Shares of Magnum Ice Cream Company N.V. jumped about 18% [1] Friday after reports that private-equity firms Blackstone and C.D. & R. are exploring a takeover.
The potential acquisition signals a rapid shift in ownership for the ice cream maker, which has been an independent entity for only six months [2] following its spin-off from Unilever.
Investors drove up the price of the company's shares, listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker MICC, after news broke that the firms were in early-stage talks. The reports originated from London and indicated that both Blackstone and C.D. & R. are weighing bids to acquire the company.
"We are seeing early interest from several private-equity firms," a source familiar with the matter said [3].
While some market data sources showed conflicting movements, reports from Reuters and CNBC indicated the stock rose significantly following the news. The interest comes as the company establishes its own operational footing away from its former parent company.
Neither Blackstone nor C.D. & R. have officially confirmed the talks. The companies have not provided public statements regarding the specifics of any potential bid, or the valuation they are considering for the business.
“Shares of Magnum Ice Cream Company N.V. jumped about 18% Friday”
A takeover by private-equity giants like Blackstone and C.D. & R. would move Magnum Ice Cream from a recently public status back into private ownership. This suggests that these firms see significant untapped value or efficiency gains possible in the brand's standalone structure, potentially accelerating a strategic pivot that was started during the Unilever spin-off.
