WH Smith targeted for takeover
13 April 2012
TROUBLED High Street chain WH Smith is understood to be the target of a takeover move by Permira, the private-equity group known for investments in retailers such as New Look and Homebase, reports the Sunday Times.
Permira is believed to have held preliminary talks about a joint offer with Lagardère, a French conglomerate that owns businesses similar to those operated by WH Smith.
The private equity group is said to have spent several months examining the retailer but it is not certain that a bid will materialise. Analysts said any takeover offer would probably have to be pitched well above 300p a share.
