UPDATE: GDF Suez: May Withdraw GBP6 Billion Bid For International Power

GDF Suez SA (GSZ.FR) Wednesday said it could withdraw its GBP6 billion bid for International Power PLC (IPR.LN) after the U.K.-based company said it was rejecting the French utility's indicative offer for the remaining 30% of the company it doesn't already own.

International Power said the 390 pence bid "undervalues" the company. Under the GDF Suez bid, all of International Power would be valued at around GBP19.9 billion, while the current share price values the company at around GBP20.6 billion.

GDF Suez said the offer was still "attractive" and it was considering different options regarding International Power, including withdrawing the offer.

Earlier, International Power said in a statement that the members of the independent committee have unanimously concluded that the 390 pence per share offer "undervalues" the company.

"Accordingly GDF Suez has been notified that the independent committee is unable to accept the indicative proposal," the statement added.

Under the terms of the agreement between GDF Suez and International Power, the French utility is restricted from making a takeover offer for all, or any, of the outstanding International Power ordinary shares for the period until Aug. 3 or earlier with the consent of all of the independent non-executive directors, the statement said.

Earlier this week, shareholder Neptune Investment management said GDF should raise its bid. Robin Geffen, who runs Neptune, told Dow Jones Newswires that the bid should begin with a four, rather than a three, in line with the company's shares, which are trading above GBP4.

At 0705 GMT, International Power shares were up 0.4 pence at 403.4 pence, while GDF was down 0.7% at EUR18.91.

-By Selina Williams, Dow Jones Newswires [phone]; [e-mail]