64 deals £1.780 Billion

Dow Schofield Watts llp


 

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PEARLS OF WISDOM

   

DEMERGERS

Rationale

 
Stick to the knitting "reshape the group to concentrate on"

 

In rapid growth, it is difficult to manage it within a portfolio

 

To fend off unwanted bids

 

Unlock shareholder value - the whole of Racal Electronics was valued at £2.9 billion, yet its 80% stake in Racal Telecommunications was worth nearly £3 billion.  Release rather than create shareholder value

 

More efficient than selling the business and reinvest the cash or dividend

 

Proof

 
The impact of subsequent activity makes it very difficult to assess:
  1. acquisitions and disposals
  2. scrip issues
  3. dividend issues
  4. share buybacks
ICI and Zeneca had a combined value of £13.86m post merger, 53% more than before the demerger

 

Costs and Risks

 
ECC - Camas demerger cost £4 million, with estimated additional annual costs of £1 million for being independent

 

Increased foreign currency exposure

 

Reduced ability to arbitrage interest rates

 

Reduced equity ratings and consequent credit rating changes