**Independent Experts Deem CTC Offer for Ermes Fair and Reasonable**
An independent evaluation report has confirmed that the €0.014 per share offer made by the Cyprus Trading Corporation (CTC) for the acquisition of Ermes Department Stores is fair and reasonable, given the current circumstances surrounding the company. This assessment, prepared by Grant Thornton, was published on June 12, 2026, and provides insights into the mandatory takeover bid for the remaining shares of Ermes.
The CTC, which currently holds a significant 77.215 percent stake in Ermes, is seeking to gain full control of the company and subsequently delist it from the Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE). The offer price, while lower than the net asset value and the average closing price of Ermes shares over the past year, is considered appropriate by experts due to the company's ongoing strategic withdrawal from the retail fashion sector.
According to the report, the proposed consideration is deemed fair and reasonable as of the date of the public offer. The evaluation highlighted that Ermes has been engaged in divesting key assets, including the sale of its Superhome Center (DIY) Limited subsidiary and the closure of its Zako stores. These actions are part of a broader strategy aimed at rationalizing the company's liabilities.
The report also noted that Ermes has faced significant challenges, including extremely low liquidity on the CSE, with trading occurring in only 37.14 percent of sessions over the 12 months leading up to the offer announcement. Due to these factors, including accumulated losses and a lack of prospects for long-term operational continuity, traditional valuation methods such as discounted cash flow were deemed inapplicable for this evaluation.
Additionally, the report referenced a recent off-market transaction in which CTC acquired 17.5 million shares at a price of €0.0073 per share. The current offer of €0.014 represents a substantial 91.78 percent premium over this acquisition price.
While the report acknowledges that no single valuation metric used in the bid is without limitations, it asserts that the combined approach taken by CTC is suitable given the current state of Ermes. The acceptance period for the public offer began on May 25, 2026, and will conclude on July 13, 2026, with the final results expected to be announced on July 15, 2026.
Grant Thornton emphasized that their assessment should not be considered investment advice, urging shareholders to seek their own professional counsel before making decisions regarding the bid. Furthermore, the report indicated that CTC intends to reassess the composition of Ermes' board of directors and explore potential mergers with the Cyprus Trading Corporation once Ermes becomes unlisted.
The developments surrounding this acquisition bid reflect significant shifts in the retail landscape in Cyprus, as companies like Ermes adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences. The outcome of this takeover bid will be closely monitored by investors and market analysts alike, as it could have far-reaching implications for the future of Ermes and the broader retail sector in Cyprus.