Alterian, the Bristol-based marketing software company which is considering an improved £68.4m takeover offer from Maidenhead-based SDL, has appointed Christopher John Humphrey as an independent non-executive director. This is in line with last week's announcement that it was considering the appointment of a new non-exec to stand in for Alastair Gordon who is taking no part in the takeover discussions because of his prior involvement with SDL.
Mr Humphrey, 54, is currently chief executive officer of Anite which supplies software and solutions to companies around the world operating in two distinct markets: wireless and travel. Prior to joining Anite, he held senior positions in finance at Conoco, Eurotherm International and Critchley Group.
Commenting on the appointment, Alterian chairman, Phil Cartmell said: "We are very pleased to confirm Chris' appointment and we are confident that Chris will prove to be a valuable addition to our board."
Alterian has indicated that it may recommend the improved indicative takeover offer of 110p per share on the basis of an all cash deal.
SDL, one of the world’s top three providers of language services, software development and global information management services, has improved the offer by 30p a share compared to its initial 80p indicative offer, worth £50m, in October.
SDL is required to make a firm offer not later than 5pm on November 21. A further announcement will be made in due course. In the meantime, Alterian will announce on Wednesday its interim results for the six months ended September 30.
