BUZZ — Kepler cuts Getlink as higher bond yields delay potential M&A

* Kepler Chevreux downgrades Channel Tunnel operator Getlink to "hold" from "buy" as rising bond yields and geopolitical uncertainties delay potential M&A bids * A deteriorating environment pushes any hypothetical move "much deeper into the future", the broker says, pointing out Eiffage (29.4%) and Mundys (25%) holding large stakes in the company * The brokerage says a fully open leveraged buyout market and lower interest rates are needed to finance a takeover, which it does not expect over its 12-month time horizon * Kepler raises its 2027-2030 EPS forecasts by 8% on average reflecting a more dynamic operating environment, which is however offset by higher equity costs * The brokerage raises its cost of equity estimate to 9% following a sharp increase in French bond yields, which significantly restricts the stock's upside potential * Kepler cuts PT by 8% to €19.75 * Out of 16 analysts, seven rate Getlink "strong buy" or "buy," ​seven "hold" and two​ "strong sell" or "sell" -- LSEG data (Reporting by Lucie Barbier in Gdansk) ((lucie.barbier@thomsonreuters.com)