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Morrisons to be acquired by Fortress Investment Group

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Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
06 July 2021
One of the largest UK supermarket chains will be purchased by SoftBank owned Fortress Investment Group

Upon the deal, Morrisons – Britain's fourth-largest supermarket chain – will be valued at $8.7 billion. Fortress Investment Group topped a rival offer from a US private equity firm. The company is making more than half of the fresh food it sells.

Fortress - a global investment manager - has approximately $53 billion in assets under management as of March. Moreover, it is an independently operated subsidiary of Japan's SoftBank Group Corp. The company's offer to Morrisons represents a premium of 42% to the latter's closing share price of 178 pence on June 18. On Friday, July 2, the stock closed at 243 pence.

"We have looked very carefully at Fortress' approach, their plans for the business and their overall suitability as an owner of a unique British food-maker and shopkeeper with over 110,000 colleagues and an important role in British food production and farming," Morrisons Chairman Andrew Higginson stated.

Despite Morrisons' enthusiasm, Britain's opposition Labour Party called for scrutiny from the government. Seema Malhotra, the Party's spokeswoman on business, stated: "Ministers must urgently work with Morrisons and the consortium to ensure that crucial commitments to protect the workforce and the pension scheme are legally binding and met."

At the moment of writing, Morrisons stock price is trading 11.13% higher at £266.50.

Sources: reuters.com, yahoo.com

This information/research prepared by Miguel A. Rodriguez does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any particular person. The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole, certifies that the views about the companies and their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views and consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk.The research provided does not constitute the views of KW Investments Ltd nor is it an invitation to invest with KW Investments Ltd. The research analyst also certifies that no part of his/her compensation was, is, or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report.The research analyst in not employed by KW Investments Ltd. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment, under a separate engagement, as you deem fit that conforms to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular financial needs before making a commitment to invest. The laws of the Republic of Seychelles shall govern any claim relating to or arising from the contents of the information/ research provided. 

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Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
Financial Writer

Miguel worked for major financial institutions such as Banco Santander, and Banco Central-Hispano. He is a published author of currency trading books.