Vin Murria makes appeal to shareholders with improved £254m M&C Saatchi offer
Tech entrepreneur Vin Murria has gone over the heads of M&C Saatchi directors and appealed directly to shareholders to approve an audacious takeover bid.
Tech entrepreneur Vin Murria
The technology entrepreneur claims to have secured written support from 20% of shareholders in addition to her own 22% stake, placing her on the cusp of forcing through a sale that values M&C at 207.5p per share – a 29.7% premium on the pre-approach price.
This would value the business at £254m and marks the fourth offer in a row in Murria’s persistent efforts to wrest full control after becoming its largest shareholder.
The takeover is being spearheaded by the dedicated investment vehicle AdvT, 13% owned by Murria and with the backing of private equity group Marwyn.
Murria, who is also chair of AdvT, said: “Having sought the recommendation of the M&C Saatchi independent directors since early January, to date that has not been forthcoming. With today’s announcement we are seeking the support of M&C Saatchi shareholders in addition to those shareholders holding 20.2% of M&C Shares who have already indicated their support.
“The combination of M&C Saatchi’s existing global brand, culture and foundation with AdvT’s investment capital, experience and proposed new directors provide a tremendous opportunity to accelerate M&C Saatchi’s digital growth strategy, organically and by acquisition.”
In an impassioned appeal to those still on the fence to place their trust in her hands, Murria pledged to bring benefits to all employees, clients and shareholders by accelerating investment and lining up potential mergers and acquisitions.
Murria has a fight on her hands, however, with M&C Saatchi regaining some swagger with a return to profit following a torrid year, having already outright rejected overture one, bid two and proposal three.