Chevron (NYSE: CVX) made a major announcement last Monday, revealing its plan to acquire all outstanding shares of PDC Energy (NASDAQ: PDCE). This all-stock transaction comes with a hefty price tag of $6.3 billion, equivalent to $72 per share.
Under the terms of the agreement, PDC shareholders will receive 0.4638 shares of Chevron for each PDC share they own. This exchange ratio is based on Chevron’s closing price on May 19, 2023. Including debt, the total enterprise value of the transaction amounts to $7.6 billion.
Following this news, Chevron received two upgrades. HSBC upgraded the company to Buy from Hold, albeit lowering its price target to $189.00 from $193.00. CFRA also upgraded Chevron to Buy from Hold, setting a price target of $172.00.
On the other hand, Mizuho Securities downgraded PDC Energy to Neutral from Buy and decreased its price target to the merger purchase price of $72.00 from $93.00.
As a result, PDC Energy shares experienced an approximate 8% increase for the week.
RenaissanceRe Acquires AIG’s Treaty Reinsurance Business for Nearly $3 Billion
RenaissanceRe (NYSE: RNR) recently announced its agreement to acquire AIG’s (NYSE: AIG) treaty reinsurance business, encompassing Validus Reinsurance Ltd, its consolidated subsidiaries, AlphaCat Managers Ltd, and its managed funds. The deal also includes all renewal rights to the Assumed Reinsurance Treaty Unit of Talbot.
At closing, AIG will provide RenaissanceRe with $2.1 billion in unlevered shareholder’s equity, with any remaining amount being retained by AIG. The total consideration for the transaction amounts to approximately $2.985 billion, consisting of $2.735 billion in cash and $250 million in RenaissanceRe common shares. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Upon finalization, AIG will retain 95% of the development on net reserves and plans to make significant investments in RenaissanceRe’s Capital Partners business.
Following this announcement, Jefferies upgraded RenaissanceRe Holdings to Buy from Neutral, increasing its price target from $234.00 to $238.00.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Surges 5% Amid Choice Hotels’ Takeover Report
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) experienced a surge of more than 5% on Tuesday, driven by a report from the Wall Street Journal suggesting that Choice Hotels (NYSE: CHH) is interested in acquiring Wyndham. If this deal comes to fruition, it would create one of the largest budget hotel chains in the United States.
Currently, there are no ongoing discussions between the companies, and it remains uncertain whether Wyndham has a genuine interest in pursuing a deal. However, in the event that Wyndham shows no interest, Choice Hotels might directly approach Wyndham shareholders.
As a result of this speculation, Choice Hotels shares closed the week with a 3% loss.
Greenhill Soars 116% Following Mizuho Acquisition Announcement
Greenhill (NYSE: GHL) witnessed an extraordinary surge of over 116% last Monday after Mizuho Financial (NYSE: MFG) disclosed its plans to acquire the company through an all-cash transaction at $15 per share.
This acquisition deal, valued at approximately $550 million, including assumed debt, serves as a means for Mizuho to accelerate its growth strategy in investment banking.
