Spain’s stock market regulator yesterday accepted Atlantia’s bid for Abertis, acknowledging that the content of the explanatory document presented by the Italian company is sufficient and in line with current regulations. The approval also gives Atlantia the possibility of improving its offer and establishes the period for ACS to consider its eventual competing bid.
While the telecoms sector (mainly represented by Telefónica) is very attractive for investors, “looming pressure on returns” is clouding investor interest in the utilities.
Spanish retailer Inditex is the largest in Europe, more than twice the size of the number 2. Kering. With over 7,000 stores and 150,000 employees globally, it continues to outpace its rivals mainly due to its flexible business model.
ACS is still looking for the financial muscle to be able to make a counter-bid for Abertis. The company has the capacity to generate cash and has a solid financial situation, but it would need the help of foreign investors to better Atlantia’s bid of 16,5 euros per share.
Víctor Peiro (GVC Gaesco) | The emerging markets are performing well this year and so the context is favourable for revisiting the privatisation process in those countries. Brazil is set to sell off a raft of different assets, including state-owned utility Electrobrás. Several big Spanish companies could be interested in acquiring these assets.
Spain’s big utility companies have accused the Energy Ministry of “driving investors away” with their strategy of revealing the next milestones in the energy reform to the large investment banks. The main electricity firms (Iberdrola, Endesa, Gas Natural and REE) saw almost 3 billion euros shaved off their market capitalisation in just one day.
Nobody has been able to explain, in any credible and understandable way, the reasons for Inditex’s sharp stock market decline, precisely in a year when it’s beating records in terms of sales and profits.
Iberdrola is sounding out possible acquisition opportunities in the European energy sector and Innogy is on its radar. According to financial sources, the Spanish firm could be interested in launching a bid for the German utility company.
Siemens Gamesa will increase the annual amount of energy produced at the wind farms of NextEra Energy Resources in Texas (US) by up to 25%. As a result, it will boost their profitability and efficiency, as well as extend their useful life, the company said.
Telefonica has informed the Stock Market Regulator (CNMV) that it has reached an agreement with the Colombian government to hike capital for a total of €1.840 billion at its affiliate operating in the country, which is one of the main ones in the group. The reason for the capital increase is the debt the parent company has with the company which manages the pension funds.