ITAB agrees to acquire HMY, aiming to significantly accelerate ITAB’s expansion into key markets and complement its offering

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ITAB Shop Concept AB (publ) (“ITAB” or the “Group”) has today agreed to acquire Financière HMY (“HMY”) for a cash consideration of EUR 320 million (approximately SEK 3,613 million) on a cash and debt free basis. HMY is a leading European supplier of shop fittings, checkouts and store design to the retail industry in mainly Europe, South America and the Middle East. The intended transaction will strengthen ITAB’s footprint and complement the Group’s existing offering. The transaction is structured as ITAB granting a binding put option to the shareholders of HMY by which ITAB agrees to acquire HMY at the option of the shareholders of HMY.

Summary of the intended acquisition

• ITAB has granted a binding put option to the shareholders of HMY by which ITAB agrees to acquire 100 per cent of the shares in HMY for a cash consideration of EUR 320 million (approximately SEK 3,613 million[1]) on a cash and debt free basis at the option of the shareholders of HMY. The purchase price represents a multiple of 6.4x HMY’s adjusted EBITDA for the financial year 2023[2], [3], and 4.0x after accounting for anticipated pre-tax synergies of EUR 30 million, had such synergies been realized during the financial year 2023[4]. HMY is owned by funds affiliated with LBO France and certain employees of HMY.
• HMY is a leading European supplier of shop fittings, checkouts and store design to the retail industry in mainly Europe, South America and the Middle East. The intended acquisition will provide significant increase in scale and relevance to ITAB’s customer base, strengthen ITAB’s footprint in the Western and Southern European retail markets as well as provide geographically complementary advantages given HMY’s presence in especially Spain, France, Turkey and Central and South America.
• The transaction is strategically and financially compelling, and ITAB expects it to be highly accretive to ITAB’s earnings per share (EPS) from completion, with an illustrative 64 per cent[5] earnings accretion for the financial year 2023 assuming a 100 per cent cash consideration (excluding any non-cash amortisation impacts). Additionally, the transaction is expected to be accretive to ITAB’s sales growth and EBITDA margin.
• For the financial year 2023, HMY had sales of approximately EUR 541.2 million (SEK 6,110 million[6]) and an adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 9.3 per cent[7].[8] The combined company would have had aggregated annual sales amounting to approximately EUR 1.1 billion (SEK 12.5 billion) including estimated run-rate synergies, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 11.6 per cent, during the financial year 2023 (on a full year combined basis).[9]
• The transaction is intended to be financed through a combination of new debt and equity, consisting of a new EUR 255 million long term credit facility provided by Danske Bank A/S, Danmark, Sverige filial (“Danske Bank”), Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Sverige (“Nordea”) and Swedbank AB (publ) (“Swedbank”), and a directed new share issue of approximately SEK 850 million through an accelerated bookbuilding procedure (the “Directed Share Issue”). For further information on the Directed Share Issue, please see ITAB’s separate press release, announced by ITAB today.
• The transaction is conditional upon signing of a final and definitive share purchase agreement between ITAB and the shareholders of HMY, following an information and consultation procedure with the employee representative body of HMY, necessary regulatory approvals as well as other customary closing conditions. Closing is expected to occur during the end of the fourth quarter 2024 or beginning of the first quarter 2025.

HMY, founded in 1960[10] and headquartered in Monéteau, France, is a leading European player in retail solutions and services, providing the physical infrastructure inside a store including equipment and furniture, shelving and storage, checkout solutions, ceiling / wall coverings, lighting and visual communication. HMY serves a broad range of local and global customers in more than 160 countries, across Food, DIY and Brands & Retail. Having a significant presence in Spain and France, with South Europe and West Europe accounting for 75 per cent of revenue for the financial year 2023; HMY also displays strong growth prospects in geographies such as the Middle East and South America. HMY has built a well-integrated and efficient industrial model that supports its clients both locally and globally.

HMY has 8 production facilities, the largest of which is located in Zaragoza (Spain) with additional facilities in France, Turkey and Brazil. HMY has 50 sales offices, approximately 3,400 customers (of which the top 15 customers accounted for approximately 41 per cent of the revenue for the financial year 2023) and employs approximately 3,000 people.

“We are thrilled to announce this opportunity of two equals joining forces to the benefit of our customers and employees. We see this as a strategic and cultural fit paired with clear synergies and value we can release to our customers and shareholders the next few years.”, says Andréas Elgaard, President & CEO of ITAB Group.

