The offer price represents an 18% premium to the 30-trading day volume-weighted average closing share price of Innophos’ common stock ended September 9, 2019, the last trading day prior to published market speculation regarding the transaction.
The agreement includes a 30-day “go-shop” period, during which Innophos will solicit alternative acquisition proposals and potentially enter into negotiations with other companies. Innophos does not expect to disclose developments with respect to the solicitation process unless and until the Board makes a determination requiring further disclosure, the release says.
Related: Celsius Holdings Completes Acquisition of Func Food Group Oyj NOW Acquires SuperNutrition Vitamin Shoppe Enters Negotiations with Third Party Regarding Acquisition Proposal
The closing of the transaction is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2020, subject to stockholder and regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Upon the completion of the transaction, Innophos will become a privately held company and shares of Innophos’ common stock will no longer be listed on any public market.“After careful consideration and a thorough review of our strategic alternatives, including an outreach program to multiple potential financial and strategic partners over several months, the Board determined that a sale to One Rock is in the best interest of all of our stakeholders,” said Innophos Chairman, President and CEO Kim Ann Mink. “We remain confident that our transformational strategy is the right path forward for Innophos; however, executing on this strategy in an increasingly volatile macroeconomic and complex financial environment as a small-cap public company remains challenging and could take longer than initially expected. While we believe our long-term goals are achievable, we believe that the offer from One Rock is in the best interest of our stockholders as it will deliver immediate and certain value. We believe this transaction represents a winning proposition for all of our stakeholders, including our employees and customers.”
Tony W. Lee, Managing Partner of One Rock, commented, “Innophos’ innovative ingredient solutions are used by world-leading brands across a wide range of attractive food, health, nutrition and industrial markets. The Company has a strong foundation and a transformative growth strategy. In drawing upon One Rock’s extensive experience, part of our goal is to maximize Innophos’ growth potential by continuing to expand its presence in high-growth food, health and nutrition markets, while further strengthening and optimizing its cash-generative core business. We look forward to working with Innophos to accomplish these goals and position the Company for continued success.”
