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(From FT Investor (Stories))
LONDON (FT.com) - Abbey National on Tuesday rejected an informal approach from Bank of Ireland, arguing that it undervalues the UK's second biggest mortgage lender.
Abbey National said the most effective means of restoring value to shareholders at this time will be to achieve the operating and structural changes targeted in the interim statement on July 26.
"The board of Abbey National has therefore determined that the Bank of Ireland's approach is not in the best interests of shareholders," the bank said.
Abbey National shares were almost 6 per cent higher at 567.5p in mid-afternoon trade, extending Monday's near 6 per cent gain. Bank of Ireland shares were 1.4 per cent weaker at [euro]9.24.
National Australia Bank , which approached Abbey earlier this year, is understood to have renewed its overtures in the last month and is now monitoring developments. NAB owns Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks.
However, BoI is understood to be prepared to increase its offer in order to secure a recommendation from Abbey's board. People close to the Irish bank indicated that it was unlikely to launch a hostile bid.