Current M&A outlook

Seems like the uncertainties in Europe has cause deals to dry up in Asia.

The most recent ones that was announced was the upgraded deal on Spotless Group in Australia and also another new bidder entering the fray for Hastings Diversified Funds.

The outlook continues to look bleak with Greece going into re-election and the question on whether Greece comply with previous agreements on austerity plans to enable it to acquire the funds from the bailouts agreed.

In recent week, stock indices have typically been going south. Do not expect it to recover anytime soon. However with the events in Greece, we might soon see an end to this financial-crisis-saga.

I would take a cautious view of M&A deals now. Particularly looking at stronger-balance sheet acquirers and checking diligently over any "exit clauses" + prescribed occurrences for MAC clauses

Coalworks takeover by Whitehaven

Whitehaven is making an off-market takeover bid of $1.00 for Coalwork shares.

No minimum required % of shares to b accepted. They already have 17.3%

Conditional upon the "strategic advisory" arrangement between Coalworks and Noble can be terminateed without any termination fees.

Coalworks did a a placement at $0.78 in April 2012 to Noble. (Noble now has 9%)

Is there a potential bidding war here? I am not sure but definitely worth a buy as I think there is limited downside.

(The post above was written on 7th May 2012 - Coalworks was trading at $0.99 then)