Image copyright Bernard Sharp/GeographHull-based telecoms company KCOM – famous for its cream-coloured phone boxes – looks set to be taken over by one of Britain’s biggest pension funds.
Universities Superannuation Scheme Ltd (USSL) has agreed to buy the struggling company in a deal valuing it at £504m.
News of the deal boosted KCOM’s share price by about a third to 97p.
More than 50,000 people in Hull bought shares in KCOM when it floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1999 with a share price of 225p.
The company provides voice and internet-based services to 140,000 consumers and businesses across the city of Hull – the only part of the UK where larger rival BT does not have a presence.
The takeover deal is being recommended for approval by KCOM’s shareholders.
It comes after the company issued a profit warning late last year that was followed by a string of management changes, including the replacement of its chief executive and finance chief.
In its half-year report last year, KCOM reported a fall in profits, while net debt soared 60% to £108.5m due to investment in infrastructure across its Hull and East Yorkshire network.
Content provided by the BBC. Original piece can be found here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-48050626
