BASF has confirmed its offer to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Pronova BioPharma ASA, Lysaker, Norway, and has increased its cash offer price to NOK 13.50 per share (previously NOK 12.50). The offer period expires on Jan. 18, 2013, and will not be extended.
The increased offer corresponds to a premium of 34% above the volume-weighted average share price for Pronova’s shares in the six months prior to announcement of the public takeover offer. Based on all outstanding shares and including all net financial liabilities, the enterprise value would be NOK 4,996 million (approximately $893 million).
“We thank all those shareholders of Pronova who have accepted the offer to date. Following a comprehensive due diligence review and taking into account the opportunities and foreseeable risks in Pronova’s business, this increased offer is our last, best, and final offer,” said Michael Heinz, Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE and responsible for the Performance Products segment, which includes the Nutrition & Health division. “We believe that our offer represents the full and fair value to all shareholders and that it provides the best solution for Pronova’s stakeholders.”
All regulatory approvals required for completion of the voluntary offer have been obtained. The offer is subject to fulfillment of all further relevant offer conditions, set out in the offer document published on Dec. 5, 2012, including inter alia that shareholders shall in the aggregate have accepted the offer for a number of shares representing more than 90% of the total share capital of Pronova.
As of Jan. 14, BASF has received acceptances under the voluntary offer for a number of shares representing approximately 70% of the issued shares and votes in Pronova. BASF has obtained irrevocable pre-acceptance commitments for approximately 60% of Pronova’s share capital; including the 50% stake held by majority shareholders Herkules Private Equity Fund, an approximately 9.1% stake indirectly controlled by investment firms Kistefos AS and Kistefos Investment AS, and 0.3% held by members of the Board of Directors and management of Pronova.
BASF expects closing of the offer in the first quarter of 2013.
