Swedish private equity giant EQT has submitted its final $12.8 billion takeover proposal for Intertek Group, a London-based testing and inspection firm. The offer includes 61.08 pounds per share in cash and dividends, surpassing EQT’s earlier rejected bids that the company’s board deemed undervaluing. Intertek’s directors previously criticized the 8.93 billion-pound ($11.7 billion) offer as insufficient, arguing it failed to reflect the firm’s long-term growth potential.

EQT insists its latest proposal delivers “certain and accelerated cash value”, positioning it as a superior alternative to Intertek’s standalone trajectory. The board’s rejection of prior bids has intensified pressure, with EQT signaling urgency to finalize terms. The standoff highlights tensions between private equity’s takeover ambitions and shareholder concerns over strategic direction. Market analysts are closely monitoring the outcome, as the deal could reshape Intertek’s role in global quality assurance services.

If approved, EQT’s bid would mark one of the largest leveraged buyouts in the sector this year, consolidating Intertek’s assets under a single ownership structure.