Proactive Investors - Murdoch-owned REA Group has tabled yet another bid for Rightmove PLC (LON:RMV), marking the fourth effort to secure a deal to acquire the FTSE 100-listed property portal.
This new proposal values Rightmove at £6.2 billion, a £100 million improvement on the last rejected offer.
REA has clearly become frustrated with the Rightmove board’s refusal to cooperate, with the Aussie-listed business compelling management to “engage now” before the 30 September deadline.
Although REA has not said it outright, comments made by chief executive Owen Wilson hint at the possibility of a hostile takeover campaign.
Wilson said: “While the Rightmove board has refused to meet with us, we have enjoyed the opportunity to connect with Rightmove shareholders and to share our vision for the combination of the no. 1 digital property businesses in the UK and Australia.
“We continue to see the potential for us to strengthen Rightmove and accelerate its growth.
“This is a compelling opportunity to create a true global technology leader on the London market via a secondary listing, operating in two of the most attractive markets in the world.”
“We believe it is in the interests of Rightmove shareholders for the Rightmove Board to engage with us and to extend the 30 September 2024 deadline,” he added.
City analysts from Jefferies and Panmure Liberum have commented on the likelihood of REA going hostile.
Proactive has approached Rightmove for a comment on REA’s latest offer.