In a move set to shake up the telecommunications industry, U.S.-based Keysight Technologies (KEYS.N) is gearing up to make a formal offer for British firm Spirent Communications (SPT.L), according to a reliable source familiar with the matter. This development, initially reported by Sky News, indicates that Keysight’s bid could value Spirent at approximately 1.15 billion pounds ($1.45 billion), translating to roughly 200 pence per share.
This potential bid comes after a recent agreement where U.S.-listed communications equipment company Viavi Solutions (VIAV.O) had proposed acquiring Spirent for about 1.01 billion pounds, offering Spirent shareholders 175 pence per share. However, Keysight’s offer boasts an 84.5% premium over Spirent’s closing price of 108.40 pence on March 4, significantly higher than Viavi’s premium of 61.4%.
While some institutional shareholders in Spirent had signaled their intent to support Viavi’s offer, they reportedly viewed it as opportunistic and left room for alternative bids, according to Sky News.
Spirent Communications, Viavi Solutions, and Keysight Technologies have yet to provide comments on this latest development.
With the financial details in mind, observers are keenly awaiting further updates on this potential acquisition that could reshape the landscape of telecommunications testing and equipment markets.
Stay tuned for more updates as the story unfolds.
Reporting by Shivani Tanna and Aishwarya Jain in Bengaluru, and Anousha Sakoui in London; Editing by Vijay Kishore and Devika Syamnath.
Data Source : reuters