Why Did Akzo Nobel India Shares Plummet 15% Amid Block Deal Speculation?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai, Dec 17 (NationPress) The shares of Akzo Nobel India experienced a significant drop on Wednesday, plummeting nearly 15 percent to approximately Rs 3,080 per share, triggered by rumors of a substantial block deal estimated at around Rs 1,640 crore.
Reports indicate that about 5.19 million shares of Akzo Nobel India Limited were exchanged in a block deal.
These shares, accounting for roughly 11.4 percent of the company’s overall equity, were transacted at Rs 3,159 each, culminating in a total deal value of close to Rs 1,638.5 crore.
The identities of the parties involved in this transaction remain undisclosed, as noted in the report.
The steep decline in stock price follows a day after news surfaced suggesting that Imperial Chemical Industries, the promoter of Akzo Nobel, was planning to divest up to a 9 percent stake through a block deal.
This proposed transaction was estimated to be valued at approximately Rs 1,290.6 crore, with a floor price set at Rs 3,150 per share, reflecting about a 13 percent discount from Tuesday’s closing price.
As of the end of the September quarter, Imperial Chemical Industries maintained a 45.46 percent stake in Akzo Nobel India.
The recent block deal seems to align with market anticipations following discussions about the potential stake sale.
The stock has also garnered attention due to recent shifts in the company’s ownership structure.
Earlier this month, JSW Paints secured a 60.7 percent controlling interest in Akzo Nobel India, establishing itself as the new promoter.
With this acquisition, JSW Paints, which has only been operating for five years, has risen to become the third-largest entity in India’s decorative paints sector when combined with Akzo Nobel India’s operations.
On the financial side, Akzo Nobel India reported a remarkable increase in consolidated net profit for the July to September quarter.
The company declared a net profit of Rs 1,682 crore, compared to just Rs 97 crore during the same period last year.
However, this growth was primarily attributed to a one-time exceptional gain of Rs 1,874 crore recorded during the quarter.