Reports of an impending takeover of Washington Mutual Inc. are flying.
Citigroup Inc., HSBC Holdings plc, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and Wells
Fargo & Co. are all mentioned as potential bidders by
Reuters.
Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Morgan Stanley (no small irony here) are
reportedly advising WaMu on its options.
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One verified piece of evidence suggests, however, that a traditional takeover may not be in the cards: TPG Capital's waiver late Wednesday of an
anti-dilution protection built in when TPG led a $7 billion capital infusion in April. The waiver suggests that there a possibility of new capital being supplied by a new source. Otherwise, there would be no reason for TPG to give up its protection. By contrast, in a conventional takeover, the buyer would simply acquire the existing equity, and there would be no dilution. -
John E. Morris
Comments
Hi! I totally agree with the post. Another point to ponder over is WAMU has near about 2,200 branches and great deposit base. In a normal market or even 3 month back, we would not have been surprised if someone made an offer of $12 to $15 for the bank. The bank was trading in that range.
Also, we need to understand, that TGP, has too much in it. Another option I will suggest TGP buying them all and take it private. I think TGP has a history of turning around and they are very smart.
Selling them low, does not make sense. I hope government lax the rules and makes it possible for private equity firm to buy it. We should not forget, not everyone on the stock market is a speculator. We all have our money in it, either in stock or in mutual funds, or in real estate. A fallout is not in the best interest of shareholders.
Shareholders are backbone of our financial system and we cannot let the market confidence go down.
let's hope TGP is listening and buy WAMU out. i think it is much better than selling our corporations to China or middle east funds.
I think it should be a wake up call. Let's save WAMU.
Robin Trehan
Partner,
CREDIT CAPITAL FUNDING