F&N/OUE

F&N/OUE: OUE, which is backed by Indonesia's Lippo Group may team up with Japan's Kirin Holdings to thwart a US$7.2b takeover offer for F&N from companies linked to Thailand's third-richest man, sources said. In an unexpected move, OUE said it is seeking partners in a potential takeover bid for F&N, without identifying the parties. Kirin Holdings, which holds a 15% tsake in F&N, is one of the companies involved in the preliminary discussions, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks were private. Kirin had indicated earlier that it was considering all possible options for its stake in F&N. The Japanese brewer declined to comment on the OUE talks. OUE's approach may force the Thais to raise their $8.88 share offer, which F&N’s board had described as "not compelling but fair."