PartyLite Parent Acquired by Investor
View PartyLite Gifts, Inc Profile
9/5/2015
GREENWICH, Conn. and NEW YORK, Aug. 31, 2015 -- Global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group and Blyth, Inc., a direct-to-consumer manufacturer and seller of candles and home fragrance products, today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which The Carlyle Group will acquire all of Blyth's outstanding shares of common stock in a transaction valuing Blyth at $98 million, equating to $6.00 per share, which represents a premium of approximately 105 percent over the closing price of Blyth common stock on Friday, August 28, 2015 and a premium of 65 percent over Blyth's 30-day average share price as of such date. The transaction has been unanimously approved by Blyth's board of directors and will be completed by means of a tender offer followed by a merger.
Under the terms of the definitive agreement, an affiliate of The Carlyle Group will commence a tender offer for all of Blyth's outstanding shares of common stock at $6.00 per share in cash. The tender offer is conditioned on Blyth's stockholders tendering at least a majority of Blyth's outstanding shares in the tender offer, early termination or expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other customary closing conditions. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2015. The financing for the transaction will come from Carlyle Equity Opportunity Fund, a $1.1 billion U.S. middle-market buyout fund. Robert B. Goergen, Blyth's Chairman of the Board, and Robert B. Goergen, Jr., Blyth's President and Chief Executive Officer, who beneficially own approximately 38% of Blyth's outstanding shares of common stock, have committed to support the tender offer.
Carlyle Managing Director David Stonehill said, "Blyth is a pioneer in home fragrance with well established brands and extreme customer loyalty. We expect Carlyle's deep experience in global consumer businesses will help drive Blyth's product innovation and growth goals. We are particularly impressed with PartyLite's network of 40,000 independent consultants who have remarkable passion for the company's products. We are excited to support their efforts as we grow the company together."
Blyth CEO Robert B. Goergen, Jr. said, "This is an important day in Blyth's 40-year history. Carlyle understands what our team has accomplished and supports our vision for the future. Building on our strong consumer relationships, Carlyle, with its proven track record of growing companies, is the right partner to take PartyLite and Silver Star Brands to the next level of creativity and global growth."
The Goergen family has controlled Blyth for nearly 40 years. The company, based in Greenwich, Connecticut, includes PartyLite and Silver Star Brands.