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.

Irth Capital Management said to have bid for Papa John's, shares surge

(Sharecast News) - Papa John's International shares surged on Wednesday following a report that a Qatari-backed investment fund has submitted a bid for the pizza chain. According to the Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, Papa John's is reviewing the bid from Doha-based Irth Capital Management, which includes backing from Brookfield Asset Management.

The WSJ said Irth offered to pay $47 per share for the business, which would value Papa John's at around $1.5bn. The offer price represents a premium of about 50% to where Papa John's shares traded before Irth's bid was submitted.

At 1625 GMT, the shares were up 16.3% at $37.51.

Sources told the WSJ there are no guarantees Papa John's will be receptive to Irth's bid and it's also possible another suitor could emerge.

It was understood that Irth tried to buy the pizza chain last year alongside private-equity firm Apollo Global Management, but those talks fell apart without an agreement. Irth is an existing shareholder in Papa John's.

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

Sainsbury's said to have held merger talks with Morrisons
(Sharecast News) - Sainsbury's reportedly held talks this year with private equity-owned rival Morrisons over a potential multibillion-pound deal.
Galliford Try appointed to Constructing West Midlands plan
(Sharecast News) - Construction group Galliford Try announced on Monday that it has been appointed to a £3bn public sector building programme in the West Midlands.
MJ Gleeson CFO Stefan Allanson to step down
(Sharecast News) - Housebuilder MJ Gleeson said on Monday that chief financial officer Stefan Allanson plans to step down after 11 years in the role.
Lidl sales jump as pricing, promotions entice new customers
(Sharecast News) - Lidl's market share in the UK reached a record high in its most recent financial year, with the discount grocer reporting double-digit gains in sales and profits as price cuts and promotions brought more customers into its stores.

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.