Swiss transport group Ceva Logistics rejected an unsolicited takeover approach from Denmark’s DSV, saying on Thursday the 1.53 billion Swiss franc ($1.55 billion) cash bid undervalued the company that went public only in May.
Danish freight forwarder DSV offered 27.75 francs per share for Ceva in cash, a 50 percent premium to the previous close of 18.42 francs, saying it was confident a combination was in the best interests of both companies “by extending our service offering and giving our combined operations additional scale.”
The offer price was only slightly above the 27.5 francs at which Ceva made its stock market debut.
Ceva shares surged as much as 41 percent to 26.00 francs and were up 36 percent at 25.00 francs by 1322 GMT.
“The board of directors of Ceva Logistics carefully reviewed the proposal with the support of its legal and financial advisors and unanimously concluded that the proposal is not in the best interest of the company and its shareholders,” it said.
“Specifically, the board of directors concluded that the proposal significantly undervalues Ceva’s prospects as a standalone company.”
A Ceva spokesman declined to name the potential buyer but DSV later said it had made a private approach to Ceva’s board.
“DSV has long respected and followed Ceva’s business and believes combining the two companies would deliver significant value to all stakeholders,” DSV said.
DSV, which is ready to make acquisitions again after its $1.35 billion purchase of California-based UTi, declined to comment on whether it would return with a larger offer for Ceva.
Ceva’s biggest shareholder, French shipping group CMA CGM with a stake of just under 25 percent, said it supported Ceva’s decision not to engage in the unsolicited offer.
Ceva said the French group could raise its voting stake to up to a third from the current limit just below 25 percent.
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