Sep 27, 2024, 9:50 PM
Sep 27, 2024, 9:50 PM

Rupert Murdoch's latest bid for Rightmove reaches £6.2 billion

Provocative
Highlights
  • Rea has made several bids to acquire Rightmove, with the latest at £6.2 billion.
  • Rightmove's board has rejected all offers, and investors doubt a deal will happen.
  • Rea needs to significantly increase its offer to engage Rightmove's board effectively.
Story

An Australian property company, Rea, is attempting to acquire Rightmove, a UK property platform, but has faced resistance from Rightmove's board. Despite making multiple bids, including a recent offer of £6.2 billion, all previous proposals have been rejected. Investors have expressed skepticism about the likelihood of a deal, with Rightmove's shares trading below the offer price. Rea's executives have traveled to London to engage with Rightmove's directors, but substantive discussions have yet to occur. Some investors believe that Rightmove should hold out for a better offer, suggesting that Rea needs to present a significantly higher bid, potentially over £7 billion, to gain traction. The situation remains tense as both parties navigate the complexities of the potential acquisition, with Rea's leadership urging Rightmove's board to reconsider their stance. The outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications for both companies and the UK property market.

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