## EQT Prepares Third Takeover Push for Intertek After Two Rejected Bids
EQT AB is preparing to return with an improved offer for Intertek Group Plc, according to people familiar with the matter, after seeing two previous bids rejected by the British product-testing and inspection company. The Swedish private equity firm has continued its pursuit despite the earlier setbacks, signaling persistent interest in acquiring one of the UK's leading testing services providers. The development raises pressure on Intertek's board to either engage more substantively in negotiations or prepare a compelling case for shareholders to reject any future approach.

Intertek, which provides quality and safety services across industries including retail, manufacturing, and healthcare, has previously rebuffed approaches from EQT, though neither the exact terms of those offers nor the specific valuation have been disclosed publicly. The company's continued rejection places its management in a delicate position, particularly if EQT's revised proposal includes a meaningful premium to its current market valuation. For EQT, the willingness to increase its bid demonstrates confidence in Intertek's asset base and long-term earnings potential, as the firm seeks to expand its portfolio of infrastructure and services-related investments.

The potential deal, if consummated, would represent one of the larger takeovers of a UK-listed company by a foreign private equity firm in recent memory. Intertek's global footprint in testing, inspection, and certification services makes it a strategic asset in a sector that has seen steady demand driven by regulatory requirements and supply chain integrity concerns. Market observers will be watching whether EQT can secure board-level engagement or if Intertek will maintain its defensive stance, with shareholder sentiment likely to play a decisive role in any eventual outcome.
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- **Source**: Bloomberg Markets
- **Sector**: The Vault
- **Tags**: EQT, Intertek, takeover, private equity, M&A
- **Credibility**: unverified
- **Published**: 2026-04-29 17:24:09
- **ID**: 78299
- **URL**: https://whisperx.ai/en/intel/78299