Intertek Group PLC (LSE:ITRK) shares jumped over 7% to 5,156p sharply after private equity firm EQT submitted an improved 5,800p per share cash proposal to acquire the company.
The approach, which is the Swedish firm's third, values the testing and inspection group at a 54% premium to its closing price of 3,770p on 9 April, before the initial bid was made.
Intertek, which provides testing, inspection and certification services, had previously rejected a 5,400p per share proposal in late April.
EQT said the latest offer provides “certain and accelerated cash value” for shareholders and is superior to the potential outcomes from Intertek continuing as a standalone business.
The Stockholm-based firm added that it is seeking “prompt and constructive engagement” with the board to progress towards a deal.
Under UK takeover rules, EQT now has a 'put up or shut up' deadline of 14 May.
Intertek launched a strategic review last month, saying it would evaluate a potential spin-off of its Energy & Infrastructure division, either through a sale or demerger, to create two standalone global businesses.