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BBVA’s Bid for Sabadell Fails After 25% Acceptance as Regulator Voids Offer

The shortfall below 30% forces BBVA to pivot from the deal to returning cash to investors.

Overview

  • Spain’s CNMV confirmed the hostile offer had a negative result and is void after acceptances reached only 25.33% of capital and 25.47% of voting rights.
  • Because the outcome fell below the 30% threshold, BBVA cannot pursue a legally linked second takeover bid under this process.
  • BBVA said it will stop the acquisition attempt and redirect the reserved funds to shareholders via a €1 billion buyback starting October 31 and a €0.32 interim dividend on November 7, with an additional buyback planned pending ECB approval.
  • Sabadell remains independent following a 17‑month battle that featured defensive moves including approving the sale of TSB and a €2.5 billion special dividend.
  • Investors reacted favorably for BBVA, with its U.S.-traded ADRs rising about 7% after the bid’s failure became public.