It seemed unfathomable two years’ ago that
Woolworths could be a legitimate takeover target, but amid poor performance and a management shake-up,
rumours are swelling that private equity giant
KKR is in the midst of putting together a bid.
Given the fall in the value of the firm over the past 12 months -- particularly in US dollar terms -- it’s little wonder KKR is taking a closer look. During this time the retailer’s market value has sunk from about $US40 billion to below $US26bn owing to a 26 per cent slump in Woolies’ share price and an 18 per cent drop in the Aussie dollar.
KKR wouldn’t be travelling blind having had two unsuccessful cracks at Coles in 2006 before Wesfarmers gained control soon after, but finding an amicable deal -- which would be the largest corporate takeover in local history -- will prove a immense challenge.
(20min delay)