Tata Group firm Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) today said it is reviewing the rejection of its takeover bid by the luxury hotels chain Orient-Express (OEH) board and is considering their options with respect to their offer to acquire OEH.
“Indian Hotels and Montezemolo & Partners on behalf of Charme II Fund today acknowledged the recent announcement by OEH (of rejecting its takeover bid), and are reviewing the position taken by the OEH board and are considering their options with respect to their offer to acquire the hotel,” IHCL said in a statement.
Shares of IHCL, after rising over 3 per cent in morning trade, pared gains to close at Rs 63.65, almost flat over yesterday’s close.
Orient Express yesterday rejected the “unsolicited” $1.86-billion buyout offer by the Tatas, saying the bid significantly undervalues the New York-based company.
“After thorough consideration, and in consultation with independent financial and legal advisors, our board has unanimously concluded that your proposal significantly undervalues Orient-Express and its future prospects,” J Robert Lovejoy, Chairman, Orient-Express said in a letter to Indian Hotels Company Vice-Chairman, R K Krishna Kumar.
Indian Hotels had offered $12.63 per share in cash to acquire all the outstanding shares of Orient Express. This was at a 40 per cent premium to the luxury hotel chain scrips on October 18.
This was the second takeover attempt by Indian Hotels, which already holds about 7 per cent in Orient Express.