UTi Worldwide Inc, a global supply chain services and solutions provider, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by DSV. DSV, headquartered in Denmark, is a global supplier of transport and logistics services with 530 offices and 130 logistics facilities in 75 countries.
The transaction, which was unanimously approved by both UTi and DSV’s Boards of Directors, is valued at approximately US$1.35 billion which represents a 34 per cent premium over the 30-day volume weighted average trading price and a 50 per cent premium relative to UTi’s closing trading price on 8 October.
Ed Feitzinger, chief executive officer of UTi, said: “We are very excited to be joining forces with DSV, which we believe will strengthen our value proposition to our clients, while providing a meaningful cash premium to the holders of our ordinary shares relative to the recent trading prices.
“For our clients and employees, the potential combination of our two businesses has a strong cultural fit, aligned strategy, and a complementary client base and geographic footprint. We have the opportunity to draw on the current strengths and scale of both companies to bring solutions to our clients that we could not have delivered on our own.
“We believe that the $7.10 cash price to holders of our ordinary shares provided by this strategic combination is the best available outcome for ordinary shareholders while allowing us to develop with DSV a nimble, efficient, and comprehensive service offering for our clients.”
Roger MacFarlane, chairman of the UTi Board of Directors and a co-founder of the Company, added: “After careful consideration of our strategic alternatives, we believe this combination appropriately recognises the value of UTi’s customer and supplier relationships, while providing holders of our ordinary shares with a meaningful cash premium to the recent stock price. This transaction represents an exciting new chapter for UTi.”
Kurt K. Larsen, chairman of the Board of Directors of DSV, said: “This is a great step for both UTi and DSV. I know that the combined business and workforce will reach new levels together – we will create a stronger company with an expansive footprint in the 3PL space and an exciting value proposition for our customers. We look forward to joining forces and welcoming our new colleagues from UTi to DSV.”
The acquisition is expected to be completed between 1 January 2016 and 31 March 2016, and is subject to approval by UTi shareholders, as well as the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
About DSV
