Full Breakdown
Watches of Switzerland Explores Going Private as Shares Surge 55%
7/13/2026, 8:43:34 PM
Privatization Talks Intensify
London-listed Watches of Switzerland Group (WOSG.L) has been holding “early talks” with potential buyers about a possible take-private transaction, according to three sources familiar with the matter. The discussions involve private-equity funds and strategic bidders, though no formal offer has been presented. The company is reportedly seeking “significantly more than £7.50 per share,” a price above the current trading level of about £7.20.
Share Rally Amid Luxury Market Slowdown
Shares in the FTSE 250 retailer have “rallied by 55% to about £7.20 this year on strong demand for high-end timepieces from the likes of Rolex and Cartier.” Despite the rally, the stock remains at “less than half their 2022 peak,” reflecting a broader European luxury-sales slowdown. The price dip in 2023 followed Rolex’s acquisition of Swiss retailer Bucherer, an event some analysts viewed as a threat to the watchmaker’s relationship with Watches of Switzerland. After Reuters reported the privatization talks, the shares “jumped as much as 8.2% at 778.5 p, highest since May 2023.”
Stakeholder Positions
- CEO Brian Duffy: Engaged with initial approaches because “he believes the stock market undervalues the company.”
- Watches of Switzerland: “It does not comment on rumours or speculation.”
- Rolex: “Declined to comment.”
Upcoming Results and Market Outlook
The UK’s largest luxury watch retailer, founded in 2007, is scheduled to publish its full-year results on Tuesday. An upbeat outlook reported in May was supported by U.S. market strength, although higher gold prices have squeezed margins.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the status of offers: one indicates the company is “looking for ‘significantly more than £7.50’ a share,” while another notes that “there’s no formal offer.” No additional details on prospective bidders or valuation metrics have been disclosed.
- “Shares in the FTSE 250 company, sales of which are split more or less evenly between the United Kingdom and the United States, have rallied by 55% to about £7.20 this year on strong demand for high-end timepieces from the likes of Rolex and Cartier.” — Reuters report
- “Watches of Switzerland CEO Brian Duffy responded to the initial approaches because he believes the stock market undervalues the company.” — Reuters report
- “The company was seeking an offer of significantly more than £7.50 per share.” — Reuters report
- “Watches of Switzerland said it does not comment on rumours or speculation.” — Reuters report
- “Rolex declined to comment.” — Reuters report
- “Watches of Switzerland shares jumped as much as 8.2% at 778.5 p, highest since May 2023 after the Reuters report.” — Reuters report
