Jefferies shares edge higher on FT report of possible SMFG takeover interest

Jefferies Financial

24/03/2026 08:06

** Jefferies JEF.N shares up 12.4% premarket on Tuesday after a Financial Times report said Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group 8316.T is preparing plans for a possible takeover

** SMFG has assembled a small internal team to be ready if Jefferies' depressed valuation creates an opening, the report said

** Reuters not able to verify the FT report; Jefferies did not immediately comment, SMFG was not immediately available for comment

** Any move not imminent, and it is unclear whether Jefferies executives would sell at current prices

** Jefferies is set to report Q1 earnings after market close on Wednesday

** Co has fallen more than 36% this year, according to LSEG data

 (Reporting by Rashika Singh in Bengaluru)

 ((Rashika.Singh@thomsonreuters.com;))