Mobico to be taken over by Spain's AdL in £308m deal, shares surge

(Sharecast News) - Mobico shares surged on Friday after the National Express owner agreed to be taken over by Spain's Autobuses de Leon (AdL) in a £308m deal. AdL is jointly held by CMC Group and a fund managed by Madrid-based Asterion Industrial Partners. CMC Group has been a long-term investor in Mobico since its sale of ALSA in 2005, and is the company's largest shareholder with a 26% shareholding.

Under the terms of the acquisition, AdL will pay 46p per share in cash. This is a premium of around 55.1% to the closing share price on 20 October, the last business day prior to the start of the offer period.

Mobico non-executive chair Phil White said: "We believe the offer represents a good outcome for Mobico's stakeholders and provides shareholders with value and certainty. Despite the recent strategic progress, the financial position of the business remains challenging with the cash outflows associated with legacy liabilities constraining our capacity to reduce net debt.

"The proposed transaction is an opportunity for the business to benefit from a more sustainable capital structure and greater financial flexibility, which can support continued investment and growth.

"The CMC Group has been closely associated with Mobico for more than 20 years and brings deep experience of passenger transportation. Together with Asterion, we believe they are the right custodians of Mobico, supporting the business as it continues to deliver for its customers, employees and partners."

At 0940 GMT, the shares were up 11.5% at 43.92p.

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