Intertek Group stock (GB0031638363): EQT takeover bid endorsed at £60 per share

Intertek Group backed EQT's £60-per-share takeover proposal on May 13, 2026, after shareholder pressure, marking a shift from three prior rejections and triggering a 6.43% stock surge.

Intertek Group plc, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification services, endorsed EQT Fund Management Sarl's takeover bid valued at £60 per share in cash on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, according to Ad-hoc-news as of May 13, 2026. The proposal values the company at £9.40 billion including dividend and represents a significant shift after the board rejected three prior offers from the Swedish private equity firm.

The stock traded at 5,300.00 pence on May 12, 2026, on the London Stock Exchange, reflecting a 6.43% surge following the endorsement announcement, according to Ad-hoc-news as of May 13, 2026. Shareholder advocacy from investors including PrimeStone Capital and Lost Coast reportedly influenced the board's decision to reconsider the offer.

As of: May 14, 2026

By the editorial team – specialized in equity coverage.

At a glance

• Name: Intertek Group plc
• Sector/industry: Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC)
• Headquarters/country: United Kingdom
• Core markets: Global; United States (30.2% of net sales), China and Hong Kong (17.8%), United Kingdom (6.7%), Australia (5.1%)
• Key revenue drivers: Consumer goods certification (28.1%), petroleum and agricultural product monitoring (24.9%), cargo inspection and technical services (22.3%)
• Home exchange/listing venue: London Stock Exchange (ITRK); OTC Markets (IKTSY)
• Trading currency: GBP

Intertek Group: core business model

Intertek Group plc operates as a global testing, inspection, and certification provider serving businesses across consumer goods, energy, chemicals, and healthcare sectors. The company maintains over 1,000 inspection offices and laboratories worldwide and employs approximately 45,000 people. Its two main divisions—Assurance and Testing—deliver quality assurance solutions and analytical services that help clients ensure product safety, regulatory compliance, and supply chain integrity.

Main revenue and product drivers for Intertek Group

Consumer goods certification represents the largest revenue segment at 28.1%, covering textiles, footwear, toys, household appliances, and electronics. Petroleum and agricultural product monitoring accounts for 24.9% of revenue, while cargo inspection and technical services to the oil and biofuels industries contribute 22.3%. The company's geographic diversification—with the United States representing 30.2% of net sales—positions it as a critical partner for US-based manufacturers and importers navigating global regulatory requirements.

Analyst perspective on the EQT bid

RBC Capital downgraded Intertek to Sector Perform from Outperform on May 13, 2026, setting a price target of GBP 58.50, according to Investing.com as of May 13, 2026. The downgrade reflects uncertainty around deal completion and valuation relative to the £60-per-share offer.

Conclusion

Intertek Group's endorsement of EQT's £60-per-share takeover bid marks a pivotal moment for the global testing and certification leader after months of negotiation and shareholder pressure. The transaction, if completed, would represent a significant exit for public shareholders at a valuation reflecting the company's essential role in global supply chain compliance. US investors with exposure to Intertek through OTC markets or international portfolios should monitor regulatory approvals and deal closure timelines, as the outcome will determine the stock's trajectory.

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute investment advice. Stocks are volatile financial instruments.