Takeover panel sets auction procedure for Warehouse REIT bidding war

Published 19/08/2025, 17:04

LONDON - The UK Takeover Panel has established a formal auction procedure to resolve the ongoing bidding war for Warehouse REIT plc between Blackstone-backed Wapping Bidco and Tritax Big Box REIT, according to a panel statement released Tuesday.

The auction will commence on August 26 if the competitive situation continues to exist by 5:00 pm on Monday, August 25. The procedure allows for up to five consecutive business days of public bidding through September 1.

The bidding contest began on June 4 when Warehouse REIT and Wapping Bidco, a company indirectly owned by Blackstone (NYSE:BX) investment funds, announced a recommended cash offer. This was followed by a competing shares and cash offer from Tritax Big Box REIT on June 25, which initially gained Warehouse’s recommendation.

Wapping Bidco countered on July 10 with an increased cash offer, switching from a scheme of arrangement to a contractual offer. Warehouse subsequently reversed its recommendation on July 11, favoring the improved Wapping Bidco proposal.

Under the auction rules, both bidders may submit offers on the first day, with subsequent days following specific bidding protocols. Neither company will be permitted to announce revised offers after 5:00 pm on August 25 except through the auction process.

The panel noted that the auction could potentially end with both offerors proposing cash components at identical prices. Following the auction’s conclusion, neither bidder may revise their offer price without the panel’s consent, unless a third party enters the bidding.

The statement indicated that all three companies have agreed to the terms of the auction procedure.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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