AASTRA TECHNOLOGIES $37.48 - Toronto symbol AAH

AASTRA TECHNOLOGIES $37.48 (Toronto symbol AAH; TSINetwork Rating: Speculative) (905-760-4200; www.aastra.com; Shares outstanding: 11.8 million; Market cap: $430.6 million; Dividend yield: 2.1%) has jumped over 80% since we recommended it in our last issue.
< br /> The stock surged because Aastra agreed to a friendly takeover offer from business communications products and software rival Mitel Networks (symbol MNW on Toronto).
< br /> Mitel is offering $6.52 U.S. in cash and 3.6 of its common shares for each share of Aastra. Based on today’s price for Mitel stock, the offer is worth $38.60 per Aastra share.
< br /> The stock is now trading below Mitel’s bid. That’s partly because Mitel shares have jumped 47% since the announcement and continue to rise, but it also indicates that investors are not expecting a higher bid from Mitel or another buyer.
< br /> We’ll say more as the takeover continues to develop, but Aastra is now a hold.

A professional investment analyst for more than 30 years, Pat has developed a stock-selection technique that has proven reliable in both bull and bear markets. His proprietary ValuVesting System™ focuses on stocks that provide exceptional quality at relatively low prices. Many savvy investors and industry leaders consider it the most powerful stock-picking method ever created.