New Mountain Capital has closed its previously announced acquisition of Zep in a transaction valued at approximately USD692 million. The execution of a definitive merger agreement outlining the terms of the transaction was initially announced on 8 April, 2015.
Zep’s stockholders approved the acquisition on Thursday, 25 June, 2015. As a result of the merger, each outstanding share of Zep common stock was converted into the right to receive USD20.05 per share in cash. Zep common stock (ZEP) ceased trading on the New York Stock Exchange at the opening of market today.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Zep is a leading manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of high-efficacy maintenance and cleaning solutions for commercial, industrial, institutional, and consumer end-markets under well-known and respected brand names. The breadth of the Zep product portfolio provides customized, superior cleaning and maintenance solutions to a broad customer base including manufacturers, food processors and preparers, restaurants, hospitals, schools, municipalities, government organizations, hotels and car washes.
New Mountain, a New York-based private equity firm, identified Zep through a proactive focus on the specialty chemicals and materials industries. New Mountain is providing Zep with significant financial and strategic resources to support future growth initiatives which include expansion in current markets and acquisitions.
“Zep Inc is an industry leader with significant growth potential and fits perfectly with New Mountain Capital’s investment philosophy of investing in market leaders in sustainable growth industries,” says Matt Holt, Managing Director of New Mountain Capital. “We look forward to working with the Zep management team and all of the Company’s talented associates as we continue to serve Zep’s global customer base. We plan to set the Company on a strategic growth path including investments in new products, channel strategies, new market opportunities and acquisitions.”
“It’s a new day for Zep and our customers,” says John Morgan, Chairman, President and CEO of Zep. “I am very excited about this next phase for the company and believe New Mountain Capital is the ideal partner to help Zep continue to deliver the high quality products and services our customers have come to expect from us as well as provide additional opportunities for our associates from future growth and business building. New Mountain will be a valued partner in continuing the growth and enhancing the service and value Zep provides to its customers.”
