Private equity predators swoop on Advanced Medical Solutions
AMS shares surge 16% as private equity takeover talks heat up
Private equity predators have swooped on Advanced Medical Solutions (AMS), taking the number of London-listed companies involved in takeover talks so far this year to 20.
US buyout group TA Associates is in discussions with the British wound-care specialist about making an offer believed to be worth 280p a share.
That would value AMS at £615m, and its shares yesterday rose 16.2 per cent, or 37p, to 265p.
TA Associates has until May 16 to table a firm offer or walk away.
'There can be no certainty that a firm offer will be made,' an AMS spokesman said after confirming talks were under way.
The approaches to AMS and William Hill owner Evoke mean that 20 London-listed firms are involved in bid discussions already this year, according to analysis by broker AJ Bell.
The total value of the bids on the table is £29.3billion - the same as all the successful bids in 2025 and the largest sum at this stage for any year this decade.
AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould said: 'This year is off to a fast start, despite the wider geopolitical uncertainty and concerns over what the long-term implications of the wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe could be.'
