Shares in Bodycote, the Macclesfield-based thermal processing specialist, tumbled on Monday after US private equity firm Apollo Global Management formally abandoned its takeover approach. The stock fell by as much as 15% in early trading on the FTSE 250, before recovering slightly to trade around 680p, down approximately 12% on the day. The sharp decline wiped more than £150m from the company's market capitalisation.
Apollo had first expressed interest in Bodycote earlier this year, but talks have now collapsed after the two sides failed to reach an agreement on price and terms. In a brief statement, Bodycote confirmed that Apollo had notified the board of its decision not to proceed with an offer. The news comes as a blow to investors who had been betting on a premium bid for the engineering group, which supplies heat-treatment and specialist coatings to industries including aerospace, automotive, and oil and gas.
The aborted bid leaves Bodycote in a vulnerable position. Analysts at Peel Hunt noted that the company's share price had been supported by takeover speculation, and that without a bidder, the stock is likely to re-rate lower. “The withdrawal removes a significant near-term catalyst for the shares,” they said in a note. “Bodycote now needs to demonstrate its standalone value through operational performance and capital returns.”
The development also highlights a broader trend of cautious dealmaking in UK industrial sectors, where private equity buyers have become more selective amid elevated interest rates and economic uncertainty. For Bodycote, the focus now shifts back to its underlying business, which has faced headwinds from weaker demand in European automotive markets and a slower recovery in aerospace aftermarket services.
For UK investors and pension holders with exposure to the FTSE 250, the episode serves as a reminder of the risks tied to takeover speculation. While bid premiums can offer short-term gains, failed approaches often lead to sharp reversals. Bodycote's board said it remains confident in the company's strategy and long-term prospects, but has not indicated any immediate plans for a share buyback or special dividend to support the stock.