NEW YORK, Nov 25, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Computer and printer maker HP on Sunday
reiterated its rejection of Xerox’s $33 billion takeover bid, saying the sum
“significantly undervalues” the company.
A tie-up would unite two firms with storied histories: Xerox was founded
in 1906 and became a household name with its copy machine.
HP, which traces its history back to 1939, began making audio equipment
but ended up as one of the early leaders of the Silicon Valley tech industry.
“We reiterate that we reject Xerox’s proposal as it significantly
undervalues HP,” the HP board of directors said in a letter.
“There continues to be uncertainty regarding Xerox’s ability to raise the
cash portion of the proposed consideration.”
Xerox last week said it was “very surprised” by HP’s first rejection of
the cash-and-stock offer, which sets a value of $22 per share for the
computing firm.
The offer represents a 29 percent premium to HP’s recent average trading
price, Xerox chairman and chief executive John Visentin said.
Activist investor Carl Icahn recently told The Wall Street Journal that
the tie-up was a “no-brainer” that would increase returns for shareholders of
both companies.
In the absence of a deal, Xerox said it would “take its compelling case to
create superior value for our respective shareholders directly to your
shareholders.”