Czech billionaire takes over Metro’s major shareholder shares | Progresiv
The Metro major shareholder Haniel accepted the takeover bid by the Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky for the still in his possession Metro shares. "We are convinced that a simplification of the shareholder structure and the exercise of the control function by a major shareholder offer the best conditions for successfully transforming Metro AG in a demanding market environment", said Haniel CEO Thomas Schmidt in Duisburg. 
Haniel currently holds 15.2 percent of the Metro shares, but already in the past year, in negotiations with Kretinsky, set the course for the withdrawal from the Metro commitment.
Kretinsky's investment company EP Global Commerce had officially presented its takeover offer a week ago. The retail giant, which operates more than 770 wholesale markets in 26 countries and currently also owns the supermarket chain Real, is valued at a total of 5.8 billion euros. However, the offer is subject to the condition that Kretinsky can secure at least 67.5 percent of all ordinary shares. This is necessary in order to enforce a control and profit transfer agreement with the Metro after completion of the offer.
In the case of the Metro, however, the takeover bid is viewed critically. Metro boss Olaf Koch said at the announcement of the takeover in June, the company would be underrated by the offer "substantially" . In the coming week, the Metro wants to comment extensively on the takeover bid. (www.manager-magazin.de)
