The Virgin Money UK (ASX: VUK) share price has soared 33% after the company announced it had received a takeover bid.
Virgin Money UK plc is the parent company of Virgin Money in the UK, Yorkshire Bank and CYBG.
Acquisition offer announced
The board of directors of Nationwide Building Society and Virgin Money UK announced they have reached a preliminary agreement on the key terms of a potential cash acquisition.
Nationwide’s bid for Virgin Money is £2.20, which translates to approximately AU$4.26. That compares to the current Virgin Money share price of $4.08.
That money comprises £2.18 per Virgin Money share in cash and a proposed dividend of 2 pence per Virgin Money share to be paid as part of the UK bank’s ordinary course of operations and dividend payments.
The total value of £2.20 represented a 38% premium to Virgin Money’s undisturbed share price as of 6 March 2024. It values Virgin Money at £2.9 billion.
Virgin Money’s view
The board said that if a firm offer is made, it intends to recommend it to Virgin Money shareholders.
Virgin Money’s board also said if the acquisition is implemented, there is the potential for Virgin Money to benefit from Nationwide’s scale and pace of investment.
The UK bank revealed the terms of this potential deal have been arrived at after a series of proposals from Nationwide.
Leadership comments
The chair of Virgin Money UK plc, David Bennett, said:
The Board of Virgin Money is pleased that Nationwide recognises the considerable strengths and opportunities that exist across our business, with the potential acquisition delivering attractive value for our shareholders. We are confident that a combination would support an exciting new chapter for Virgin Money to benefit from Nationwide’s scale and ambition.
The CEO of Virgin Money UK, David Duffy, said:
This potential transaction with Nationwide represents an exciting opportunity to build on the significant progress we have made in becoming the only new Tier 1 bank in recent history. The combined scale and strength would expand our customer offering and complete our journey in the banking sector as a national competitor.
Final thoughts on the Virgin Money UK share price
This seems like a great offer for shareholders, it’s a big premium, and it hasn’t been at that price since 2018.
I’d be happy to sell now if I were a shareholder considering the takeover offer is close to the current share price.