The Secretary of State has informed De La Rue and purchaser-in-wating Atlas Holdings that no further action will be taken in relation to the acquisition under the National Security and Investment Act 2021.

In April De La Rue’s board recommended that shareholders should accept the £263m cash offer from Atlas.

The scheme is still subject to some remaining conditions that are expected to be a formality.

De La Rue said that applications have been made to the London Stock Exchange and Financial Conduct Authority for De La Rue’s listing to be cancelled on the business day following the effective takeover date.

This scheme is currently expected to become effective on 2 July, bringing the security printer's stock market presence to an end after nearly 80 years.