Delisting of METRO Shares from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange
The METRO AG has announced that its shares will be delisted from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange as of April 16, 2025. This decision has significant implications for the availability and trading of the shares, which is of great importance to investors.
Background and Reasons
- Offer by EP Global Commerce GmbH: The Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, a major shareholder of METRO AG, has launched a public delisting acquisition offer through his holding EP Global Commerce GmbH (EPGC). This offer aims to take METRO AG off the stock exchange.
- Approval by BaFin: The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has approved the delisting offer, paving the way for METRO AG’s withdrawal from the exchange.
- Offer Price: The offer price for the remaining shares is set at €5.33 per share. This price provides a premium over the share price before the announcement of the delisting but is deemed inadequate for the long-term value potential of METRO AG.
Impact on Investors and the Company
- Availability of Shares: After the delisting, shares of METRO AG will no longer be traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. However, they will remain tradable on other markets such as the over-the-counter market in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Stuttgart, and the Tradegate Exchange.
- Relief from Exchange Obligations: METRO AG will be relieved from the financial and organizational burdens as well as the additional legal obligations associated with being publicly listed. This allows management to focus more on implementing the company’s strategy.
- Strategic Flexibility: Without the need to consider the stock price, management can respond more flexibly to market changes and continue pursuing METRO AG’s sCore strategy.
Support from the Board and Supervisory Board
The Board of Directors and the Supervisory Board of METRO AG support the delisting offer, as they see it as being in the interest of the company. They welcome the investments and commitment from EPGC, which aims to strengthen METRO’s position in the market.
Conclusion
The delisting of METRO shares from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange marks a significant step in the company’s history. It presents both opportunities and challenges for investors and the company itself. While investors will need to reassess their investments, METRO AG can implement its strategy more flexibly and focus on long-term goals.