Aegis Confirms Takeover Bid As Publicis Rumours Fly

Media giant Aegis has revealed details of a takeover bid from an as yet unnamed firm, valuing the company at around £1.57 billion.

In a statement this morning the company’s Board confirmed speculation over the bid, but stated that the approach had been “preliminary in nature” and that “there can be no certainty that an offer will be made.”

Aegis, which owns planning and buying firms Carat and Vizeum, said that the offer had been for 140p per share, but refused to comment on whether the valuation was either acceptable or accurate.

The company expects to make a further announcement on the situation in “due course,” although no further details are known at present.

Elsewhere, French newspaper Les Echos has reported this morning that Publicis plans to launch a friendly offer to acquire Aegis, and that the company is due to examine the offer later today. It is not yet known whether Publicis’ reported offer is the same as Aegis’ confirmed unknown bidder.

Last month saw Aegis further expand its business interests, buying out-of-home media planning and buying network, Alban Communications, with plans to incorporate it into its subsidiary company, Posterscope Worldwide (see Aegis Buys Out-Of-Home Media Network Alban).

Aegis Group: 020 7070 7700 www.aegisplc.com