Finance
Dubai's Sidara lowers bid for Wood Group following UK regulator probe
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on August 26, 2025
1 min readLast updated: January 22, 2026
Quick Summary
Sidara cuts its bid for Wood Group by 14% due to an FCA probe. The acquisition is valued at 207.6 million pounds, with Sidara committed to proceeding.
Sidara Reduces Wood Group Acquisition Bid Amid FCA Investigation
-Dubai-based Sidara cut its takeover proposal for Wood Group by about 14% to 30 pence per share, the oilfield services provider said on Tuesday, after Britain's financial regulator launched a probe into its operations.
Wood Group said it will recommend the reduced bid, which values the firm at 207.6 million pounds ($280.45 million) per Reuters calculations - to its shareholders if a firm offer is tabled.
Sidara previously offered 35 pence a share for the British company.
In June, Wood Group disclosed that Britain's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is investigating its operations after it opened an independent accounting review tied to some contracts and charges last year.
It had earlier delayed the publication of its annual results due to a pending audit, leading to a temporary suspension of its shares.
Sidara said on Tuesday that it is committed to making an offer for the British firm once the remaining pre-conditions linked to Wood Group's debt are satisfied.
($1 = 0.7402 pounds)
(Reporting by Yamini Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonia Cheema)
Key Takeaways
- •Sidara reduces its takeover bid for Wood Group by 14%.
- •The FCA is investigating Wood Group's operations.
- •Wood Group's valuation is now at 207.6 million pounds.
- •Sidara remains committed to the acquisition.
- •Wood Group faced a temporary suspension of shares.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dubai's Sidara lowers bid for Wood Group following UK regulator probe
1What percentage did Sidara cut its bid for Wood Group?
Sidara cut its takeover proposal for Wood Group by about 14% to 30 pence per share.
2What is the new valuation of Wood Group based on Sidara's bid?
The reduced bid values Wood Group at 207.6 million pounds ($280.45 million) according to Reuters calculations.
3Why did Wood Group delay the publication of its annual results?
Wood Group delayed the publication of its annual results due to a pending audit, which led to a temporary suspension of its shares.
4What conditions must be met for Sidara to make a firm offer?
Sidara stated that it is committed to making an offer for Wood Group once the remaining pre-conditions linked to Wood Group's debt are satisfied.
5What triggered the FCA's investigation into Wood Group?
The FCA is investigating Wood Group's operations after it opened an independent accounting review tied to some contracts and charges.