Shareholders of Royal Mail's owner, International Distributions Services (IDS), and mining giant Anglo American are bracing for final takeover offers. According to The Guardian, these UK companies may fall into foreign ownership as deadlines loom. 

Under UK takeover laws, firm offers must be made or withdrawn by 29 May.

Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský has approached IDS while Australia's BHP attempts to acquire Anglo American, a staple of London's FTSE 100 index. 

Kretinsky on Royal Mail

Křetínský's EP Group, known for its investments in coal-fired power stations, has proposed a bid valuing Royal Mail at £3.5 billion ($4.68 billion). IDS indicated it might recommend the offer if finalized. 

However, the bid is below the company's £5.3 billion ($7.08 billion) market value from late 2021. IDS shares traded below the offer price at 324.6p, indicating investor skepticism, which led to bid rejection, as shared by VCPost. 

The IDS board warned that a successful bid might risk the company's finances if new owners struggle with loans and funding.

A takeover of the 508-year-old postal service by a foreign firm would face intense political scrutiny as the government will examine the national security implications, a policy likely to continue after the upcoming general election.

READ MORE: Post Office Scandal Sparks Major Criminal Inquiry, 80 Detectives Deployed Nationwide

BHP on Anglo American

BHP's bid for Anglo American has faced more resistance. 

Last week, May 23, The Guardian reported that Anglo American had rejected three offers, the latest valued at £38.6 billion ($51.55 billion). 

Anglo's CEO, Duncan Wanblad, has countered BHP's advances by pledging to overhaul the 107-year-old company, potentially breaking up the business and selling its platinum and De Beers diamond divisions.

Now, the Takeover Panel, the UK's regulator of M&A activity, could extend the deadlines if more negotiation time is needed. Anglo American has already extended its deadline by a week following investor pressure to engage in talks.

READ NEXT: Royal Mail Shares Surge After its Parent Company Rejects Takeover Bid From Czech Billionaire