What: Shares of leading global aircraft leasing company Avolon Holdings Limited (NYSE: AVOL) are soaring nearly 18% higher during the last trading day in July.
So what: After going public on the New York Stock Exchange in December 2014 at $20, the stock jumped today after confirmation that Avolon was considering a complete buyout offer from China's Bohai Leasing Company. Originally, Bohai and Avolon agreed to a cash tender offer for 20% of issued and outstanding common shares of Avolon for a price of $26 per share. However, after an unnamed company offered $30 per share for 100% of Avolon's outstanding shares, Bohai upped the bid and offered to purchase Avolon for $2.55 billion, or $31 per share -- a 55% premium over its IPO price and slightly above the unnamed bidder.
"Avolon's Board of Directors has not accepted or rejected either offer and continues to carefully evaluate these offers with its financial and legal advisors and has authorized its financial advisors to continue negotiations with both offerors regarding their respective offers." Avolon said in a press release.
Now what: The potential buyout at such a high premium has investors jumping into the stock and pushing it close to the $30 mark, which is just under the price of the second offer from an unidentified company. If the deal isn't completed, look for Avolon to give back today's gains, but investors clearly believe that one of the 100% buyout offers being completed is a strong possibility. Investors should also note that Avolon will issue 2015 second-quarter results next Wednesday, Aug. 5.
