Artio Global Investors Inc. Enters Into Agreement To Be Acquired By Aberdeen Asset Management PLC
Artio Global Investors Inc. (NYSE: ART) (“Artio Global” or the “Company”), today announced that it has entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Aberdeen Asset Management PLC (“Aberdeen”), a global asset management firm listed on the London Stock Exchange, pursuant to which Aberdeen will acquire Artio Global for $2.75 in cash per share (the “Transaction”). The price represents a premium of approximately 34% over the closing price of Artio Global’s common stock as of February 13, 2013, and a premium of approximately 37% over the average closing price of Artio Global’s common stock during the 30 trading days ending February 13, 2013.
“I am delighted to be able to announce this merger, which we believe will be very beneficial for our clients and shareholders,” said Tony Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Artio Global. “Aberdeen brings vast financial strength, with a market cap of over $7.5 billion, and has a strong investment-centric culture consistent with Artio Global’s.”
“Our High Grade and Global High Yield teams will form a core part of Aberdeen’s fixed income capabilities, enhanced by the depth of its resources. We will continue to manage our International Equity and Global Equity strategies until the anticipated closing date, at which time Aberdeen will assume investment management responsibilities for them, subject to client consent. Aberdeen has a strong record of investment performance and we are confident that our clients will benefit from its robust investment process and global footprint of analytical resources.”
Artio Global’s Board of Directors, acting on the recommendation of a special committee of independent directors, unanimously approved the Merger Agreement and resolved to recommend that the Company’s shareholders vote to authorize and approve the Transaction.
Concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, GAM Holding AG, Richard Pell and Rudolph-Riad Younes, have entered into voting agreements providing that they will vote in favor of the Transaction. In aggregate, these shareholders represent approximately 45% of the Company’s outstanding shares as of February 13, 2013. In addition, Messrs. Pell and Younes entered into an amended and restated tax receivable agreement with Aberdeen and Artio Global pursuant to which, effective at closing of the Transaction, Messrs. Pell and Younes agreed to waive certain provisions relating to a change in control of Artio Global and Aberdeen agreed to modify certain provisions relating to payments that Messrs. Pell and Younes were entitled to under the original tax receivable agreement.Select the service that is right for you!
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