Soprano offers carrot and stick for Whispir shareholders

The news: Soprano Design has offered takeover target Whispir's shareholders their money before Christmas if they back the buyout, despite Whispir trading at a premium to the bid price. The move comes as Whispir's board continues talks with Pendula for a better deal.

The numbers: Soprano says Whispir shareholders who back the deal by this Friday will be paid within five days. Soprano has offered $0.48 per share for Whispir, which is currently trading at $0.525, but the bidder warned the price could drop once the offer period closes on 21 December. Not many shareholders seem convinced, with Whispir shares up almost 1% by lunchtime, and no sign of them dumping at the current premium to the Soprano bid.

The context: Sopranos noted several institutional shareholders have sold down their Whispir stakes in October and early November, a few days before its price surged 60% on the back of the Soprano offer, and followed by another 6% jump when Pendula raised its hand. Whispir meanwhile is working to value-add while its suitors are circling, today launching two new service offerings.