Inspecs Group PLC: Takeover Offer and Market Response
1. Overview of the Company
Inspecs Group PLC is a United Kingdom‑based health‑care company that designs and manufactures optical and sunglasses frames for global customers. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and traded in GBP. As of 14 December 2025 its share price closed at £0.825, with a 52‑week high of £0.830 and a 52‑week low of £0.370. The price‑earnings ratio stands at –8.67, indicating negative earnings for the reporting period.
2. Bidco 1125 Limited Offer
On 10 December 2025, Bidco 1125 Limited announced a formal takeover proposal for Inspecs Group PLC. The offer values each share at 84 pence (£0.840), representing a premium over the prevailing trading price. The proposal is structured as a binding offer and was publicly disclosed through the usual regulatory channels.
The offer has been accepted by Inspecs Group, and the company has announced that it will proceed with the transaction. Inspecs confirmed that it will not pursue alternative bids and has advised shareholders that the acquisition terms will be finalized in the coming weeks.
3. Reactions from Competitors
Safilo, an Italian eyewear manufacturer, has stated that it will not submit a competing bid for Inspecs Group. Multiple news outlets, including LSE.co.uk, Sharecast, Il Nord Est, and Investing.com, reported that Safilo has ruled out any counter‑offer. The company’s decision follows its earlier non‑binding offer to acquire the German entities Eschenbach Group and BoDe, which are controlled by Inspecs. Safilo’s statements clarify that the current Bidco offer is the sole bid under consideration.
4. Public Dealing Disclosures
On 15 December 2025, two exempt principal traders filed Form 8.5 (EPT/RI) disclosures regarding their dealings in Inspecs Group shares:
| Exempt Principal Trader | Reference | Key Information |
|---|---|---|
| Shore Capital Stockbrokers Ltd | 1 | Disclosed participation in a client‑serving capacity related to the Bidco offer. |
| Investec Bank plc | 1 | Reported involvement in client‑serving transactions concerning Inspecs shares. |
These filings are required under Rule 8.5 of the Takeover Code to inform the market of significant transactions by traders who are not the offeror or offeree.
5. H2 Equity Partners Statement
On 16 December 2025, H2 Equity Partners released a statement regarding Inspecs Group PLC. The statement was published on the research‑tree.com platform and outlines the firm’s position on the ongoing takeover process. While the full content of the statement is not included here, the announcement signals H2 Equity Partners’ engagement with the transaction and may influence investor perception.
6. Market Implications
- Share Price Movement: Following the announcement of Bidco’s offer and the acceptance by Inspecs, the share price has moved within the 52‑week range, reflecting investor confidence in the transaction.
- Competitive Landscape: Safilo’s decision not to bid removes a potential rival, potentially smoothing the acquisition process.
- Regulatory Oversight: The public dealing disclosures and H2 Equity Partners statement demonstrate compliance with takeover regulations and provide transparency for shareholders.
7. Summary
Inspecs Group PLC is undergoing a structured takeover by Bidco 1125 Limited at 84 pence per share. Safilo has declined to make a competing offer, and key market participants—Shore Capital Stockbrokers and Investec Bank—have disclosed their trading activities. H2 Equity Partners has issued a statement on the transaction, underscoring its significance to the market. The acquisition is expected to complete within the statutory period, after which Inspecs shares will be fully integrated into Bidco’s corporate structure.
