursday.

In morning trade, the testing services company's shares jumped a further 10% to 16.5 cents.

When the HRL share price reached that level, it had doubled in value over the last two trading sessions.

Two people shaking hands in the boardroom on a merger.

Image source: Getty Images

Why is the HRL share price surging higher?

Investors have been bidding the HRL share price higher today after the company announced an agreement with industry giant ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ) regarding a takeover.

According to the release, the two parties have entered into a bid implementation agreement under which ALS will acquire all of the HRL shares it does not already own by way of an off-market takeover at 16 cents cash per share.

This follows yesterday's announcement, which revealed that ALS had tabled an unsolicited, non-binding indicative offer.

The two parties have also agreed to a deal protection regime that includes no shop and no talk rights. Furthermore, ALS has a right to match any superior offers and HRL has agreed a break fee of $800,000.

'A very good outcome' for shareholders

The HRL board is advising shareholders to accept the offer, subject to there being no greater offer made from a third party.

HRL's non-executive chair, Greg Kilmister, believes the offer is a very good outcome for shareholders. He commented:

The HRL Board is unanimous in its view that this transaction is in the best interests of HRL shareholders. In making this assessment, the Board has carefully considered a range of matters including its view of the intrinsic value of HRL taking into account the company's current position and future prospects, and the certainty for shareholders of this all-cash offer. We believe this transaction is a very good outcome for HRL's shareholders, and for stakeholders more broadly, including our customers, staff and suppliers.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 Scott Phillips.

More on Mergers & Acquisitions

Paper aeroplane going down on a chart, symbolising a falling share price.
Travel Shares

Why Web Travel shares are sliding as fresh takeover hopes return

Web Travel shares sink as investors weigh CEO succession and takeover risk.

Read more »

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 »