Australia’s REA Group is considering a takeover of Rightmove, in a deal which could be worth about £4.36bn.
REA Group said in a statement this morning there are “clear similarities” between the companies, which have “highly aligned cultural values”.
Rightmove is the UK’s largest online property portal, while REA is Australia’s largest property website.
It employs more than 2,800 people and is majority-owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp,.
REA Group said: “REA sees a transformational opportunity to apply its globally leading capabilities and expertise to enhance customer and consumer value across the combined portfolio, and to create a global and diversified digital property company, with number one positions in Australia and the UK.
“There can be no certainty that an offer will be made, nor as to the terms on which any offer may be made.”
Rightmove has been approached for comment.
Oil price dips – as Rightmove shares soar 24%
It’s a false start to the end of the summer holidays in the City.
While London is mostly back at work, trading is fairly subdued due to the US Labor (that’s labour, as in work) Day holiday.
US markets will not open again until Tuesday.
There’s little direction across Europe with the FTSE 100 trading nine points down at 8,365.
Leading the gainers was Rightmove – up 24%. The property search website is the subject of a possible cash and shares takeover offer by Australian rival REA.
The company is a division of Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp.
One other point to note is the continuing fluctuation in oil prices.
Brent crude is 0.7% down at the start of the week at $76.
Dragging the cost lower is further evidence of weaker demand in China.
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