KKR's planned acquisition of Spectris clears US waiting period

(Alliance News) - Spectris PLC on Monday said it has cleared the US waiting period for takeover by New York-based private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.

The London-based firm supplies the industrial sector with precision instruments, test equipment and software. Back in August, Spectris shareholders approved an offer from a KKR-led vehicle which valued all Spectris equity at GBP4.2 billion.

The offer is for 4,175 pence per share, which reflects a GBP4.8 billion enterprise value. Per share, Spectris will receive 4,175p in cash, plus a 28p interim dividend.

As of Monday, the waiting period for the deal has expired under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. Foreign direct investment authorities in Denmark and Germany have also cleared the deal, Spectris said.

This follows the firm's announcement last Monday of passing regulatory condition in China and Italy.

The takeover remains under review by competition watchdogs in other jurisdictions, where Spectris has reported progress "in line with expectations". The deal is expected to take effect in or before the first quarter of 2026, Spectris added.

The company's shares traded marginally higher at 4,090.00 on Monday morning in London, and have gained 45% in the last 12 months.

By Holly Munks, Alliance News reporter

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