Biffa PLC (LSE:BIFF) said it has received a proposed takeover bid from private-equity firm Energy Capital Partners (ECP) at a price of 445p per share in cash.
The US private equity group has made a series of unsolicited bids for the UK-based waste management company, the London-listed company said.
Biffa’s shares, which closed at 325p the day before, leapt 29% to 417.62p in early trading on Tuesday.
The board said it "would be minded" to recommend the offer to shareholders, having reviewed the potential offer alongside its financial adviser Rothschild & Co.
ECP is expected to make a firm offer by 5 July, subject to due diligence, which the board has granted, and the conclusion of financing arrangements.
Biffa's recent underlying performance is in line with the board’s expectations and volumes remain at “expected levels”, the company added, citing “inflationary headwinds”.
It is currently focused on ramping up the production of food-grade recycled plastic and developing energy from waste projects.
Biffa is currently in discussions with HMRC regarding a landfill tax enquiry relating to the potential misclassification of waste across the industry.
The company said it “strongly refutes HMRC’s concerns” and is fully cooperating with HMRC.
Ernst & Young is providing advice to Biffa regarding HMRC's probe, which could cost the company between £170,000 and £153 million relating to assessments carried out by HMRC from 2016 to 2020, Biffa said.