Worldline Seeks Defense Strategy to Avoid Takeover Amid Slump, France

Worldline is taking proactive measures to bolster shareholder confidence and prevent a hostile takeover bid as its share price experiences a significant slump. The Paris-based payments group has engaged the services of Morgan Stanley and Rothschild & Co to develop a defense strategy, according to sources familiar with the matter. One potential option being explored is securing an anchor investor to provide support for the company’s stock. Worldline has already started reaching out to potential investors, including French financial institutions, pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds, with the aim of securing a minority stake. In the event that these actions fail to restore investor faith, the company may consider a friendly takeover by an acceptable bidder, although at present, such an outcome appears unlikely. While Worldline has declined to comment on the matter, it is evident that the company is actively seeking viable solutions to protect its interests and maintain stability in a highly competitive market.