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WYG soars as it agrees to be taken over by Tetra Tech for £43mln

Last updated: 14:45 20 May 2019 BST, First published: 07:26 20 May 2019 BST

WYG
The deal is expected to be completed in July

WYG PLC (LON:WYG) shares soared higher on Monday as the project management and consultancy group agreed to be taken over by US rival Tetra Tech Inc for £43.4mln.

WYG shareholders will receive 55p per share, representing a 244% premium to Friday’s closing price. In afternoon trading, WYG shares were up 234% to 53.50p, indicating that the market is not expecting an counter-bid.

The AIM-listed company said the deal will create a premier international consulting, engineering and programme management firm and it leave it well-positioned to provide a “strong platform to drive long-term growth”.

READ: WYG says bank waives its covenant tests, constructive discussions in relation to facilities continue

“Becoming part of the Tetra Tech group enables benefits of scale and access to expertise across highly complementary geographies and client relationships, and brings operational infrastructure and financial strength to support WYG's long term growth ambitions,” said Jeremy Beeton, non-executive chairman of WYG.

“We provide Tetra Tech with a strong platform for investing in growth in the UK and Europe.  We believe the combination of our two companies will provide greater opportunities for our people and clients, as well as offering certainty of immediate value to our shareholders at a considerable premium to the prevailing share price."

Tetra Tech has received irrevocable undertakings and letters of intent to accept the offer from shareholders accounting for 72.5% of WYG shares in issue. The deal is expected to be completed in July.

Tetra Tech chairman and chief executive, Dan Batrack, said: "WYG advances our strategy to add firms that support our position as the premier global high-end consulting, engineering, and program management firm."

 He added; “WYG's expertise in infrastructure and programme management, as well as water and environmental services, enables us to deliver innovative solutions to support the UK's infrastructure needs. Together, we will be able to provide an expanded scope of services to our customers and offer our combined staff even greater professional opportunities."

 -- Adds share price --

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