Mohamed Al Fayed at the cinema. The Egyptian billionaire has confirmed his interest in markets for the purchase of Pinewood Studios. "Mr. Al Fayed has noted recent speculation regarding a possible offer of his hand. It confirms the possibility of a cash offer at Pinewood, "says a note sent to the London Stock Exchange.
The announcement comes just two weeks after Pinwood has received a takeover offer by its shareholder Peel Holdings, which owns 29.8% of capital. The latter offers 190 pence per share representing a total supply of 87.8 million pounds (about 99.5 million euros). For now, Mohamed Al Fayed said that "it is not certain that an offer is made" but the markets themselves, are safe. Result: Pinewood share price jumped to 10.4% in session Thursday at 223 pence, giving studios a market capitalization of 100 million pounds.
For Peel, the difficulties accrue while the other shareholder of Pinewood, Crystal Amber Fund (28% stake), considers that the initial offer of 190 pence does not reflect the true value of the company.
The home of James Bond
This battle looming market reflects the growing interest of investors in these studios, the largest in Europe, located in Buckinghamshire (county of south-east England). For nearly 75 years, Pinewood has seen the greatest movie stars. He is best known for being the location of the main James Bond like From Russia with Love, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Moonraker and more recently Quantum of Solace.A studio is even dedicated to James Bond (the "007 course).
Pinwood was also chosen for the filming of blockbusters like the latest Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean, but also The Bourne Ultimatum, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Mission Impossible or Lara Croft us fast cash. It's also where I will turn the next Clash of the Titans.
Very popular, Pinewood has reported a pretax profit of 5.8 million pounds last year, up 31%, and expects an increase in its turnover increase this year. The group also plans a massive investment of £ 20 million to expand the premises in Buckinghamshire.
Bet small productions
Pinewood has also ride the wave of success of the film The speech of a king who has won several Oscars with an initial budget of shooting only 9 million pounds.The low-budget films will be a priority for the studios that will focus on set at 2 million pounds.
The group also put on the hot market of TV and cinema in Latin America. A franchise agreement has been signed to that effect in the Dominican Republic.
Expanding empire
Mohamed Al Fayed, Pinewood get their hands on him to reconnect with his roots. The businessman had indeed already bought a studio in Egypt and participated in the production of the film four times Oscar-winning Chariots of Fire in 1981. The executive producer of this film was when her late son, Dodi al Fayed.
If he makes a bid and wins, especially Mohamed Al Fayed will relaunch its empire, amputated Harod stores, sold to a Qatari fund last year to 1.5 billion pounds.Always very diversified, its acquisitions include the Ritz Hotel in Paris, a hundred apartments in Hyde Park in England, the attraction Falls of Shin in Scotland and the London club football for Fulham.