Swedish private equity giant EQT has increased its takeover offer for Japanese price-comparison website operator Kakaku.com to 3,450 yen ($21.25) per share.
The revised bid, announced on Friday, represents a significant jump from the firm’s previous offer of 3,000 yen and is designed to surpass a competing proposal from a consortium led by SoftBank subsidiary SB Holdings.
By raising the price by 15%, EQT signals its determination to secure the asset despite the presence of a well-capitalized rival backed by one of Asia’s largest technology conglomerates.
The escalation marks a critical juncture in the contest for control of Kakaku.com, a prominent player in Japan’s digital commerce sector.
By raising the price by 15%, EQT signals its determination to secure the asset despite the presence of a well-capitalized rival backed by one of Asia’s largest technology conglomerates.
The move places pressure on Kakaku.com’s board to evaluate the competing interests and consider the strategic implications of each offer.
This development adds to a series of high-profile acquisition attempts by EQT in recent months.