Monday, October 13, 2008

United Technologies Withdraws Bid for Diebold

United Technologies said on Monday that it has withdrawn its $2.6 billion offer for Diebold, the maker of automated teller machines and electronic voting machines.
It is the second offer withdrawn on Monday, after Waste Management withdrew a hostile offer for fellow garbage collector Republic Services. Waste Management cited the turbulent markets as its reason for pulling its tender offer.
In a short letter sent to Diebold, United Technologies’ chairman, George David, cited Diebold’s continued refusal to hold talks or release financial information to its unwanted suitor. United Technologies had offered $40 a share, after having pursued Diebold for two years.
“We had hoped we could negotiate a transaction that would have created substantial value for both your and our shareholders,” Mr. David wrote in the letter. “It’s unfortunate this won’t happen.”
In Diebold, United Technologies sought to expand its electronic security business with one of the field’s largest players. Last year, United Technologies bought Initial Electronic Security Systems for about $1.2 billion.

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