Spectris PLC Rejects KKR Bid, Backs Advent’s $5 Billion Offer

In a significant development in the UK’s industrial technology sector, Spectris PLC has rejected a second takeover proposal from global private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR). Instead, the company has opted to support a competing $5 billion offer from Advent International. This decision marks one of the largest UK public-to-private deals to date.

Spectris, a prominent player in the information technology sector, specializes in manufacturing, designing, and marketing products for the electronic control and process instrumentation industries. The company’s product range includes digital indicating and control products, industrial computer circuit boards, semiconductor-related devices, infrared equipment for temperature measurement, flying controls, gas analysis products, and analytical x-ray systems.

The decision to back Advent’s offer comes after Spectris confirmed its interest in KKR’s proposal, which had initially sparked a series of negotiations. Despite this, the company’s board ultimately decided that Advent’s offer was more favorable. This move has been well-received by the market, with Spectris shares jumping following the announcement.

As of June 12, 2025, Spectris’s close price was 3,158 GBP, with a 52-week high of 3,546 GBP and a low of 1,877 GBP. The company’s market capitalization stands at 3,190 million GBP, and it trades on the London Stock Exchange.

In related financial news, European shares have shown resilience amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, with markets rebounding after a five-day losing streak. The FTSE 100, in particular, extended its gains, reflecting investor confidence despite the conflict between Iran and Israel entering its fourth day.

Spectris’s decision to proceed with Advent’s offer underscores the competitive landscape of private equity in the UK and highlights the strategic importance of Spectris’s offerings in the electronic equipment, instruments, and components industry. For more information on Spectris and its products, interested parties can visit their website at www.spectris.com .