“We are delighted about the opportunity to integrate with ITAB, combining the strengths of two equally positioned companies to deliver enhanced value to our customers and employees. This operation leverages our strong strategic and cultural alignment, unlocking significant synergies that will drive global value for our clients. Furthermore, the complementary geographical footprints of both organizations will facilitate a powerful alliance, positioning us as the leading solutions provider in the market”, says Walter Ceglia , President & CEO of HMY.

Strategic rationale
For ITAB it is of strategic importance to accelerate expansion and use the extended reach and scale to invest in new capabilities that will improve sales of Retail Technology and services through solutions developed together with the customers. ITAB believes the industry will mature significantly the next few years and more and more value will come from connected products and services to retailers. The intended acquisition will provide significant increase in scale and relevance to ITAB’s customer base, strengthen ITAB’s footprint in the Western and Southern European retail markets as well as provide geographically complementary advantages given HMY’s presence in especially Spain, France, the Middle East and South America.

In addition, the intended acquisition of HMY will provide complimentary capabilities in terms of sales strategies with regards to its differentiated Brand & Retail segment and open opportunities for cross-selling ITAB’s broader portfolio. The broader and complementing combined product offering and geographic reach is expected to create significant cross-selling opportunities to the combined customer base.

Furthermore, potential annual synergies of EUR 30 million[11] are expected to enhance organic sales growth and EBITDA margins in the combined entity and drive earnings per share (EPS) returns. The synergies are expected to come from increased internal efficiency, combined procurement and cross-selling, especially of Retail Technology and Brands & Retail products.

Financial terms, combined financial overview and impact on ITAB’s financials
The purchase price of EUR 320 million (approximately SEK 3,613 million), on a cash and debt free basis represents a multiple of 6.4x HMY’s adjusted EBITDA for the financial year 2023, and 4.0x after accounting for anticipated pre-tax synergies of EUR 30 million, had such synergies been realized during the financial year 2023.

HMY – Reported historic financial information[12]

ITAB – Reported historic financial information[16]

Combined financial information (FY23A)

The sales breakdown for HMY by category includes Food (47 per cent), Brands & Retail (44 per cent) and DIY (8 per cent). Geographically, South Europe accounts for 48 per cent of revenue, West Europe for 27 per cent, and other regions for the remaining 25 per cent.[23]

The sales breakdown for ITAB by category includes Food retail (53 per cent), Specialty retail/other (25 per cent), DIY (13 per cent) and Non-food retail (10 per cent). Geographically, Northern Europe accounts for 25 per cent of revenue, Southern Europe for 23 per cent, Central Europe for 19 per cent, United Kingdom and Ireland for 11 per cent, Eastern Europe for 8 per cent and other regions for the remaining 15 per cent.[24]

The combined company would have aggregated annual sales amounting to approximately EUR 1.1 billion (SEK 12.5 billion) including estimated run-rate synergies, with an adjusted EBITDA margin pre-IFRS 16 (illustrative) of approximately 11.6 per cent[25], during the financial year 2023 (on a full year combined basis) compared to 8.7 per cent for ITAB stand alone[26] [27].

One-off integration costs are estimated to be approximately EUR 21 million (SEK 240 million) over 3 years. Transaction costs (including costs for the Directed Share Issue) are estimated to be approximately EUR 10 million (SEK 113 million).

The transaction is strategically and financially compelling, and ITAB expects it to be highly accretive to ITAB’s earnings per share (EPS) from completion, with an illustrative 64 per cent[28] earnings accretion for the financial year 2023 assuming a 100 per cent cash consideration (excluding any non-cash amortisation impacts). Additionally, the transaction is expected to be accretive to ITAB’s organic sales growth and EBITDA margin.

The illustrative leverage ratio[29] after completion of the intended acquisition is expected to be 2.0x including synergies and 2.6x excluding synergies, based on financial year 2023 financials, with net debt amounting to EUR 259.0 million (SEK 2,924 million).

Financing and support from ITAB’s shareholders
The transaction is intended to be financed through a combination of new debt and equity. ITAB has obtained a binding commitment letter regarding debt financing provided by Danske Bank, Nordea, and Swedbank, consisting of EUR 255 million long-term credit facilities, also aimed at refinancing certain existing debt of ITAB outstanding under the EUR 150 million long-term credit facility entered into with Nordea and Swedbank in June 2022. To further strengthen the financing capacity, the binding commitment letter also entails a EUR 100 million revolving credit facility, that can be used for general corporate purposes and refinancing of existing debt of ITAB outstanding under the above-mentioned EUR 150 million long-term credit facility. In addition, ITAB intends to raise approximately SEK 850 million through the Directed Share Issue to Swedish and international institutional investors through an accelerated bookbuilding procedure, as announced separately by ITAB today. The Directed Share Issue is intended to be carried out with deviation from the shareholders’ pre-emptive rights, and to be resolved upon by the Board of Directors of ITAB, partly on the basis of the authorisation granted by the Annual General Meeting held on 15 May 2024, and partly subject to the subsequent approval by an Extraordinary General Meeting intended to be held on or around 21 October 2024.

