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.

International Paper closing in on £5bn-plus deal for DS Smith - report

(Sharecast News) - US paper giant International Paper is reportedly closing in on a formal £5bn-plus bid for London-listed packaging group DS Smith. According to Sky News, International Paper and its advisers are hoping to reach an agreement on a recommended offer by the end of this week.

That would represent a key milestone in an unfolding takeover battle for one of Britain's biggest industrial companies, ahead of a deadline imposed by the City's Takeover Panel of 23 April.

City sources told Sky on Monday that both International Paper and DS Smith were working towards a so-called Rule 2.7 announcement before this weekend, although they acknowledged that it could slip into next week, depending upon the progress of talks.

A recommended offer from the US-based predator would still leave the door ajar for Mondi, DS Smith's London-listed rival, to trump the International Paper bid.

Both prospective bidders have proposed all-stock deals, triggering a bidding war for a business viewed for years as a perennial takeover candidate.

International Paper said last week that it would pursue a secondary listing of its shares in London if it succeeded in its bid for DS Smith. It also said it expects the combination of the companies to generate £375m of cost synergies.

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

Lexington Gold upbeat on assay results from Jennings-Pioneer project
(Sharecast News) - Explorer and developer Lexington Gold announced positive assay results from its recent drilling programme at the Jennings-Pioneer Project in South Carolina on Monday.
Fulcrum kicks off phased test programme at Sylvanite project
(Sharecast News) - Canada-focussed mineral exploration and development company Fulcrum Metals announced the start of a phased sampling, testing, and study programme at its Sylvanite Gold Tailings project in the Kirkland Lake area of Ontario on Monday.
Mind Gym confident despite swinging to losses
(Sharecast News) - Mind Gym reported on a challenging year in which it swung to losses on Monday, while also outlining a new strategy aimed at medium-term growth and profitability.
NY Empire State manufacturing index contracts again
(Sharecast News) - Manufacturing activity in the state of New York weakened again in June, according to a survey released on Monday.

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.