Veritiv Corporation (NYSE: VRTV), a leading distributor of packaging, facility solutions and print products, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC. Under the terms of the agreement, each share of Veritiv common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the closing of the transaction will be entitled to receive $170 per share in cash, representing a nearly 31% premium over Veritiv’s 30-day volume-weighted average price of $129.89.
Having determined that the offer is in the best interests of the company and its shareholders, Veritiv’s Board of Directors has unanimously voted to approve the transaction and recommends that shareholders vote in favor of the transaction.
“This agreement is a pivotal moment in Veritiv’s history,” said Sal Abbate, Chief Executive Officer of Veritiv. “CD&R’s interest in our company is a testament to our team’s hard work, innovation, and dedication. Fueled by this partnership, we will continue to evolve towards our greatest potential, delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to our customers today – and into the future.”
Rob Volpe, Partner at CD&R, said, “Veritiv is a very well-positioned industry leader with differentiated capabilities that deliver value to customers. We look forward to supporting Veritiv’s talented leadership team in this next phase of the company’s growth, as they continue to pursue their long-term strategic objectives while maintaining an unwavering commitment to employees, suppliers, and customers.”
The transaction remains subject to shareholder approval and other customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023. Upon the completion of the transaction, Veritiv will become a privately held company and shares of Veritiv common stock will no longer be listed on any public markets.
“As Veritiv’s largest shareholder, we are supportive of this transaction,” said Greg Ciongoli, Partner, The Baupost Group. “The Veritiv management team has successfully executed on its multi-year strategy to drive significant growth and they have built substantial value in the business, which is reflected in the premium paid for the shares. Combined with CD&R’s business-building expertise, we believe Veritiv’s future is very bright.”
In connection with the transaction, funds managed by Baupost entered into a Support Agreement under which they have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the transaction.
Advisors
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as exclusive financial advisor and Alston & Bird LLP served as legal counsel to Veritiv.
CD&R obtained committed financing from Goldman Sachs, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Wells Fargo Securities, BMO Capital Markets Corp., and UBS Investment Bank. Guggenheim Securities, LLC and Wells Fargo Securities served as lead financial advisors to CD&R, and BMO Capital Markets Corp., Goldman Sachs, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, and UBS Investment Bank also served as financial advisors. Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP served as legal counsel to CD&R.
Quarterly Dividend
Veritiv Corporation’s Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.63 per share payable on September 13, 2023 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 17, 2023. Under the terms of the agreement, assuming the transaction closes on or prior to December 31, 2023, Veritiv will not declare or pay any additional dividends to its shareholders.
About Veritiv
Veritiv Corporation (NYSE: VRTV), headquartered in Atlanta, is a leading full-service provider of packaging, JanSan and hygiene products, services and solutions. Additionally, Veritiv provides print and publishing products. Serving customers in a wide range of industries both in North America and globally, Veritiv has distribution centers throughout the U.S. and Mexico, and team members around the world helping shape the success of its customers. For more information about Veritiv and its business segments visit www.veritiv.com.
About Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
Clayton, Dubilier & Rice is a private investment firm with a strategy predicated on building stronger, more profitable businesses across a broad range of industries, including Industrials, Healthcare, Business Services, Consumer, Technology and Financial Services. Since its inception in 1978, CD&R has managed the investment of more than $40 billion in over 100 companies with an aggregate transaction value of more than $175 billion. For more information on CD&R, please visit www.cdr-inc.com and follow the Firm’s activities through LinkedIn and @CDRBuilds on Twitter.
