Blackstone Agrees to Buy U.K.’s St. Modwen for $1.7 Billion
May 20, 2021 | Jack Sidders | Bloomberg
Blackstone Group Inc. has confirmed it will offer 1.2 billion pounds ($1.7 billion) to buy St. Modwen Properties Plc despite opposition from a shareholder insisting the price is too low.
A deal would swell the private equity giant’s vast U.K.’s warehouse portfolio, adding land for future development. Blackstone is offering 542p per share in cash, according to a statement Thursday.
The money manager announced its intention to bid earlier this month and was met with resistance from J O Hambro Capital Management Ltd., which owns just over 9% of St. Modwen. Blackstone’s offer has secured the support of St. Modwen’s board and the family of its founder Stanley Clarke, giving it the backing of holders with a 6.59% stake. The offer will be put to a shareholder vote next month.
