a)

Explain why white knights are often hard to find and can only be seen as a partial solution to fending off a hostile takeover bid.

(b)

Critically discuss which factors will influence a company to finance a takeover by either a share-for-share offer or a cash offer financed by an issue of bonds.

Two companies called X plc and Y plc are considering a merger. Financial data for

the two companies are given below:

X Y

Number of shares issued 3m 6m

Profit after tax GHS1.8m GHS0.5m

Price/earnings ratio 12.0 10.3

The two companies have estimated that, due to economies of scale, the newly merged company would generate cost savings of GHS200,000 per year.

(i) It is suggested initially that 100% of Y PLCs shares should be exchanged for shares in X at a rate of one share in X for every three shares in Y. What would be the expected reduction of EPS from the point of view of Xs shareholders?

(ii) An alternative to this is for Xs shares to be valued at GHS7.20 and for the total share capital of Y to be valued at GHS10.5m for merger purposes. A certain percentage of Ys shares would be exchanged for shares in X, while the remaining shares of Y would be exchanged for 6.5% bonds (issued at GHS100 nominal value) in the new company. Given that the corporate tax rate is 30%, how much would have to be raised from the bond issue as part of the purchase consideration in order for there to be no dilution of EPS from Xs existing shareholders point of view?

the question is under STRATEGIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

and is the only question given