The FINANCIAL — Allianz announces having entered into share purchase agreements with shareholders representing 11.34% of Euler Hermes share capital on November 24, 2017 for a price of 122 euros per share in cash, as a result of which Allianz will own 74.34% of Euler Hermes share capital and voting rights.
Allianz intends to launch a simplified cash tender offer to acquire all outstanding Euler Hermes shares not already owned by Allianz and held by minority shareholders. The consideration for one Euler Hermes share will be 122 euros in cash. This constitutes a premium of 20.7% on Euler Hermes share closing price on 24 November 2017 and of 22.9%, 22.2% and 30.8% compared to three, six and twelve month volume weighted average Euler Hermes share price, according to Allianz.
Euler Hermes is the leading global trade credit insurer and a core component of Allianz global lines business. Underwriting excellence proven through the cycle, risk analysis and integrated global structure together with a strong and experienced management team provides the basis for Euler Hermes’ long-term growth prospects in trade credit insurance, bonding and selected other specialties. Increasing ownership in Euler Hermes is therefore a logical step for Allianz to deploy capital in strategic businesses delivering solid operating performance, and to strengthen positions in core home markets and in property and casualty in particular.
Allianz has been and remains supportive of the strategy of Euler Hermes Board of Management. Allianz does not intend to change, as a result of the transaction, Euler Hermes Supervisory Board composition and Euler Hermes operating model beyond ordinary course of business.
Allianz intends to implement a squeeze-out procedure following the contemplated tender offer, in the event Allianz’s holding in Euler Hermes reaches 95%[5].
Given Euler Hermes stock’s limited market liquidity, contemplated transaction represents a historic and unique opportunity for Euler Hermes minority shareholders to fully realize their investments in Euler Hermes, at a premium to trading price. In the event that a squeeze-out procedure could not be implemented after the tender offer, Allianz would examine the possibility of a merger of Euler Hermes with Allianz or a company of Allianz Group and would then inform the French Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) in the context of article 236-6 of the AMF general regulation relating to the potential implementation of a buy out offer.
The offer will have no impact on the announced share buy-back program of Allianz SE for 2018 in the amount of up to 2 billion euros. The contemplated transaction is expected to be immediately EPS accretive by around 1% and to impact Allianz solvency position to the tune of -4%-points.
Allianz expects to formally file the tender offer in the coming weeks. Tender offer and the draft offer document will remain subject to the clearance of the French Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF).