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LONDON - Primary Health Properties PLC (LSE:PHP) has lowered its acceptance condition threshold for its offer to acquire Assura plc (LSE:AGR) to match the competing bid from Sana Bidco Limited, according to a statement released Friday.
PHP reduced the acceptance threshold to more than 50 percent of Assura’s voting rights, aligning with Bidco’s offer terms. The company also announced it would not reduce its offer value if Assura declares a special dividend of up to 0.84 pence per share, representing an acceleration of Assura’s expected October 2025 dividend.
Based on PHP’s closing share price of 103.0 pence on June 12, the company’s proposal values Assura at 53.0 pence per share, representing a 1.7 percent premium to Bidco’s competing offer.
PHP disputed assertions made by Assura’s board regarding financial risks of the combination, stating it has a "clear plan to reduce leverage" following the acquisition. The company noted that Fitch confirmed Assura would maintain its investment grade rating post-combination.
The firm outlined its confidence in executing planned disposals to reduce leverage to its target range of 40-50 percent loan-to-value ratio. PHP cited "strong interest and positive sentiment" toward both primary healthcare assets and private hospital properties that would be part of its joint venture disposal structure.
PHP also highlighted its track record of outperforming Assura on total property returns "in every reported full year since 2017" and its experience successfully integrating MedicX Fund Limited following its 2019 acquisition.
The company urged Assura shareholders to take no action in response to the Bidco offer while it continues to seek regulatory clearances.
The statement was based on a press release issued by Primary Health Properties.
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