- Canada's cloud-based software company Dye & Durham Ltd said it would acquire Link Administration Holdings Ltd for about C$3.2 billion ($2.48 billion), sending the Australian share registry firm's stock to its highest in nearly a year.
The deal will give Dye & Durham access to Link's prized 43% stake in online realty firm PEXA Group Ltd, which listed on the Australian stock market in July after Link rejected a bid for the company by KKR & Co.
Dye & Durham said on Tuesday it would offer Link A$5.50 in cash for each share, a 14.8% premium to the stock's last traded price on Dec. 21. Link's shares rose by as much after trade resumed on Wednesday, while PEXA rallied 6%.
The bid was higher than Carlyle Group Inc's offer for Link last month. Link said it had not received any binding offers from the U.S.-based private equity firm after a period of due diligence.
Carlyle declined to comment.
Dye & Durham said it expected to add A$1.2 billion ($856.08 million) in revenue, while broadening its product offerings and customer base through the deal, which will be funded by raising debt and via a share placement.
($1 = 1.2908 Canadian dollars)
($1 = 1.4017 Australian dollars)
