Spanish bank BBVA has launched a hostile $13.1 billion all-share takeover bid for its smaller rival Sabadell, directly appealing to Sabadell's shareholders after the board rejected the same terms earlier. This move by BBVA comes despite the Spanish government's opposition to the deal, with a top official stating that the government has the final say in approving any such transaction. The government's stance adds a layer of complexity to the already contentious bid, which has also been criticized for its timing and potential lack of substantial reward.
ECB'S DE GUINDOS: I DO NOT KNOW WHAT SABADELL SHAREHOLDERS WILL DO REGARDING BBVA'S HOSTILE TAKEOVER BID, I HAVE TO BE CAUTIOUS AS OPERATION REQUIRES ECB APPROVAL
What is #BBVA doing? Politics makes the timing bad, its own shareholders seem to hate the deal, #Sabadell doesn't want to engage... There's a lot of risk and uncertainty in this hostile bid - and not much reward! https://t.co/Myhhc2t3XX via @opinion
Spanish government opposes BBVA’s US$13-billion hostile bid for smaller rival Sabadell https://t.co/w89QjaKAB4