VNU NV , the Dutch owner of Nielsen’s television ratings revealed Wednesday that they have accepted an offer of 7.5 billion euros (8.9 billion) buyout offer by a group of private investors. VNU, which has a bunch of shareholders who fight change, are in a new fight over this last offer.
The offer values the shares of VNU at 28.75 euros ($34.26) per share and is contingent upon 95 percent shareholder agreement. Some shareholders have already rejected it throwing things into confusion.
The future of VNU has be uncertain for several months as a group of mostly American institutional shareholders recently blocked an attempt to purchase IMS Health Inc. for 6.8 billion (5.7 billion euros).
It is the thought among a number of the institutional investors that the bid undervalues the company tremendously and suggestions to break up the company, restructure it and then sell is the best option.
VNU does most of in business in the Most of us know it for its Billboard and Hollywood Reporter assets.
Its boards have collectively supported the offer. Those making the offer are The Blackstone Group, AlpInvest Partners, The Carlyle Group, Thomas H. Lee, Hellman & Friedman and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
VNU reported a net profit of 256 euros ($305 million) for the whole year with sales rising to 4 percent to 3.46 billion euros ($4.12 billion).
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