Australian investment manager EQT Holdings announced on Tuesday that it has received a takeover proposal from U.S.-based brokerage firm TPG Global, LLC. The offer values the company at A$657.8 million ($467.63 million), with an indicative price of A$24.55 per share in cash. This represents a significant premium of 41.8% to EQT's closing share price on Monday.
TPG Global has requested a period of exclusivity to conduct due diligence on EQT Holdings. The proposal is currently indicative and non-binding, subject to conditions including approval from TPG's Investment Review Committee and a recommendation from the EQT board.
The announcement coincides with EQT's ongoing business restructuring, including its decision to exit the independent superannuation trusteeship business through its Equity Trustees Superannuation unit. This exit comes as the company faces a lawsuit from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, which alleges that EQT's superannuation unit failed to obtain crucial information before permitting member investments in the now-defunct First Guardian Master Fund.
EQT stated it would provide further details on the potential capital and funding implications of the superannuation business exit when it reports its annual results on August 20.