Euronext announced that it has received clearance from Norway’s Ministry of Finance to acquire up to 100% of Oslo Børs VPS’s capital, as applied for. Euronext has already confirmed its intention to complete the transaction by the end of June 2019.
Back in December 2018 Euronext raised its commitment to 50.6% of Oslo Børs VPS shares in the context of the tender offer to be launched. Since then the exchange has secured a majority of the capital of Oslo Børs VPS (53.4%) including irrevocable pre-commitments, shares tendered to the Offer, and directly owned shares. Just last week, Euronext extended its Oslo Børs VPS Holding ASA’s outstanding shares acquisition offer.
The Ministry’s decision was one of the last major conditions to complete the transaction.
Euronext’s shareholders have been asked to approve the transaction at the general meeting convened on 16 May 2019, and Euronext’s reference shareholders, who represent 23.86% of the capital, have confirmed their joint support for the transaction.
Stephane Boujnah, Euronext
Stéphane Boujnah, CEO and Chairman of the Managing Board of Euronext commented on the news:
Euronext welcomes the Ministry’s clearance to acquire up to 100% of Oslo Børs VPS’s capital and look forward to completing the next steps to close the transaction by the end of June 2019. As part of the Euronext family, Oslo Børs VPS will continue to be a strong and leading Nordic exchange and CSD, and a hub for Euronext’s ambitions in the region. Euronext looks forward to supporting the Norwegian financial and business community, to working constructively with all key constituents and stakeholders to further drive the success of Oslo Børs VPS.