American Invest Hub
  • Politics
  • Investing
  • Business
  • Latest News

American Invest Hub

  • Politics
  • Investing
  • Business
  • Latest News
Business

SSP Group shares jump as hedge fund Irenic reportedly explores take-private deal

by admin September 25, 2025
September 25, 2025
SSP Group shares jump as hedge fund Irenic reportedly explores take-private deal

Shares of SSP Group rose sharply on Thursday after a Financial Times report that activist hedge fund Irenic Capital Management is exploring a potential take-private deal for the UK-listed food and beverage operator.

The Upper Crust owner’s stock jumped as much as 9.9% in early London trading, making it the second-highest gainer on the FTSE 250 index.

By mid-morning, the shares pared some of the gains but remained 6.5% higher.

Hedge fund builds case for private equity interest

The Financial Times reported that New York-based Irenic Capital has been encouraging private equity groups to consider takeover bids for SSP.

According to the newspaper, Irenic has prepared a pitch deck highlighting the company’s appeal, including its predictable revenues, expansion opportunities in US airports, and the potential to raise capital through the sale of non-core assets.

Those assets include SSP’s stake in a listed Indian joint venture, which Irenic has suggested could help finance a leveraged buyout.

The hedge fund has reportedly shared its materials with investment bankers and private capital firms in recent weeks.

Irenic, founded in 2021 by Adam Katz, formerly of Elliott Investment Management, and Andy Dodge, a former partner at Indaba Capital Management, has built a reputation for strategic activism.

Rather than outright confrontation, the firm typically pushes for portfolio reshaping through spin-offs and targeted divestitures.

Company response and strategic priorities

An SSP spokesperson told Reuters that the company welcomes investor feedback but remains focused on delivering its existing strategy.

“We welcome the feedback and views of all our investors. We are entirely focused on delivering progress against our clear strategic priorities in order to deliver sustainable growth and returns for all of SSP’s stakeholders,” an SSP spokesperson told the news agency.

The London-headquartered company specialises in operating cafes, bars, and restaurants in travel locations, including airports, train stations, and service areas.

It runs a mix of proprietary and franchised brands across more than 35 countries.

Mixed trading performance across regions

Earlier this summer, SSP reported mixed results across its regions.

Group sales rose in the fiscal third quarter, though performance in North America weakened due to lower passenger numbers linked to geopolitical events affecting air travel in late spring and early summer.

Like-for-like sales in the region declined 2% year-on-year, though on a constant currency basis, sales rose 5%, supported by net gains.

UK sales were stronger, rising 7% on the back of robust like-for-like trading and seasonal boosts such as the Easter holiday.

In continental Europe, sales were flat, reflecting weaker consumer spending and challenges in the rail sector.

SSP also booked the impact of exiting its German management services business and the removal of reported sales from its joint venture in India.

The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance, forecasting revenue of between £3.7 billion and £3.8 billion, compared with £3.43 billion last year.

Management also pointed to momentum at the start of the fourth quarter and ongoing cost efficiency measures.

Broader context for UK-listed firms

The latest move by Irenic comes at a time when UK-listed mid-cap companies are drawing increased interest from activist investors and buyout funds.

Depressed valuations in London relative to other markets have prompted speculation of further take-private deals, particularly in consumer-facing sectors.

The post SSP Group shares jump as hedge fund Irenic reportedly explores take-private deal appeared first on Invezz

0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
previous post
H&M shares surge on profit beat but analysts flag margin risks and tariff headwinds
next post
Here’s why the BT Group share price is crashing and what next

Related Posts

What’s going on with Angel One stock?

October 15, 2024

Rheinmetall share price has jumped: here’s why it...

June 11, 2025

AMD stock price forecast after crashing to a...

March 25, 2025

Stellar Lumens price surges on United Nations and...

November 23, 2024

US markets slide as Trump’s tariffs rattle investors;...

February 1, 2025

Lloyds share price forecast: here’s why LLOY may...

June 9, 2025

Stellantis stock is down 51% from YTD high:...

October 10, 2024

Google to invest $9 billion in Virginia data...

August 28, 2025

US, China, Germany drive Bitcoin reserves down to...

April 28, 2025

Here’s why the Nio stock price HK could...

December 3, 2024

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Latest News

    • Bulgaria plans for continuous oil supply for Lukoil-owned refinery after US sanctions

      October 26, 2025
    • Apple Q4 earnings preview: here’s what to expect

      October 26, 2025
    • France’s offshore wind ambitions stalled by political turmoil

      October 26, 2025
    • Europe bulletin: Zelensky calls for more weapons, Russia warns against EU sanctions

      October 26, 2025
    • US digest: Jeffries endorses Mamdani, Ford’s stock surge, US sanctions Colombian president

      October 26, 2025

    Categories

    • Business (4,373)
    • Investing (3,014)
    • Latest News (2,103)
    • Politics (1,541)
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: americaninvesthub.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2025 americaninvesthub.com | All Rights Reserved