Sidara trims Wood Group bid to 30p a share, board open to backing deal

Published 26/08/2025, 07:42
© Reuters.

Investing.com -- John Wood Group (LON:WG) said Monday that Dubai-based Sidara has lowered its potential takeover proposal to £207.55 million ($279.3 million) and that the company would be ready to recommend the new terms if a formal offer is made.

Sidara, owned by Dar Al-Handasah Consultants Shair and Partners Holdings, completed due diligence on Wood over the weekend and indicated it is willing to acquire the Scottish energy-services provider for 30 pence a share.

That compares with the 35 pence a share proposal made on April 14, which Wood had previously said it would support.

"The Board has evaluated the Reduced Possible Offer with its financial advisers and concluded that it is at a value that the Board would be minded to recommend to Wood shareholders, should a firm intention to make an offer," Wood Group said in the release. 

The company also noted that Sidara and its lenders have reached a commercial alignment on the refinancing package tied to the bid. The financing was a key condition of Sidara’s earlier £242.2 million approach in April, which also included a potential $450 million capital injection.

The U.K. Takeover Panel has extended the deadline for Sidara to make a firm offer or walk away until Aug. 28.

Wood has struggled over the past year, hit by contract write-offs and weakness in its projects division.

In February, its shares plunged after an independent review uncovered “material weaknesses” in its accounts, leading to adjustments in its income statement and balance sheet.

Wood Group’s shares are currently suspended, but have tumbled 72% so far this year.

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