Unilever's $5.4 bn open offer for HUL to start tomorrow

There has been no revision to the open offer price of Rs 600 per share previously announced by Unilever

Anglo-Dutch FMCG giant Unilever PLC's $5.4 billion open offer to increase stake in its Indian arm Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) to up to 75%, will commence tomorrow and close on July 4.

"There has been no revision to the open offer price of Rs 600 per share previously announced. The independent committee of directors of HUL has recommended that the open offer is fair and reasonable," Unilever said in a statement.

At present, Unilever PLC has 52.48% stake in HUL. The proposed open offer is valued at $5.4 billion.

"Subject to approval of the final dividend of Rs 6 per share recommended by the board of directors of HUL for 2012-13 at HUL's annual general meeting on July 26, 2013, shareholders of HUL who tender their shares in the open offer will be entitled to receive the final dividend from HUL in respect of the shares tendered by them," the company said.

Once completed, the open offer would be the fifth largest India inbound M&A transaction on record till date.

HUL's portfolio includes leading brands such as Lux, Lifebuoy, Surf Excel, Rin, Wheel, Sunsilk, Pepsodent, Closeup, Axe, Brooke Bond, Bru, Knorr, Kissan, Kwality Wall's and Pureit.

The company, which employs over 16,000 employees, posted net sales of Rs 26,317.15 crore for the 2012-13 fiscal.

HUL scrips ended the day at Rs 593.15 apiece, down 0.27% from their previous close on the BSE.