Bill Gates attends the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 22, 2019.Arnd Wiegmann/Reuters
Blackstone won over Signature Aviation’s biggest shareholder Bill Gates for a possible $4.3 billion bid for the British private jet servicing company, going head-to-head with another potential suitor Carlyle.
Blackstone’s agreement with Gates’ Cascade Investment Llc for its planned offer announced on Friday comes just hours after Signature confirmed an initial takeover approach from Carlyle.
Blackstone and Cascade, which already owns a 19 per cent stake in London-based Signature, are in advanced talks with the company about their proposal that involves a cash offer of 3.81 pounds per share, they said in a joint statement.
The company said last month it was minded to recommend the Blackstone proposal.
Shares in the company formerly known as BBA Aviation fell 4.2 per cent to 4 pounds on the FTSE 250 midcap index by 1020 GMT as the prospect of an extended bidding war faded, handing back some of the 65 per cent gain in the three weeks since Signature Aviation confirmed talks with Blackstone.
The offer will be made through Brown Bidco Ltd, a newly incorporated company which will be 70 per cent owned by Blackstone with Cascade holding the rest.
Signature Aviation has said this was Blackstone’s sixth proposal, its first being in February last year.
Signature declined to comment on Friday. Carlyle also declined to comment.
Blackstone said the terms of its agreement with Cascade meant Cascade will vote against any competing proposal after a firm bid is made Blackstone.
While airlines across the world are struggling to survive the COVID-19 travel curbs, operators of private jets have fared better as wealthy passengers switch to what is perceived as a safer way to fly.
In its half-year results statement last year, Signature Aviation pointed to a recovery in flight activity in August compared to April when most countries had just begun lockdowns to stymie the spread of the virus.
Signature also disclosed in December it had rebuffed another proposal from Global Infrastructure Partners about a bid that was lower than Blackstone’s.
As per UK takeover rules, Blackstone and Cascade are required to either announce a firm intention to make an offer or walk away by Jan. 14.
Be smart with your money. Get the latest investing insights delivered right to your inbox three times a week, with the Globe Investor newsletter. Sign up today.