Rare stamp dealer Stanley Gibbons has seen its shares soar after a shock takeover bid from a private equity firm.
Shares in stamp dealer Stanley Gibbons soared 18 percent last week after a surprise approach from Disruptive Capital, for the 161-year-old firm.
The rare stamp and coins dealer has a loyal following across Asia via its offices in Singapore and Hong Kong.
Swiss Private Bank Link
Stanley Gibbons said there was no certainty an offer would be made, but the move raises the prospect of the collector being taken private.
Known as the home of stamp collecting, it also deals in coins, antiques and fine wine. Shareholders include Swiss bank Lombard Odier and chief executive Harry Wilson.
Business Lost Direction
Its last available set of accounts, for the 12 months to March 31, 2016, recorded a pre-tax loss of £28.9m. Disruptive Capital has until 5pm on July 7 to make an offer or withdraw.
Wilson said last year the business had gone «badly adrift» under previous directors, almost all of whom have left the firm.
