Guess which ASX 200 share just rocketed 15% on a $1.8 billion takeover offer

Investors are snapping up this ASX 200 share following confirmation of a takeover offer.

| More on:
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.

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 1.1% today, but you can't blame this rocketing ASX 200 share.

Shares in the auto parts company closed on Friday trading for $4.36. In earlier trade on Tuesday, shares were swapping hands for $4.99 apiece, up 14.5%. After some likely profit-taking, shares are currently trading for $4.88, up 11.9%.

This comes after management confirmed media speculations of a potential takeover offer at a significant premium to Friday's closing price.

Any guesses?

If you said Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP), give yourself a virtual gold star.

Here's what's happening.

ASX 200 share in takeover crosshairs

The ASX 200 share is rocketing today after reporting it had received a non-binding, indicative proposal from Bain Capital after market close on Friday.

The United States-based private investment firm is seeking to acquire all of Bapcor's shares by way of a scheme of arrangement. This would see Bapcor shareholders receive $5.40 cash per share, adjusted for any dividends paid or declared after this proposal.

That's almost 24% higher than Friday's closing price, explaining why the Bapcor share price is having such a stellar run today.

Bain's offer values the ASX 200 share, which has some 1,100 Autobarn, Autopro and Burson stores, at more than $1.8 billion.

Amid the media speculations of a takeover offer, the board said it was disclosing its receipt of the indicative proposal before concluding its assessment. The board stressed that the proposal remains subject to a number of conditions being met.

"The board cautions that at this time there is no guarantee that the indicative proposal put forward by Bain Capital will result in a binding offer or that any transaction will eventuate," they stated.

Macquarie Capital has been appointed as Bapcor's financial adviser and Allens as its legal adviser.

Investors in the ASX 200 share were advised they do not need to take any action at this time.

How have Bapcor shares been tracking?

Bain Capital is lobbing its bid for Bapcor after a sizeable share price retrace for the auto parts retailer.

Before market open today, the ASX 200 share was down almost 27% over the past 12 months. Though that doesn't include the 21 cents a share in fully franked dividends Bapcor paid out over this period.

The stock has been under pressure following profit downgrades amid rising costs. The company has also struggled with its top management, with Paul Dumbrell backing out of his appointment as CEO in April, just days before he was meant to take up the helm.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 recommended Bapcor. 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 miner in visibility gear and hard hat looks seriously at an iPad device in a field where oil mining equipment is visible in the background.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Woodside share price falls despite $1.8 billion 'global LNG powerhouse' bid

Woodside is looking to increase its global gas footprint.

Read more »

A man stands with his arms crossed in an X shape.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Guess which ASX 200 stock is tumbling after rejecting a takeover offer

Bapcor has appointed its new CEO and dropped a bombshell at the same time.

Read more »

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Guess which ASX mining stock is rocketing 65% on takeover deal

This mining stock is starting the week with an almighty bang.

Read more »

A businesswoman holding a briefcase rests her head against the glass wall of a city building, she's not having a good day.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Lendlease shares crack as watchdog growls at $1.3 billion payday

A lack of competition could prevent this real estate group from cashing in.

Read more »

A man in a hard hat puts his finger up to say 'number one' in front of an oil mine
Mergers & Acquisitions

Santos share price smashing the benchmark amid new takeover rumours

ASX 200 investors are sending Santos shares soaring following the latest takeover speculations.

Read more »

three businessmen high five each other outside an office building with graphic images of graphs and metrics superimposed on the shot.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Guess which ASX 200 share is pushing higher on $480m asset sale

This stock is avoiding the market weakness on Monday.

Read more »

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Bank Shares

ANZ shares higher on 'significant' $4.9b Suncorp Bank acquisition approval

The big four bank is a step closer to sealing its deal.

Read more »

A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.
Energy Shares

Paladin Energy shares sink on $1.25b uranium acquisition news

Investors haven't responded positively to the news.

Read more »