Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

Blackstone increases Hipgnosis offer

(Sharecast News) - US private equity firm Blackstone has upped its bid for embattled music rights publisher Hipgnosis as it looks to change its takeover offer to a so-called 'scheme of arrangement'. Under a scheme of arrangement, the deal will require approval from 75% of Hipgnosis' voting shareholders before becoming binding across all investors, regardless of how they voted. This will allow Blackstone to seize full control of Hipgnosis without needing to "squeeze out" dissenting shareholders under a formal takeover offer.

However, Blackstone has to essentially lodge a new form of offer for Hipgnosis just weeks after beating out rival Concord's bid and securing backing from its board. Its new offer will also need approval from the UK Takeover Panel.

Blackstone has hiked its offer to $1.31 per share, an increase of a single cent from its previous offer, valuing Hipgnosis at almost $1.6bn and representing a 17% premium to its adjusted net asset value.

According to sources at the Financial Times, the deal should proceed smoothly once the scheme of arrangement has been secured, with the deal's announcement being made early on Monday.

As of 0915 BST, Hipgnosis shares were up 0.82% at 101.42p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

S4 Capital FY revenues expected to fall 'low double digits'
(Sharecast News) - Marketing firm S4 Capital warned on revenues on Thursday amid ongoing economic challenges.
Lords Group acquires majority stake in Ultimate Renewables
(Sharecast News) - Building materials distributor Lords Group said on Monday that it has acquired a majority stake in Bicester-based business Ultimate Renewables.
Record assets under management grow in Q2
(Sharecast News) - Currency and asset manager Record said on Friday that assets under management had grown in the three months ended 30 September.
Van Elle secures 'strategically important contracts' with ONxpress
(Sharecast News) - Ground engineering contractor Van Elle's Canadian rail subsidiary has been awarded two "strategically important contracts" by ONxpress.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Award-winning online share dealing

Search, compare and select from thousands of shares.

Expert insights into investing your money

Our team of experts explore the world of share dealing.