27.06.2024 09:39:58 - dpa-AFX: GNW-Adhoc: Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S to acquire Mac Baren Tobacco Company A/S
Company Announcement
No. 35/2024
Copenhagen, 27 June 2024
Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S to acquire Mac Baren Tobacco Company A/S
Scandinavian Tobacco Group has today agreed on the terms and conditions for the
acquisition of all the shares of Mac Baren Tobacco Company A/S ("Mac Baren")
from Halberg A/S. On a debt and cash free basis (the enterprise value), the
transaction is valued at DKK 535 million. The acquisition will be financed by
cash at hand and debt. Closing of the transaction is expected shortly.
Mac Baren is a family-owned business founded in 1826 and is a leading global
smoking tobacco company, which includes a strong portfolio of pipe tobacco
brands such as Mac Baren, Amphora and Holger Danske as well as fine-cut tobacco
brands like Amsterdamer, Choice and Opal. The company also produces and sells
nicotine pouches with the brands ACE and GRITT.
Mac Baren's products are sold in 74 countries with the majority of net sales
generated in the US, Denmark and Germany. Other key markets include the UK,
France, Spain and Italy. The company is based in Svendborg, Denmark with
production facilities in Denmark and in Richmond, Virginia in the US. The
company has approximately 200 full-time employees.
Mac Baren's reported annual net sales (April/2024) were DKK 723 million with a
reported EBITDA of DKK 85 million. Nicotine pouches accounted for close to 20%
of net sales with a small negative contribution to EBITDA.
CEO of Scandinavian Tobacco Group, Niels Frederiksen says: "I am very pleased
that we have taken this important step to strengthen our smoking tobacco
business with the acquisition of Mac Baren. The acquisition will contribute to
our already well-established position on the global market for pipe tobacco and
will expand our attractive range of brands of the highest standards to our
consumers. The combination with our existing business is expected to deliver
meaningful synergies when fully integrated and good value for our shareholders."
Chairman of the Board of Halberg A/S, Torben Sørensen says: "Scandinavian
Tobacco Group is acquiring a strong company with a lot of know-how, loved brands
and skilled employees. Since its inception in 1826, a central part of Mac
Baren's DNA has been its focus on new opportunities and ensuring optimal
competitiveness. In light of this, it is timely prudence to now let the company
become part of a stronger constellation. It is a particular pleasure that
ownership has been retained in Danish hands. This is the best possible solution
for both Mac Baren and Halberg."
Scandinavian Tobacco Group's full-year financial guidance for 2024, excluding
the impact from the acquisition of Mac Baren Tobacco Company, remains unchanged.
The financial impact of the acquisition will be communicated as soon as the
integration planning period has been completed. The integration planning period
is expected to take up to 120 days.
When fully integrated, the transaction is expected to be accretive to Group
margin, EPS and ROIC. The Group leverage ratio (net interest-bearing
debt/EBITDA) will, if the transaction proceeds to completion, temporarily exceed
the target leverage ratio of 2.5x. The transaction will not impact the pending
up to DKK 850 million share buy-back programme.
For further information, please contact:
Torben Sand, Director of IR & Communication, phone +45 5084 7222 or
torben.sand@st-group.com
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