Private equity firm EQT has lodged a final bid to acquire FTSE 100 testing giant Intertek for £10.6bn. The proposal, presented as the definitive offer, comes after months of shareholder pressure for the board to consider a sale. Intertek’s board must now evaluate whether the price reflects the company's growth prospects and recent acquisitions. The board has set a June 30 deadline for response.

Shareholders, led by activist investors, argue that the bid unlocks value hidden in Intertek’s fragmented portfolio of inspection, verification and certification services. The company’s market capitalisation hovers around £7bn, meaning the offer represents roughly a 1.5‑times premium. If accepted, EQT would likely pursue a leveraged buyout, refinancing debt to fund future expansion and possible divestitures. It also promises to keep senior management in place.

The bid arrives as the testing sector grapples with tighter regulatory scrutiny and slowing demand in aerospace and construction. Analysts note that a successful takeover could streamline Intertek’s operations, but also raise concerns about debt load and integration risk. Ultimately, the board’s decision will hinge on whether shareholders view the premium as sufficient compensation for the strategic uncertainties. Investors will watch the vote closely.