Shares in Spire Healthcare have fallen by 18% after talks over a potential takeover deal with Bridgepoint and Triton were terminated.

Triton said that it does not intend to make a firm offer for the firm, while Bridgepoint stated that while it is grateful for the efforts from the Spire Healthcare board over the course of the formal sale process, it has been unable to get "sufficient confidence in a transaction structure that would work for all stakeholders at this time".

Under UK takeover rules, both Bridgepoint and Triton are now bound by the restrictions outlined in Rule 2.8.

Spire said that its board remains in discussions with other parties on relation to a potential sale of the company, but there can be no certainty that any offer will be made.

The healthcare company stated: "The board and management are also continuing to actively evaluate other appropriate actions to drive long-term, sustainable shareholder value.

"The board will make a further announcement on this matter in due course as appropriate. The company remains in an 'offer period' as defined in the code."

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