(Sharecast News) - Intertek shares surged on Thursday after EQT confirmed it had made a takeover proposal to the inspection, product testing and certification company that was rejected.

In a brief statement responding to recent press speculation, the Swedish private equity firm said: "EQT confirms that, on 10 April 2026, it submitted an indicative proposal to Intertek regarding a possible cash offer to acquire the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Intertek.

"The possible offer was rejected by Intertek on 13 April 2026 and EQT is considering its options."

The PE firm said there can be no certainty that an offer will be made nor as to the terms on which any offer might be made.

Under UK takeover rules, it has until 1700 BST on 14 May to either announce a firm intention to make an offer or walk away.

At 1255 BST, Intertek shares were up 10.5% at 4,823p.

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