ITAB’s largest shareholders, Acapital ITAB HoldCo AB, Pomona-gruppen, Petter Fägersten, Anna Benjamin, Svolder AB and Stig-Olof Simonsson, together holding approximately 73 per cent of the outstanding shares and votes of ITAB, have expressed their support for the transaction and the Directed Share Issue and have entered into binding undertakings to participate in the Directed Share Issue with a total amount of up to SEK 306 million as well as to, together with members of the Board of Directors and management of ITAB together holding approximately 1 per cent of the outstanding shares and votes of ITAB, vote in favour of any relevant proposals at the Extraordinary General Meeting referred to above.

Exclusive negotiations, regulatory approvals and closing
The transaction is structured as ITAB granting a binding put option to the shareholders of HMY, by which ITAB agrees to acquire HMY at the option of the shareholders of HMY. HMY is owned by funds affiliated with LBO France and certain employees of HMY. The intended acquisition is conditional upon signing of a final and definitive share purchase agreement between ITAB and the shareholders of HMY, following an information and consultation procedure with the employee representative body of HMY. In addition, the intended acquisition is subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities as well as other customary closing conditions. Closing is expected to occur during the end of the fourth quarter 2024 or beginning of the first quarter 2025, and the purchase price is to be paid in connection therewith.

Advisors
Macquarie Capital acts as financial adviser in connection with the intended acquisition of HMY. Nordea and Swedbank act as Joint Global Coordinators and Joint Bookrunners in connection with the Directed Share Issue and Danske Bank, Nordea and Swedbank provide the debt financing facility. Squire Patton Boggs and Vinge act as legal counsel to ITAB on the intended acquisition of HMY. Vinge also acts as legal counsel to ITAB on the Directed Share Issue and the debt financing facility, and Roschier acts as legal counsel to the Joint Global Coordinators in connection with the Directed Share Issue and in connection with the debt financing facility.

Conference call
ITAB invites investors, analysts and the media to attend a conference call on 26 September 2024, at 10:00 a.m. CEST, where President & CEO Andréas Elgaard and CFO Ulrika Bergmo Sköld will describe the intended acquisition and answer questions related to this press release.

If you wish to participate via webcast, please use the following link:
https://ir.financialhearings.com/itab-shop-concept-investor-presentation-sep-2024

If you wish to participate via teleconference, please register on the link below. After registration you will be provided phone numbers and a conference ID to access the conference. You can ask questions verbally via the teleconference.
https://conference.financialhearings.com/teleconference/?id=5005663

The conference call information will also be available at ITAB’s website https://itabgroup.com/investors/financial-reports-presentations.

Jönköping, 25 September 2024

ITAB Shop Concept AB (publ)

This information is such that ITAB Shop Concept AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out below, at 6:00 p.m. CEST on 25 September 2024.

For further information, please contact:

Andréas Elgaard, President & CEO, ITAB Group
Telephone: +46-73 232 16 35

Ulrika Bergmo Sköld, CFO, ITAB Group
Telephone: +46-73 230 05 98

ITAB Shop Concept AB (publ), Box 9054, SE-550 09 Jönköping, Sweden
itab.com, itabgroup.com

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This press release is not and does not constitute an offer, or a solicitation of any offer, to buy or subscribe for any shares or other securities (“Securities”) in ITAB in any jurisdiction, neither from ITAB nor from anyone else. This press release is not for release, distribution or publication, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland or any other jurisdiction in which the release, distribution or publication of this press release would be unlawful or would require registration or other measures. The distribution of this press release in other jurisdictions may be restricted by law and persons into whose possession this press release comes should inform themselves about, and observe, any such restrictions. Actions in violation of these restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities law.

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This press release is not a prospectus according to the definition in Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the “Prospectus Regulation”) and has not been approved by any regulatory authority in any jurisdiction. ITAB has not authorized any offer to the public of Securities in any member state of the European Economic Area (“EEA”). Within the EEA, this communication is only addressed to and is only directed at “qualified investors” in each respective member state within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation.

No Securities have been, and no Securities will be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or under the securities legislation of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States and, accordingly, may not be offered or sold in the United States except under an available exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and in compliance with the securities legislation in the relevant state or any other state of the United States. ITAB does not intend to register any part of the Directed Share Issue in the United States or to conduct a public offering of Securities in the United States.

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