Venture capitalist offers 58.2p per share
Variety store group Woolworths is to allow venture capitalist Apax to begin due diligence after the private equity group proposed a 58.2p per share deal.

The price is 3.2p more per share than the top end of the 50p to 55p range previously suggested by Apax, and values Woolies at approximately£837 million.

Royal Bank of Scotland is lined up to provide Apax with a debt package to help fund the acquisition.

The Takeover Panel had told Apax that it must make its intentions on Woolworths clear by midday on Monday, but a new May 6 deadline for a formal offer has now been set.

Broker Numis believed 58p was a full price, but it was still far from certain that a deal would happen. 'Due diligence has not yet started and all VCs are well known for 'chipping' initial indicative values,' the broker said.

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