mdf commerce inc. (“
mdf” or the
“
Company”) (TSX: MDF), a SaaS leader in digital
commerce technologies, is pleased to announce the closing of the
previously announced plan of arrangement under the Canada Business
Corporations Act (the “
Arrangement”)
involving the Company and an entity affiliated with funds managed
by KKR, a leading global investment firm.
“Today’s announcement is a significant milestone
in the long-lasting story of mdf commerce. On behalf of the
entire team here at mdf, I want to express our gratitude to all of
our shareholders for their support and commitment to the Company
throughout this transaction and over the years. As we embark on a
new chapter, we are focused on continuing our growth and adding
value for our customers, partners, employees and our new
shareholder across North America,” said Luc Filiatreault,
President and Chief Executive Officer of mdf commerce.
“We are very pleased with the successful outcome
of this transaction,” said Pierre Chadi, Chair of the
Board of Directors. “I am confident that mdf commerce is in good
hands with KKR, a resourceful owner who will support the
Company’s long-term growth plan and take this SaaS leader in
digital commerce technologies to the next level.”
“mdf commerce has a bright future ahead, and we
are thrilled to be part of it,” said John Park, Partner at KKR. “We
look forward to supporting the Company in becoming a leading
commerce platform and working closely with management to fulfill
this vision.”
The Arrangement was approved by the Company's
shareholders at a special meeting of shareholders held on May 10,
2024 (the “Meeting”), and final court approval was
obtained on May 15, 2024. Registered shareholders of the Company
should send their completed and executed letters of transmittal and
share certificates or DRS Advices evidencing ownership of common
shares of the Company (the “Shares”) to the
depositary, Computershare Investor Services Inc., as soon as
possible in order to receive the consideration of C$5.80 in cash
per Share (the “Consideration”) to which they are
entitled. Additional information regarding the Arrangement and the
procedure for exchange of Shares for the Consideration is provided
in the Company’s management information circular in respect of the
Meeting dated April 10, 2024, a copy of which is available on
SEDAR+ under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
As a result of the Arrangement, the Shares are
expected to be delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) at
the close of trading on or about May 22, 2024. The Company intends
to submit an application to cease to be a reporting issuer under
applicable Canadian securities laws and to otherwise terminate the
Company's public reporting requirements.
Advisors
Scotiabank acted as exclusive financial advisor
to the Company and Desjardins provided an independent fairness
opinion to the board of directors of the Company. McCarthy Tétrault
LLP and Foley & Lardner LLP acted as legal advisors to the
Company. Stikeman Elliott LLP and Dechert LLP acted as legal
advisors to KKR, and William Blair served as a buyside advisor to
KKR.
Forward Looking Information
This press release contains “forward-looking
information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively,
“forward-looking information”) within the meaning
of applicable securities laws. This information includes, but is
not limited to, statements relating to mdf commerce's business
objectives, expected growth, results of operations, performance and
financial results. In some cases, forward-looking information can
be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as
“expects”, “estimates”, “outlook”, “forecasts”, “projection”,
“prospects”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes”, or variations of
such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events
or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will”, “will be
taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. In addition, any statements that
refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other
characterizations of future events or circumstances contain
forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking
information are not historical facts but instead represent
management’s expectations, estimates and projections regarding
future events or circumstances. Forward-looking information in this
press release include, among other things, statements relating to
the business of the Company, the delisting of the Shares from the
TSX and the application to cease to be a reporting issuer under
applicable Canadian securities laws.
Risks and uncertainties related to the
Arrangement include, but are not limited to, the possibility that
the Shares will not be delisted from the TSX in accordance with the
timing currently contemplated, and that the Shares may not be
delisted at all, due to a failure to satisfy, in a timely manner or
otherwise, conditions necessary to delist the Shares from the TSX
or for other reasons.
Although we have attempted to identify important
risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be
other risk factors not presently known to us or that we presently
believe are not material that could also cause actual results or
future events to differ materially from those expressed in such
forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such
information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future
events could differ materially from those anticipated in such
information. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future
results. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on
forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made.
The forward-looking information contained in this press release
represents the Company’s expectations as of the date of this press
release (or as the date they are otherwise stated to be made) and
are subject to change after such date. However, the Company
disclaims any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or
revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise, except as required
under applicable securities laws in Canada. All of the
forward-looking information contained in this press release is
expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements.
About mdf commerce
mdf commerce inc. (TSX: MDF) enables the flow of
commerce by providing a broad set of software as a service (SaaS)
solutions that optimize and accelerate commercial interactions
between buyers and sellers. Our platforms and services empower
businesses around the world, allowing them to generate billions of
dollars in transactions on an annual basis. Our eprocurement,
ecommerce and emarketplaces solutions are supported by a strong and
dedicated team of approximately 650 employees based in Canada and
in the United States. For more information, please visit us at
mdfcommerce.com, follow us on LinkedIn or call at
1-877-677-9088.
About KKR
KKR is a leading global investment firm that
offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and
insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment
returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach,
employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its
portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds
that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has
strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance
subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under
the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to
KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds
and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR
& Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at
www.kkr.com. For additional information about Global Atlantic
Financial Group, please visit Global Atlantic Financial Group’s
website at www.globalatlantic.com.
Contact:
For mdf commerce media inquiries:Brigitte Guay,
Director – Corporate Communications514
702-9658brigitte.guay@mdfcommerce.com
For KKR media inquiries: Liidia Liuksila212
230-9722media@kkr.com
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