Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Business
Joanna Bourke

Eddie Stobart approached by shareholder with takeover interest

A queue of Eddie Stobart lorries near Ramsgate (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

Troubled transport firm Eddie Stobart Logistics on Monday said its former owner, a current shareholder, has opened talks for a potential takeover.

Eddie Stobart said private equity group DBAY Advisors has made a preliminary expression of interest to buy it.

The approach follows a tumultuous time for the firm. In July it flagged an accounting error, and last month it suspended trading in its shares and said chief executive Alex Laffey would stand down with immediate effect. It also warned on profits.

The shares stood at 71p per share just before they were suspended, down from a 163p peak in 2017.

DBAY floated Eddie Stobart in 2017 and today has a 10.1% stake. The largest shareholder is fallen fund star Neil Woodford, left, with a 22.9% holding.

Eddie Stobart said there is no certainty its suitor will make an offer.

DBAY has until October 7 to either table a formal bid, or walk away.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.