TIBCO to be acquired by Vista Equity Partners for $24.00 per share in cash
Transaction values TIBCO at approximately $4.3 billion
TIBCO Software Inc. (NASDAQ: TIBX) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Vista Equity Partners, a leading private equity firm focused on software, data and technology-enabled businesses. Under the terms of the agreement, TIBCO stockholders will receive $24.00 per share in cash, or a total of approximately $4.3 billion, including the assumption of net debt. The agreement was unanimously approved by TIBCO’s board of directors following a thorough review of strategic and financial alternatives conducted by a Special Committee of the Board.
“The sale of TIBCO to Vista will provide our shareholders with immediate and substantial cash value, as well as a compelling premium, and the Board has unanimously agreed that this transaction is in the best interests of all our stakeholders,” said Vivek Ranadivé, Chairman and CEO of TIBCO.
“Over the course of TIBCO’s comprehensive review, the Special Committee and its advisors evaluated a wide variety of strategic and financial alternatives, including a sale of the company,” said David West, a member of TIBCO’s board and of the Special Committee. “In reviewing the sale alternative, TIBCO engaged in an extensive process involving a large and diverse group of strategic and financial buyers. Ultimately, the Board concluded that the sale alternative was the best alternative, and that Vista’s offer to acquire TIBCO is the best way to maximize value for our shareholders.”
“We strongly believe that this transaction best positions the Company to execute on our vision of providing the right information, at the right time, in the right context to make the world a better place,” said Ranadivé. “Additionally, as a private company, TIBCO will have added flexibility to serve our customers and execute on our long-term strategy. We are excited to work with our new partners at Vista and enter our next chapter of growth and industry leadership.”
Vista is a leading private equity firm with over $13.5 billion in cumulative capital commitments, focused on investments in software, data and technology-enabled companies. Vista has an extensive track record of successfully completing take-private transactions, including taking five other public companies private in the past three years. The firm helps its companies achieve operational, product and customer service excellence by contributing professional expertise, proven best practices and management techniques.
“We look forward to working with the talented management team and employees to accelerate TIBCO’s growth and strengthen its leadership as a complete fast data platform,” said Robert F. Smith, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners. “We worked hard to make this deal happen because we understand the tremendous value that TIBCO can bring to its customers and the marketplace as a private company. We are incredibly excited to help TIBCO reach its full potential.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Vista will acquire all outstanding TIBCO common stock for $24.00 per share in cash. The purchase price represents a 26.3 percent premium to the closing price of TIBCO common stock on September 23, 2014, one day prior to public reports that multiple parties were competing to acquire TIBCO. The total enterprise value of the transaction represents more than 18 times TIBCO’s earnings before interest, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the 12 months ending August 31, 2014.
The transaction, which is expected to close in the fourth calendar quarter of 2014, is subject to approval by TIBCO stockholders, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. There are no financing conditions associated with the proposed agreement. JPMorgan Securities LLC and Jefferies Finance LLC have provided committed debt financing to Vista in connection with the transaction.