Windward Ltd (AIM:WNWD), the analytics software and AI firm, is to be acquired in a deal worth £216 million – 215p per share.
The company agreed to a recommended cash proposal from Octopus UK Bidco Limited, a subsidiary of investment fund FTV VIII.
Pitched at 215p the offer represents a 47% premium to Monday’s closing price and a 92% premium over the six-month average.
The acquisition will be executed under Israeli Companies Law, with Octopus UK Bidco
The buyers aim to leverage Windward’s advanced AI solutions for expansion into broader supply chain analytics.
The proposed transaction is supported unanimously by Windward’s independent directors, who have advised shareholders to approve the deal at an upcoming general meeting.
“This marks an exciting next step in the evolution of Windward, providing the opportunity to build upon our first mover advantage in maritime generative AI through accelerated innovation and greater market reach,” Windward chief executive Ami Daniel said.
“We are incredibly proud of the growth we have achieved while on the AIM market, and our ability to adapt and incorporate evolving technology, specifically generative AI.
“We are truly grateful for our shareholders' support to date, providing us with the funding to expand our offering, enter new markets and continuously create exciting new products.”
The Windward boss added: “With the success of that investment evident in our accelerated growth rate and bigger scale, now is the time to replicate that success across additional geographic markets. In addition, being US-owned is expected to facilitate expedited penetration and growth in the US market.”
In London, Windward shares were up 61.5p or 42% on Tuesday changing hands at 207.5p.