US firm set to capture Hillsdown

THE US venture capital firm Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst is close to winning control of the UK food group Hillsdown.

Hicks increased its shareholding in its target to nearly 30% and committing itself to raising its offer to £537 million.

The US group is expected to unveil details of an increased offer for Hillsdown, which values the groups at 147p a share.

The offer trumps the 145p a share bid from the UK venture capitalist Candover.

• US investors to raise Hillsdown bid, FWi, yesterday (01 June, 1999)
• Bid battle breaks out for Hillsdown, FWi, 28 May, 1999
• Offer document posted for Hillsdown, FWi, 25 May, 1999
• Hillsdown shares soar on news of bid, FWi, 18 May, 1999
• Bids split Hillsdown board, FWi, 17 May, 1999
• US firm bids £450m for Hillsdown, FWi, 14 May, 1999
• The Times 02/06/02/99 page 24
• The Independent 02/06/02/99 page 17
• Financial Times 02/06/06/99 page 21
• The Guardian 02/06/99 page 21
• The Daily Telegraph 02/06/99 page 31