Proactive Investors - Nationwide is offering 220p per share in its acquisition of Virgin Money (LON:VMUK), consisting of a 218p cash consideration and a 2p dividend.
The offer values Virgin Money at approximately £2.9 billion, representing a 38% premium over the closing price on March 6, when Nationwide first announced the takeover.
Nationwide intends to rebrand Virgin Money over time, with arrangements made regarding the use of the ‘Virgin Money’ brand and discussions on a potential partnership involving the ‘Virgin Red’ loyalty programme.
Debbie Crosbie, chief executive of Nationwide Building Society (LON:NBS), said: "This acquisition strengthens Nationwide and means we can offer more value and broader services for our current and future members."
David Bennett, chairman of Virgin Money, added: "We're pleased to recommend the terms agreed with Nationwide, which deliver an attractive premium for our shareholders."
What to expect from the BoE
The Monetary Policy Committee is preparing to announce its latest policy decision on the back of easing inflation and wage growth.
This has given the market confidence that the first rate cut will be along in a few months.
It’s still too early for the bank to drop rates today, while ING’s developed markets economist James Smith even suggested that one or two hawks could even vote for a rate hike.
“Financial markets have scaled back rate cut expectations since the turn of the year,” said Smith.
“Since February’s meeting, we’ve had data showing both wage growth and services CPI falling, largely as the Bank had forecast back in February, and importantly we’ve seen further signs that firms’ price and wage expectations for coming months are cooling.
“Whether or not that’s enough to convince (hawkish MPC members Jonathan Haskel and Catherine Mann) to drop their rate hike votes isn’t clear. We wouldn’t be totally surprised if at least one of those committee members still votes for a rate hike this month.”
AJ Bell’s head of investment analysis Laith Khalaf had a similar sentiment.
He said: “The Bank of England will be minded to keep interest rates on hold when it meets on Thursday and there’s been no significant economic data which would prompt them to take action at this juncture.
“If anything the National Insurance cut announced in the Budget will probably raise some inflationary concerns.”
FTSE on the front foot
The FTSE 100 is tipped to surge 60 points higher to 7,796 when markets open today after a flat trading session on Wednesday.
Stocks are responding to a record-breaking session in the US after the Federal Reserve signalled that it continues to see three rate cuts occurring in 2024.
It’s over to the Bank of England today, with markets widely expecting interest rates to be held at 5.25%.
However, yesterday’s softer-than-expected inflation print may preempt a more dovish outlook from policymakers when they convene at 1pm.
On the company news front, Next plc (LON:NXT) will shortly deliver its annual earnings, as will Direct Line (LON:DLGD), Dowlais, Ithaca Energy (LON:ITH) and the Aquis exchange.