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

Three happy office workers cheer as they read about good financial news on a laptop.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Magellan shares race 6% higher on big merger news

The company has also announced a name change this morning.

Read more »

Two men in business suits sit across from each other at a table with a chess board on it.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Northern Star shares tumble as takeover hopes fade

Northern Star shares fall again as takeover hopes lose momentum.

Read more »

Two company members shaking hands on a deal.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Could this struggling ASX 200 stock be about to receive a takeover offer?

Steadfast shares are frozen as investors wait on potential takeover news.

Read more »

Two people shake hands making a deal about green energy.
Mergers & Acquisitions

This beaten-down ASX stock just jumped on a $55 billion deal

Perpetual shares are higher after a new deal caught attention.

Read more »

Woman refuelling the gas tank at fuel pump.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Ampol shares jump as $1.1 billion deal clears a major hurdle

A long-awaited Ampol deal moves ahead.

Read more »

Pieces of fried chicken.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Buying KFC owner Collins Foods shares? Here's what's happening in Germany

Collins Foods shares are eyeing ‘significant long-term growth potential’.

Read more »

Image of a fist holding two yellow lightning bolts against a red backdrop.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Guess which ASX All Ords energy stock is jumping higher today on big acquisition news

Investors are piling into this ASX energy stock on Friday.

Read more »

Multiple ASX share investors take on one another in a tug of war in a high rise building.
Mergers & Acquisitions

This ASX property stock is rising after takeover speculation heats up

A morning trading pause has put this ASX stock in focus.

Read more »