Manitowoc says approached Enodis about offer

Wed Apr 9, 2008 8:56pm BST

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NEW YORK (Reuters) - Manitowoc Co Inc (MTW.N) confirmed on Wednesday it has approached the board of Britain's Enodis Plc ENO.L about a possible cash offer valuing Enodis at 260 pence per share.

There can be no certainty an offer will be forthcoming, Manitowoc said in a statement.

Earlier, Enodis, a maker of fryers for fast-food restaurants, said it has granted Manitowoc due diligence access. A 260 pence-per-share offer values the company at about 915 million pounds or about $1.8 billion.

Enodis customers include McDonald's Corp (MCD.N) and Burger King Holdings Inc (BKC.N).

Manitowoc, a maker of cranes, also makes restaurant equipment including refrigeration equipment and ice-cube machines.

Manitowoc shares were down 5.5 percent to $41.85 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

(Reporting by Nick Zieminski; Editing by Tim Dobbyn)

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