Vanguard filing keeps Unite's bid for rival Empiric alive

14 Jul 2025, 16:27UTG.LSource

A regulatory filing from major investor The Vanguard Group indicates that a potential takeover of Empiric Student Property by its larger rival Unite Group is still under consideration.

In a disclosure published Monday, Vanguard confirmed its dealings in Unite shares also relate to Empiric, a requirement under UK takeover rules for parties involved in an offer.

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The filing showed Vanguard purchased 4,305 shares in Unite on July 11, raising its total stake in the student accommodation provider to 4.53%.

The purchases were made at prices of 8.02 and 8.04 British Pounds per share.

Unite made a non-binding proposal for Empiric in early June, valuing the company at approximately 719 million British Pounds at the time.

While an initial deadline for Unite to make a firm offer passed on July 3, the continued disclosures suggest talks between the two companies have been extended.

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