The UK takeover timetable for Epiris’ acquisition of Gamma Communications has been extended again, giving the private equity firm until 5 August to decide whether to submit a formal acquisition offer for the telecommunications provider, according to a report by Reuters.
Gamma confirmed that the UK’s takeover regulator has granted the latest extension as discussions continue with Epiris and other potential interested parties.
The announcement was welcomed by investors, with Gamma’s shares rising around 7.5% following the news.
The latest extension follows an earlier postponement that moved the original 12 June deadline to 8 July. Epiris has continued to evaluate a potential bid after former consortium partner Providence Equity Partners withdrew from the process in June, leaving Epiris to pursue the opportunity independently.
Gamma has become one of a number of UK-listed companies attracting private equity interest as lower public market valuations continue to create acquisition opportunities. However, not all prospective bidders have remained in the process. Oakley Capital ended its interest in the company last month.
The communications services provider completed a restructuring programme in 2025 that is expected to deliver annual operating cost savings of approximately £7 million from 2026 onwards. Despite those efforts, Gamma’s shares had declined by almost 26% over the previous 12 months before the latest takeover developments.
Gamma’s operations are centred on the UK and Germany, with additional businesses in Spain and the Benelux region.
Epiris now has until 5 August to either announce a firm intention to make an offer for Gamma Communications or confirm that it does not intend to proceed, unless the deadline is extended again under UK takeover rules.
