Australia's Pacific Smiles at near 2-year high on $198 mln buyout bid from NDC

** Shares of Pacific Smiles Group PPSQ rise as much as 14.7% to A$1.87, their highest since July 12, 2022

** Stock posts its biggest intraday percentage gain since Dec 18, 2023

** The dental centres operator says it recommends a takeover offer from National Dental Care (NDC) HoldCo, valuing it at A$303 mln ($198.83 mln)

** Takeover price represents a premium of 16.6% to co's last close of A$1.63 on Friday

** About 242,600 shares change hands, compared with the 30-day average volume of about 133,000

** Stock up 11.6% YTD, based on last close

($1 = 1.5239 Australian dollars)