Goodbody Stockbrokers’ planned €155 million takeover by Bank of China has fallen through, with the Beijing-based bank citing uncertainty caused by Covid-19 as it backed away. It marks the second collapse of a Chinese deal in less than 18 months. Goodbody managing director Roy Barrett told staff in a briefing last month that the finalisation of the Bank of China deal was taking a bit longer than expected. The breakdown of the Chinese transaction is likely to reignite speculation of other potential suitors. Davy, the largest securities firm in the State, and Irish Life were also on a shortlist of bidders circling Goodbody last year before Bank of China was selected.

Source: The Irish Times July 10, 2020 13:25 UTC