Covestro investors press company to enter talks with ADNOC

Covestro investors press company to enter talks with ADNOC

FRANKFURT - Germany's Covestro should engage in formal takeover talks with Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) in the interest of its shareholders, two top-15 investors of the plastics and chemicals maker told Reuters.

ADNOC, which is trying to diversify and develop its downstream and renewable energy operations, made a non-binding offer for Covestro of 55 euros per share in June, which was rejected, according to press reports.

Earlier this month, ADNOC verbally signalled to Covestro, which has not officially commented on the takeover approach, that it could raise its informal offer to 60 euros per share conditional on the German company entering formal talks, Reuters reported.

Arne Rautenberg, fund manager at Union Investment, said management should take the next step to enter formal discussions within days to avoid further speculation and market uncertainty.

The higher offer would value Covestro, which produces foam chemicals used in mattresses, car seats and insulation for buildings, at about 11.6 billion euros ($12.58 billion).

The second shareholder, who asked to remain anonymous, warned that with takeover rumours circulating since June, further uncertainty could push Covestro's shares, currently trading at 47 euros, lower.

Covestro declined to comment.

Covestro is among companies in Germany's chemicals sector facing a substantial drop in demand as