Origin share price on watch amid takeover agreement

Origin has accepted a takeover offer valuing the company at $18.7 billion.

| More on:
Two CEOs shaking hands on a deal.

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 consortium comprising Brookfield Asset Management and MidOcean Energy has revised its takeover offer
  • Origin has accepted the $8.912 per share offer
  • The company recommends that shareholders vote in favour of the offer in the absence of a superior proposal

The Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) share price will be on watch on Tuesday.

That's because the energy giant has just provided an update on its recent takeover approach.

Origin share price on watch following takeover update

All eyes will be on the Origin share price today after the company revealed that it has accepted a revised takeover offer from the consortium comprising Brookfield Asset Management and MidOcean Energy.

According to the release, the parties have entered into a binding scheme implementation deed that will see Origin taken over for $5.78 per share and US$2.19 per share.

Based on an assumed AUD/USD exchange rate of 0.70, this implies a total consideration of $8.912 per share. This values Origin at $18.7 billion and represents a 9.1% premium to where the Origin share price currently trades.

Though, as always, the total consideration payable will be reduced by any dividends paid by Origin prior to implementation of the scheme. This includes the interim 16.5 cents per share fully franked dividend paid to shareholders on 24 March.

So, the true consideration for shareholders is $8.747 after taking that dividend into account.

This will be paid in Australian dollars, with the US dollar component converted to Australian dollars based on the prevailing exchange rate at the time of implementation of the scheme. Though, shareholders can elect to have the US dollar component paid in US dollars.

In addition, Origin has agreed with the consortium that a fully franked special dividend may be paid to shareholders. This will be subject to satisfaction of certain conditions and is to be considered by the board closer to the time.

What's next?

The Origin board unanimously recommends that shareholders vote in favour of the scheme in the absence of a superior proposal, and subject to an independent expert concluding that it is in the best interests of shareholders.

Each Origin director intends to vote all shares they hold or control in favour of the scheme, subject to the same qualifications.

Origin's chairman, Scott Perkins, said:

The Board is unanimous in its view that this transaction is in the best interests of shareholders. The transaction represents a significant premium to the share price prior to the original indicative proposal, and reflects the strategic nature of Origin's platform, its growth prospects and anticipated earnings recovery.

We believe the Consortium will be responsible owners of Origin's businesses. Our discussions with the Consortium confirm a high degree of alignment with Origin's strategy and a desire to accelerate initiatives consistent with Origin's critical role in Australia's energy transition. This alignment validates the vision and hard work of Origin's management team and employees.

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

Businesswoman holds hand out to shake.
Mergers & Acquisitions

These two takeover targets are still trading below their potential bid prices

Takeovers can provide windfall gains for investors, if they get in at the right price.

Read more »

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

This ASX 300 gold stock is rocketing 27% amid takeover bidding war

This gold miner has received a new takeover offer.

Read more »

Three rockets heading to space
Mergers & Acquisitions

Guess which 10-bagger ASX gold stock is surging 65% today on takeover news

Investors are piling into this ASX gold miner on Tuesday. Let’s see why.

Read more »

Miner standing in front of trucks and smiling, symbolising a rising share price.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Why is the BHP share price lifting today?

BHP shares are grabbing a lot of investor interest on Monday. Let’s see why.

Read more »

a group of smart looking kids, wearing formal clothes and all with spectacles, sit in a line and smile charmingly.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Takeover bid launched for childcare operator

A takeover bid has been launched for an ASX-listed childcare operator, with its larger rival saying it makes sense to…

Read more »

a woman drawing image on wall of big fish about to eat a small fish
Mergers & Acquisitions

Macquarie names 16 potential ASX takeover targets

The broker thinks these shares could be taken over in the near term.

Read more »

A smiling young woman sits on a bridge in London checking her online shopping, indicating share price movement for ASX BNPL shares overseas.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Hansen just announced a new UK acquisition. So why is the share price falling?

The software provider expands its telco footprint with a UK buyout.

Read more »

Researchers and doctors with futuristic 3d hologram overlay for body anatomy or dna in hospital clinic.
Healthcare Shares

Medibank shares higher on $159m Better Medical acquisition

The private health insurance giant is making a big acquisition.

Read more »