Technology

HP rejects new offer from Xerox that ‘undervalues’ company

Unsolicited takeover offer was for $22 per share

HP has repeatedly snubbed Xerox’s offer, saying its announced restructuring plan will provide greater value to shareholders. Photograph: iStock

Thu Jan 9 2020 - 13:21

HP has again rejected an unsolicited takeover offer from Xerox, saying the potential deal "significantly undervalues" the personal-computer maker.

Xerox said Monday it had secured $24 billion of financing for a potential acquisition of HP.

The debt commitment "is not a basis for discussion," HP said Wednesday in a letter to Xerox chief executive John Visentin. "The HP board of directors remains committed to advancing the best interests of all HP shareholders and to pursuing the most value-creating opportunities.

“Your letter . . . regarding financing does not address the key issue – that Xerox’s proposal significantly undervalues HP,” the letter stated.

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Xerox said Citigroup, Mizuho Financial Group and Bank of America had provided the financing for the Connecticut-based printer maker to pursue its $22-per-share cash-and-stock acquisition bid.

HP has repeatedly snubbed the offer, saying its announced restructuring plan will provide greater value to shareholders.

Xerox has left open the possibility of sparking a proxy fight or introducing a tender offer to close the deal.

Billionaire investor Carl Icahn, who has a 4.2 per cent stake in HP and a 10.9 per cent stake in Xerox, and has been pushing for a merger, was not immediately available for comment. – Bloomberg/Reuters

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