Donuts to buy Rightside for $213M in cash
June 14, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rightside Group, Ltd. (NASDAQ:NAME) and Donuts Inc., a leading domain name registry for new domain extensions, today announced that the two companies have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Donuts will acquire Rightside for $10.60 per share in an all-cash tender offer, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $213MM. The purchase price represents a premium of approximately 12% percent over Rightside’s average closing price for the 30-day trading period ended June 13, 2017 and a premium of approximately 22% percent over Rightside’s average enterprise value (excluding cash) for such period.
The Merger Agreement was unanimously approved by Rightside’s Board of Directors following a comprehensive review of strategic and financial alternatives that Rightside announced in the first quarter of 2017.
“We believe that this agreement offers a substantial cash premium to our shareholders,” said Taryn Naidu, Rightside chief executive officer. “We look forward to working closely with Donuts to consummate this merger.”
“Donuts and Rightside have a long history of working together, and we are delighted to take the next step with this transaction,” said Bruce Jaffe, Donuts chief executive officer. “We believe that the combined company will be well positioned to serve our registrar customers and the millions of businesses and individuals who are embracing new ways to brand their online identities.”
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, the transaction will be completed through an all-cash tender offer, and closing is contingent upon tender of more than 50 percent of outstanding Rightside common shares, the receipt of certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
The transaction does not have a financing condition and is currently expected to close during the third quarter of 2017. Following the transaction, Rightside will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Donuts, a privately-held company, and Rightside’s common shares will no longer be listed on any public market.
Barclays Capital Inc. is serving as financial advisor to Rightside. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation, is acting as Rightside’s legal advisor. Silicon Valley Bank is providing a credit facility to Donuts as part of this transaction. Perkins Coie LLP is acting as Donuts’ legal advisor.
Press Statement: http://investors.rightside.co/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=1030175
