SAI Global has failed to compulsorily acquire information services provider Espreon, managing to secure only a little more than two-thirds of the company in its recent takeover bid.

The takeover offer closed yesterday at 7pm, at which point SAI Global, an applied information services company specialising in risk management and compliance, had secured a 61.23 per cent relevant interest, well short of the required interest of more than 90 per cent for a compulsory acquisition. In addition, over 1 million shares (1.28 per cent) were the result of acceptances of the takeover offer made by SAI to Espreon shareholders.

Espreon today reported that SAI Global had secured 62.5 per cent relevant interest at the conclusion of the bid.

SAI chief executive Tony Scotton and chief financial officer Geoff Richardson have been nominated to join Espreon’s board, an intended move set out in the SAI Bidder’s Statement. Effective today, they have been appointed directors of the company following the Espreon board’s approval of the nominations.

Espreon’s board has experienced further changes with the resignation of three members, the retirement of two members and the appointment of a new company secretary.