Trading information for KKR & Co is displayed on a screen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., August 23, 2018. REUTERS
Private equity firm KKR (KKR.N) has become the largest shareholder in Japanese software developer Fuji Soft (9749.T), after completing the first stage of a two-part tender offer, KKR said in a statement on Thursday.
The U.S. firm acquired 21.4 million shares, and secured control over 90% of outstanding share options of Fuji Soft, it said.
On Thursday KKR acquired a stake of 35% in the Japanese software developer through FK Co, an entity owned by investment funds it manages, in the first part of its two-stage buyout tender offer.
KKR now holds substantial influence over Fuji Soft’s future direction, including potential privatization, which the company’s board has previously indicated as a way to boost its value.
The second phase of the tender offer, set for mid-November, aims to acquire the remaining shares at an unchanged price of 8,800 yen ($57.46) each.
($1=153.1500 yen)
Reporting by Nilutpal Timsina in Bengaluru; Editing by Clarence Fernandez
