U.K. dealer group Lookers says acquisition by Global Auto unlikely to get approval

British car dealership Lookers said that shareholders representing about 25 per cent of its voting rights intended to oppose a proposed acquisition by Global Auto Holdings and the deal was unlikely to succeed.

"In the event that the resolutions (related to the proposed deal) do not pass, as the Lookers directors now expect, the scheme of arrangement will lapse and Lookers will remain an independent listed company," the British company said in an updated statement following an initial disclosure before the market opened.

Shares in Lookers declined further after the second statement, sliding as much as 17 per cent to 98.8 pence ($1.68), and were trading about 15 per cent down earlier on Thursday.

Last month, Global Auto Holdings, an entity related to privately-owned Canadian car dealer company Alpha Auto Group, said it would buy Lookers for about 465.4 million pounds ($780 million) in cash, pending shareholder approval.

Court and general meetings to seek approval for the proposed deal are scheduled to be held on July 27.

Earlier on Thursday, Lookers said it was in talks with some of its investors to assess how they would vote after top shareholder Cinch Holdco UK said it would oppose the deal.

Global Auto Holdings said in a separate statement on Thursday that Cinch had withdrawn its letter of intent and intended to vote against the acquisition.

Lookers said it would continue to "pursue constructive engagement" with all shareholders, including Cinch, which holds a stake of 19.52 per cent in the London-listed company.

Lookers is Europe's fifth-largest auto retail group, according to Automotive News Europe's Guide to Europe's Biggest Dealers.