There is some bad blood between Chew and Lee. Chew is in the leading position in this game. Unfortunately, UE has been made use to lead the charge for the offensive and could end up paying a price for the offensive.
IMO, there is limited synergies between UE and WBL's pile of odd business combinations. WBL has for years been witnessing roller coaster earnings. Moreover, there has been numerous management changes.
Frankly, its the tough and odd combination of business units (all highly cyclical and beyond management's control) that is the main cause of the cyclicalities.
WBL's automotive business, unlike J C&C lacks a free and mass mkt like Indonesia. Its a high turnover low margin business that basically works for the Singapore govt.
Its electronic business is also cyclical due to the inherent nature of the global electronic industries.
Its property business is also cyclical even though it has made a lot of money in China historically. With Chinese government focus on controlling asset bubble, the days of making supernormal profits can be easily behind. While it has landbank in Malaysia, I do not think it is that substantial that warrants a takeover of this scale.
I think Chew is unlikely to relent in this game. $, she has a lot and so far her track record at Straits Trading is for everyone to see.
$4.50 is probably to prove a point in each camp's strength. UE (OCBC backed) camp basically needs to show the world that they are a lot stronger in this bid war and they probably knew the outcome that their bid will not lead to anywhere.
See if my guess will be correct in due time.
Vested
Odd Lots
UE, WBL
(09-05-2013, 08:13 PM)LionFlyer Wrote: Best and Final Offer of $4.50, 29 May 2013
Increased from $4.15 to $4.50.
Not vested in WBL but in UE.