Jan 15 Reuters Thomson Reuters said on Monday it raised its offer to buy Sweden39;s Pagero by 25 to about 789 million and that it now controls about 54 of the company, seeking to ward off a rival bid for the einvoicing and tax solutions firm.

Thomson Reuters said it increased its offer to 50 crown per Pagero share, valuing the company at 8.1 billion crowns and topping an offer of 45 crown per share from U.S.based sales and tax management services company Avalara Inc.

Avalara39;s offer, in turn, was higher than Thomson Reuters39; previous offer last week of 40 crowns per share, which valued Pagero at 6.4 billion crowns, or about 627 million.

Thomson Reuters said it has now acquired about 53.81 of the shares and votes in Pagero from key shareholders, including Summa Equity, Pagero39;s CEO Bengt Nilsson and several members of the management team and employees.

Pagero39;s independent bid committee of board of directors recommended Thomson Reuters39; new offer. 1 10.2711 Swedish crowns

Reporting by Gokul Pisharody in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D39;Souza

Source Reuters