VNU €8bn takeover back on the cards

by Sam Matthews, Brand Republic 16-Jan-06, 11:00

LONDON – Market research giant VNU has received an offer of €28 to €28.5 a share from a group of private equity firms, which would value the Dutch company at around €8bn (£5.5bn).

The bid of €28 to €28.5 a share came from a group including AlpInvest Partners, Blackstone Group, Carlyle Group, Hellman & Friedman, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co, Permira, Thomas H Lee Partners and Haarlem, the company said in a statement.

The Netherlands-based group received a takeover offer last November from private equity firms said to include Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co and Blackstone. An approach had earlier been made in March, but this was unsuccessful.

VNU said the latest bid was subject to "negotiation and execution of a merger protocol" and warned that the discussions might not result in a transaction.

"There can be no assurance that these discussions will result in any specific transaction and, if so, at what price and with what conditions. VNU expects to be able to provide further information within three to four weeks," VNU said in a statement.

VNU's brands include research giant AC Nielsen and magazines including The Hollywood Reporter, Personal Computer World and Computer Active.

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