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.

SSP surges as Irenic Capital said to be drumming up take-private interest

(Sharecast News) - SSP shot higher on Thursday following a report that activist hedge fund Irenic Capital Management is trying to drum up interest in a take-private deal for the Upper Crust owner after lifting its stake. According to the Financial Times, the New York-based hedge fund is encouraging private equity groups to launch takeover bids for SSP.

The fund has shared materials about the merits of a leveraged buyout with investment bankers and private capital firms in recent weeks, according to a pitch deck seen by the Financial Times.

According to the deck, Irenic argued that SSP could be valued at a 50% premium to its market value in a take-private deal.

The hedge fund pointed to SSP's predictable revenues, its capacity to grow in US airports and ability to generate capital through the sale of non-core assets, including its stake in a listed Indian joint venture.

The FT said it is possible that none of the private equity groups being pitched by Irenic will decide to make a bid.

Irenic declined to comment, while SSP told the FT: "We welcome the feedback and views of all our investors. We are entirely focused on delivering progress against our clear strategic priorities in order to deliver sustainable growth and returns for all of SSP's stakeholders."

At 0910 BST, the shares were up 6.3% at 166p.

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

GSK gets preliminary nod for two respiratory drugs in Europe
(Sharecast News) - GSK said on Friday afternoon that two of its respiratory medicines had received positive opinions from the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, bringing the company closer to potential approvals across severe asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Shore Capital hails improved US biotech funding environment for hVIVO
(Sharecast News) - Shares in AIM-listed hVIVO were continuing their recent surge on the back of encouraging signs from the US biotech market, which broker Shore Capital said has created a "much more favourable environment" for the company.
Weir to buy remaining 50% stake in Chile JV ESEL for £56m
(Sharecast News) - Weir said on Friday that it has agreed to buy the remaining 50% share of its Chile-based joint venture ESEL for a sterling equivalent purchase price of £56m.
Jefferies downgrades Whitbread, upgrades IHG
(Sharecast News) - Jefferies downgraded Whitbread to 'hold' from 'buy' on Friday as it applied the reverse upgrade to InterContinental Hotels.

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.