The $659m acquisition of Advanced Medical Solutions (AMS) by US industrial adhesives giant HB Fuller will be felt keenly in London's financial markets, with the deal marking another significant move by a foreign firm targeting a British company. According to data from Refinitiv, AMS's share price has surged 35 per cent to 285p per share since the offer period began on May 20th, valuing the company at £659m.
The takeover represents a major expansion for HB Fuller, which expects to increase its total addressable market potential by $15 billion, bringing it to $95 billion. The acquired business will be integrated into a new global business unit named 'Medical Adhesive Technologies', projected to contribute around 10 per cent of the combined group's revenue and earnings.
HB Fuller has confirmed that the initial funding for the acquisition will come from short-term borrowing, with permanent financing to follow at a later date. However, the deal highlights concerns over the UK's corporate governance, as AMS's board has recommended the takeover despite valuations suggesting a premium of 35 per cent.
This latest development underscores a growing trend in the UK's financial markets, where foreign firms are increasingly targeting British companies. Recent months have seen significant acquisitions, including Segro rejecting a £12.6 billion bid from US giant Prologis and Tate & Lyle being acquired by US rival Ingredion for £2.7 billion.
AMS has reported strong revenue growth in the past year, reaching £229m - a 29 per cent increase on the previous year's £177.5 million - driven largely by its acquisition of Peters Surgical. The company also distributed a final dividend of 2.86p per share, up 10 per cent from the prior year.