Latest Takeover Defence News

Frasers Group has declared its A$0.65 per share cash offer for Accent Group best and final, removing the prospect of a higher bid from Frasers before the takeover closes. Accent shareholders now have until 29 January 2027 to decide whether immediate cash certainty outweighs the company’s standalone growth plans.

Accent Group reported a $13.8 million statutory loss for FY26 after a $48.6 million goodwill impairment, while underlying profit and dividends also fell. The footwear retailer is betting that store expansion, cost savings and portfolio closures can support its defence against Frasers Group’s $0.65 takeover bid.

Cue Energy delivered $19.8 million in operating cash flow and maintained its dividend in FY2026, despite lower profit, shrinking reserves and asset impairments. With Horizon Oil now controlling 57.03% of the register, the company enters FY2027 with a new board and an unusually busy drilling schedule.

Venus Metals Corporation (ASX:VMC) has fortified its balance sheet with a $47 million sale of its Youanmi Gold Project royalty, rebuffed a hostile takeover, and set in motion significant shareholder returns including a $35 million cash dividend.

Kjerulf David Hastings Ainsworth has taken a sharper stance in his bid for Ainsworth Game Technology, opposing Novomatic’s constitutional takeover protections while nominating a former CEO for the board and pressing for a dividend policy amendment.

Hotel Property Investments (HPI) reported a solid $16.7 million statutory profit for H1 FY25, alongside a 3.2% rise in distributions and a successful debt refinancing that extends maturity and reduces costs.

Hotel Property Investments (HPI) reported a robust half-year profit of A$16.7 million, driven by rising rental income and property valuations, while managing significant takeover defence costs amid Charter Hall Retail REIT and Hostplus bids.