BMC Software is to be acquired by a private investor group led by Bain Capital and Golden Gate Capital together with GIC Special Investments and Insight Venture Partners.
Under the terms of the agreement, affiliates of the investor group will acquire all outstanding BMC common stock for USD46.25 per share in cash, or approximately USD6.9bn, representing an attractive premium to the company’s unaffected stock price.
The agreement was approved by unanimous vote of those directors present.
“After a thorough review of strategic alternatives, the BMC board of directors is pleased to reach this agreement, which provides shareholders with immediate and substantial cash value, as well as a premium to our unaffected share price,” says Bob Beauchamp, chairman and chief executive officer at BMC. “BMC believes the opportunity to become a private company will provide additional flexibility and position us to invest more strategically to drive powerful innovation and deliver cutting edge customer solutions. We look forward to working closely with all parties to complete this transaction and enter into our next chapter of growth and industry leadership.”
Elliott Management, which owns 9.6 per cent of the BMC common stock, has agreed to vote its shares in favour of the transaction.
Jesse Cohn, portfolio manager, says: “Elliott applauds the BMC Software board and executive leadership for delivering this value-maximising outcome for stockholders, which both contains a go-shop provision and reflects what we believe is a substantial premium to BMC’s unaffected stock price. Credit also goes to Bain Capital, Golden Gate Capital, GIC and Insight Venture Partners for recognising this exciting investment opportunity. This deal represents a tremendous outcome for BMC’s employees, customers and stockholders.”
“BMC is the only enterprise software vendor that can go from mainframe to mobile, with solutions that help IT drive real business innovation and optimise operations management and employee productivity,” says Ian Loring (pictured), managing director at Bain Capital. “We and the rest of the investor group look forward to working with the management team and employees of BMC to execute additional growth strategies designed to expand the company’s capabilities and enhance its relationships with customers and partners around the world.”
There is no financing condition associated with the proposed acquisition. Credit Suisse, RBC Capital Markets and Barclays have agreed to provide debt financing in connection with the transaction.
The transaction, which is expected to close later this year, is subject to approval from BMC shareholders, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Under the terms of the agreement, for a period of 30 calendar days, BMC may solicit alternative proposals from third parties. BMC does not anticipate that it will disclose any developments with regard to this process unless and until the BMC board of directors makes a decision with respect to a potential superior proposal. There are no guarantees that this process will result in a superior proposal.
