Irish Continental Group, plc (ICGC), the Irish ferry and container shipping operator, has announced that the High Court of Ireland has sanctioned the scheme of arrangement to implement the unanimously recommended cash acquisition by Bluefin Bidco Limited. The Scheme is expected to become effective on 20 November 2026, which will also mark the final day of trading for ICG Units on both Euronext Dublin and the London Stock Exchange. Shareholders can expect consideration to be distributed no later than 4 December 2026, bringing the acquisition process into its closing phase.

Key Points

  • Irish Continental Group, plc (ICGC) is the subject of a recommended cash acquisition by Bluefin Bidco Limited
  • The High Court of Ireland has sanctioned the Scheme of Arrangement under Chapter 1 of Part 9 of the Companies Act 2014
  • The Scheme is expected to become effective on 20 November 2026, with delisting from Euronext Dublin and the London Stock Exchange by 7.00 a.m. and 8.00 a.m. respectively on 23 November 2026
  • Investors should watch for the Court Order delivery to the Registrar of Companies and the distribution of consideration by no later than 4 December 2026

High Court of Ireland Formally Sanctions Bluefin Bidco Acquisition of ICG

The Independent Directors of Irish Continental Group confirmed on 10 November 2026 that the High Court of Ireland has formally sanctioned the Scheme of Arrangement underpinning the cash acquisition by Bluefin Bidco Limited. The Acquisition covers the entire issued and to be issued share capital of ICG, excluding certain Excluded Shares as defined within the Scheme Document dated 5 August 2026. The Scheme was described as unanimously recommended by the Independent Directors, and PJT Partners (UK) Limited has acted as financial adviser and Rule 3 Adviser to ICG throughout the process, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

ICG Units to Be Delisted from Euronext Dublin and London Stock Exchange on 23 November 2026

Following court sanction, the Scheme and Acquisition will become effective upon delivery of the Court Order to the Registrar of Companies, which is expected on 20 November 2026. That date is anticipated to be the last day of trading for ICG Units on both Euronext Dublin and the London Stock Exchange. Cancellation of the admission to trading and official listings on both exchanges is expected to occur by the early hours of 23 November 2026, the first business day following the Effective Date, marking a significant milestone in the wind-down of ICG's public market presence.

Scheme Shareholders to Receive Cash Consideration No Later Than 4 December 2026

In accordance with the Irish Takeover Rules, all consideration payable by Bluefin Bidco Limited to Scheme Shareholders is expected to be distributed no later than 4 December 2026. The announcement does not disclose the per-share cash consideration figure; investors are directed to the Scheme Document dated 5 August 2026 for full terms and conditions. Under Rule 8.3(b) of the Irish Takeover Rules, any party holding an interest of 1% or more in ICG's relevant securities is required to disclose all dealings no later than 3.30 p.m. on the following business day until the offer period concludes.

Irish Continental Group's Ferry and Freight Operations as Acquisition Closes

Irish Continental Group operates ferry passenger and roll-on/roll-off freight services, primarily between Ireland and the United Kingdom and Continental Europe, making it a strategically significant transport and logistics business in the Irish Sea market. The acquisition by Bluefin Bidco Limited represents the conclusion of a formal public takeover process governed by Irish company law and the Irish Takeover Rules. Investors and market participants are advised that any decisions regarding the Acquisition should be made solely on the basis of the information contained within the Scheme Document issued on 5 August 2026.