In a move many thought should have happened a while ago, Vans and Reef parent company VF Corp (along with San Francisco, California based private equity firm Altamont Capital Partners) has offered $555.5 million for Billlabong, according to a story in the Washington Post. That is the same amount offered by former Billabong USA President Paul Naude and his investor partners. According to a statement from VF they aren’t interested in the entire company.
VF’s primary interest in the transaction is in the Billabong® brand. This interest is consistent with VF’s stated intent to pursue acquisitions, particularly in the Action Sports category, to continue to build shareholder value. Altamont’s interest lies in acquiring Billabong’s other brands and related assets, and is predicated on the firm’s mandate to invest in situations where it can provide strategic and operational support to build business success stories.
It would be sad to see that Billabong brand portfolio broken up, but at this point it really about what’s best for the shareholders. We’d put odds on VF corp getting the deal getting done, if Billabong is sold. Guess we’ll know in six weeks. For the official word from VF, follow the jump.VF and Altamont Capital Partners Submit Letter of Interest to Billabong International Limited
GREENSBORO, N.C. & PALO ALTO, Calif.–Jan. 14, 2013– VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) and Altamont Capital Partners (Altamont) have submitted a non-binding, joint letter of interest setting forth preliminary indicative terms to acquire all of the issued securities in Billabong International Limited (BBG.AX) (Billabong) for AUD $1.10 per share in cash.
Billabong has agreed to allow VF and Altamont to conduct due diligence to evaluate Billabong’s business.
VF’s primary interest in the transaction is in the Billabong® brand. This interest is consistent with VF’s stated intent to pursue acquisitions, particularly in the Action Sports category, to continue to build shareholder value. Altamont’s interest lies in acquiring Billabong’s other brands and related assets, and is predicated on the firm’s mandate to invest in situations where it can provide strategic and operational support to build business success stories.
In Australia, an offer for a public company, even if non-binding and indicative, may be made public at the time of its submission. Billabong made the proposal public today. VF and Altamont are therefore taking the precaution of announcing this proposal, notwithstanding its very preliminary nature.
The proposal does not constitute a binding offer for Billabong nor does it impose any obligation on VF or Altamont to make an offer for Billabong until formal transaction documents are executed.
No further details are available at this time.
About VF
VF Corporation is a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel and footwear with more than 30 brands. The company’s largest five brands are The North Face®, Wrangler®, Timberland®, Vans®, and Lee®. Other brands include 7 For All Mankind®, Bulwark®, Eagle Creek®, Eastpak®, Ella Moss®, JanSport®, Kipling®, lucy®, Majestic®, Napapijri®, Nautica®, Red Kap®, Reef®, Riders®, Splendid® and Smartwool®. For more information, please visit www.vfc.com.
About Altamont Capital Partners
Altamont Capital Partners is a private investment firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area with approximately $500 million of capital under management. Altamont is focused on investing in middle-market businesses where it can partner with leading management teams to help its portfolio companies reach their full potential. The firm’s principals have significant experience building business success stories across a range of industries, including consumer/retail, financial services, industrials, healthcare and business services.
