EP Group secures majority stake in International Distribution Services

LONDON - EP UK Bidco Limited, a subsidiary indirectly owned by EP Group and J&T Capital Partners (WA:CPAP), has successfully acquired a controlling interest in International Distribution Services plc (IDS), as the offer has been declared unconditional. As of 1:00 p.m. on April 30, 2025, EP UK Bidco Limited (Bidco) has secured approximately 80.06% of IDS’ issued share capital, surpassing the 75% threshold needed for the acceptance condition of their offer.

Bidco has announced that it will request the cancellation of the listing of IDS shares on the Official List and the admission to trading on the London Stock Exchange (LON:LSEG)’s Main Market, expected to take effect no earlier than 8:00 a.m. on June 2, 2025. This move will significantly reduce the liquidity and marketability of any IDS shares not yet accepted under the offer.

Daniel Křetínský, the founder and chairman of EP, expressed satisfaction with the shareholder support and outlined a vision for IDS that emphasizes long-term growth, service quality, and employee engagement. Keith Williams, the Chair of IDS, echoed these sentiments and highlighted the potential for IDS to become a leading international logistics player with continued investment.

The offer remains open for acceptance, with IDS shareholders who have not yet accepted the offer being urged to do so promptly. IDS confirmed that a special dividend of 8 pence per share will be paid to shareholders on the register as of the end of the day on April 30, with settlement occurring within 14 days.

Following the offer becoming unconditional, certain representatives of EP are expected to be appointed as non-executive directors of IDS. The current CEO and CFO of the IDS Group will continue in their roles, while some non-executive directors are expected to resign.

The announcement also noted that IDS will not publish a preliminary statement of its full-year results for the financial year ended March 30, 2025, but will instead publish its annual report and accounts later in the summer of 2025.

This acquisition marks a significant change in ownership for IDS, with potential implications for the company’s strategic direction and operations. The information in this article is based on a press release statement.

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