Trive Capital is a $4 billion (£3.2 billion) private equity firm based in Dallas, Texas. The group owns 30 companies – bakers, energy firms, IT specialists, even a railway in Iowa. Virtually every business is headquartered in America, from California to New York City.
Last week, however, Trive swooped on Ten Entertainment Group, the Bedford-based bowling chain.
Trive is offering £287million for Ten, equivalent to £4.12½ a share in cash, a 33 per cent premium to the pre-offer price.
On the ball: Trive is offering £287million for Ten, equivalent to £4.12½ a share in cash, a 33 per cent premium to the pre-offer price
Directors are recommending the offer and large investors with close to 40 per cent of the stock say that they will vote in favour too, so there is every chance that the deal will go through.
Midas verdict: Midas recommended Ten at £2.41 in 2019 so today’s £4.12½ bid comes as a tasty treat and some shareholders may pick to sell out now, with the price closing at £4.10 last week. But Trive’s offer highlights a disturbing trend, where American companies see value in thriving UK businesses, even as they are spurned by domestic investors. Food for thought.
Traded on: Main market Ticker: TEG Contact: tegplc.co.uk or 020 3441 0700
