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What are top-ups?

In business, a top-up is a stock option that enables shareholders to increase their stock ownership. A top-up option is typically granted to facilitate a merger or acquisition.

Key takeaways

In business, a top-up is a stock option that enables shareholders to increase their ownership and is typically granted to facilitate mergers and acquisitions.
Once popular in two-step mergers but less common today, top-ups enable buyers to acquire unissued target company shares at the tender offer price.
The procurement of additional shares through top-ups allows buyers to obtain 90% of target stock, enabling faster merger completion and quicker shareholder returns.
Target companies facing hostile takeover bids can strategically use top-up options as a delaying tactic while building their defense strategy against the acquisition.

Where have you heard about top-ups?

In general terms, a top-up refers to adding more money to something, such as topping up your mobile phone credit, or topping up your pension contributions. If you have a stocks and shares ISA, you can also top that up with your annual allowance.

What you need to know about top-ups.

At one time, top-ups were a popular feature of two-step mergers, but they’re not so common anymore. They usually enable a buyer to acquire unissued shares in the target company for the same purchase price as the tender offer. The procurement of these additional shares allows the buyer to obtain 90% of the target’s stock so the merger can be completed quicker.

Top-ups are designed to get faster returns for shareholders. In the event of a hostile takeover bid, a target company can use top-ups as a delaying tactic while it builds its defence strategy.