Univar Solutions to be Acquired by Apollo Funds for $8.1B

Univar Solutions Inc. and Apollo Global Management announced that funds managed by affiliates of Apollo have entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire Univar in an all-cash transaction that values Univar at an enterprise value of approximately $8.1 billion. The transaction includes a minority investment from a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).

The agreement provides that Univar Solutions shareholders will receive $36.15 per share in cash, which represents a 20.6% premium to its undisturbed closing stock price on November 22, 2022. The transaction consideration also represents a premium of 33.6% to the volume-weighted average price of Univar Solutions for the 30 trading days ending on Nov. 22, 2022.

“We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Apollo, which will provide immediate and certain cash value for Univar Solutions shareholders,” said Univar chairman Chris Pappas. “The board’s decision follows a comprehensive review of value creation opportunities for Univar Solutions. We are confident this transaction is the right path forward and achieves our goal of maximizing value for Univar Solutions shareholders.”

“Over the last three years, we have transformed the company, putting the customer at the center of all we do, which has solidified our position as a leading value-added service and solution provider,” Univar president and CEO David Jukes said, “This transaction reflects the success of our strategy and delivers substantial value to our shareholders. It is a testament to the tireless efforts of my colleagues, whose commitment to our purpose of helping keep our communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe has enabled our success. In Apollo, we are pleased to gain a partner to support continued investment in our portfolio and I look forward to working closely with their team as we grow Univar Solutions and serve our key suppliers and customers globally.”

Apollo Private Equity Partner Sam Feinstein said, “Univar is a global leader in specialty chemicals and ingredients distribution, fueling a vast array of industries with innovative, safe and sustainable solutions. In recent years, David and his team have made tremendous progress enhancing the customer experience, and we believe Univar can accelerate its long-term strategy as an Apollo Fund portfolio company. We look forward to leveraging our extensive experience in the sector to support management in this exciting next phase.”

Transaction Details

The merger agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the Univar Solutions board of directors, provides that Univar Solutions shareholders will receive $36.15 in cash for each share of common stock they own.

The transaction will be financed with equity provided by the Apollo Funds, a minority equity investment from a wholly owned subsidiary of ADIA and a committed debt financing package.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Univar Solutions shareholders and receipt of regulatory approvals. The transaction is not subject to a financing condition.

Upon completion of the transaction, shares of Univar Solutions common stock will no longer trade on the New York Stock Exchange, and Univar Solutions will become a privately-held company. Univar Solutions will continue to operate under the Univar Solutions name and brand and maintain a global presence, according to the companies.

The acquisition ends months of speculation regarding Univar Solutions. Last year, Brenntag, another specialty chemicals distributor, was reportedly interested in acquiring Univar.