Entain's "Inadequate" Enlabs Bid Faces Opposition From Hedge Fund

(Alliance News) - Ladbrokes Coral owner Entain PLC's takeover bid for Enlabs AB "materially ...

Alliance News 19 January, 2021 | 7:00AM
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(Alliance News) - Ladbrokes Coral owner Entain PLC's takeover bid for Enlabs AB "materially undervalues" the Swedish bookmaker, a Texas-based hedge fund said on Monday.

Alta Fox Capital Management LLC, one of the largest shareholders in Enlabs with a 3.3% stake, said it does not support Entain's SEK40, about GBP3.50, per share offer.

Enlabs shares closed down 2.4% at SEK42.95 each in Stockholm on Monday.

"This offer materially undervalues the company, represents a negligible premium of 1.1% to the pre-offer trading price, and has unusual circumstances that make us question why Enlabs Chair Niklas Braathen, accepted such an inadequate offer," Alta Fox said on Monday.

"The fact that Entain will compensate Braathen as a senior executive post-deal and that the chief executive officer of Entain just announced his departure is highly unusual. It leads us to conclude that while this is a good deal for Entain, it is a bad deal for NLAB minority shareholders."

Entain announced the deal earlier in January. The offer values Enlabs at SEK2.80 billion, about GBP245.8 million.

It said of Braathen, "Entain will retain the services of Niklas to develop the group's operations in the region and its expansion into new markets."

Days later, Entain CEO Shay Segev gave notice of his intention to leave the company to become Co-CEO of sports streaming platform DAZN.

Alta Fox said an offer of SEK55 per share would be the "minimum fair price" for Enlabs.

"Alta Fox confidently believes we have the support to block a squeeze-out of minority shareholders, legal counsel to ensure their fair treatment under Swedish law, and the determination to obtain a fair price that is reflective of Enlabs' standalone growth prospects," Alta Fox added.

The Enlabs investor said signatures representing nearly 11% of the company shareholders have outlined their opposition to Entain's offer.

Entain itself is a takeover target for US casino operator MGM Resorts International and reiterated its stance that the bid "significantly undervalues the company and its prospects".

Entain shares closed up 0.9% at 1,413.50 pence each in London on Monday, giving it a GBP8.27 billion market capitalisation.

By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.

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Securities Mentioned in Article

Security Name Price Change (%) Morningstar
Rating
Entain PLC 822.91 GBX -0.16 -

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