After reports that Sperwer Holding has expressed interest in buying the Super de Boer chain from Laurus in the next two or three years, shares in the struggling retailer increased sharply in morning trade.
When contacted by just-food Laurus was unable to confirm an approach from cooperative group Sperwer. However, a spokesperson for the retailer did say that it would consider whether any such proposal represented the best option for the company and its shareholders.
“We would seriously consider any offer and assess whether it represented good value for our shareholders,” the company said. “We are confident of our ability to rejuvenate the company through our increased focus on the Super de Boer chain,” the spokesperson added.
Shares in the retailer were up 7.75% at time of press, rising to EUR1.99 (US$2.50) from a previous close of EUR1.85.
Analysts have largely hailed the possible sale of Super de Boer as representing best value for shareholders.
“The interest from Sperwer could be a trigger for a private equity firm to acquire Laurus,” Rabo Securities analysts said in a note to clients. “We continue to believe that selling Super de Boer is the most preferred scenario for the shareholder,” they wrote.
