Centaur Media soars on takeover approach from Dutch PE firm

(Sharecast News) - Shares in Centaur Media soared on Wednesday afternoon after the publishing, events and marketing company confirmed speculation about a takeover approach from a Dutch private equity firm. Centaur, which runs B2B print magazines such as Marketing Week and digital platforms like Econsultancy, announced in a regulatory filing that it had received a "highly preliminary expression of interest" from Waterland Private Equity Investments for the entire issued share capital of the company.

No financial details were disclosed in the statement.

"Shareholders are advised that there can be no certainty that any offer will be made, nor as to the terms of any offer," Centaur said.

"The board remains confident in the company's growth strategy and its ability to maintain a competitive edge within the markets it operates."

Waterland, which is based in Bussum, North Holland, now has until the end of play on 8 May to give a firm intention to make an offer, under UK takeover rules.

Centaur's shares were up 27% at 50.65p by 1556 BST, at levels not seen in over a year.