- Conditional agreement reached on recommended all-cash public
offer for all shares in Ordina at an Offer Price of EUR 5.75 ex-the
proposed dividend1 per share
- The Offer Price represents a premium of 36% over the closing
price on 14 March 2023 and a premium of 43% to the last three
months daily volume-weighted average price per share
- The combination creates a partner of choice in the BeNeLux IT
consulting industry, accelerating the transformation towards a
digital business partner
- The Offeror will support the continued growth of the
combination in BeNeLux
- This acquisition would contribute to Sopra Steria’s balanced
European expansion by developing its presence in geographical areas
considered as strategic for Sopra Steria
- Ordina's CEO Jo Maes will be responsible for the combined
BeNeLux region
- Post-settlement, establishment of an integration committee in
BeLux led by Ordina’s CEO and supported by Michel Lorgeré, the
current CEO for Sopra Steria BeNeLux, to assure successful
integration
- Ordina’s two largest shareholders, Teslin Participaties
Cooperatief U.A. (“Teslin”) and Mont Cervin S.à r.l. (“Mont
Cervin”), together holding approx. 26% of the Shares, have
irrevocably agreed to tender their shares to the Offer; in
addition, the Company's CEO and CFO have also irrevocably agreed to
tender their shares
- The transaction and its complementarities would result in an
earnings per share2 accretion of +1.2% in the first year (2024) and
+3.7% in the second year (2025) for Sopra Steria
Regulatory News:
Sopra Steria (Paris:SOP):
This is a joint press release by Ordina N.V. ("Ordina" or the
"Company") and Sopra Steria Group SA ("Sopra Steria" or the
"Offeror") pursuant to the provisions of section 4, paragraphs 1
and 3 and, section 5, paragraph 1 and section 7, paragraph 4 of the
Dutch decree on public takeover bids (Besluit openbare biedingen
Wft) (the “Decree”) in connection with the intended recommended
public offer by the Offeror for all the issued and outstanding
ordinary shares in the capital of Ordina (the "Offer" and, together
with the Asset Sale (as defined below) followed by either (i) the
Liquidation (as defined below) or (ii) the Issuance and Repurchase
and the Note Distribution (as defined below), the "Transaction").
The information in this announcement is not intended to be
complete. This public announcement is for information purposes only
and does not constitute an offer, or any solicitation of any offer,
to buy or subscribe for any securities in Ordina. Any offer will be
made only by means of an offer memorandum (the "Offer Memorandum")
approved by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets
(Autoriteit Financiële Markten) (the "AFM"). This press release is
not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part,
in or into, directly or indirectly, in any jurisdiction in which
such release, publication or distribution would be unlawful.
Sopra Steria, a European leader in the field of
technology, renowned for its consulting, digital services and
software development and Ordina, the digital business partner that
harnesses technology and market know-how to give its clients an
edge, are pleased to jointly announce that they have reached a
conditional agreement (the "Merger Protocol") on a recommended
public offer to be made by Sopra Steria for all of the issued and
outstanding ordinary shares in the capital of Ordina (each a
"Share") for EUR 5.75 in cash per Share (the "Offer"). This
represents a total consideration of approximately EUR 518 million.
Sopra Steria has fully committed financing with existing cash and
credit facilities.
European expansion through a balanced geographical portfolio,
with a reinforced position in digital sovereignty and trust
The combined operations, comprising Sopra Steria’s existing
business in the BeNeLux, its recent acquisition Tobania (finalised
in March 2023), and Ordina will create a partner of choice in
digital services in the region with a pro forma revenue of €700
million and more than 4,000 employees spread almost equally between
the Netherlands and Belgium. In Luxembourg, the combination would
reach a strategic size of 300 employees.
Sopra Steria and Ordina believe that combining the BeNeLux
businesses is highly attractive and will accelerate their
strategies. Both parties believe that the combination will have an
overall improved position in the BeNeLux and will provide
significant strategic benefits, including:
- Strong strategic fit benefitting the combination in becoming
the digital business partner for our clients;
- Excellent cultural alignment through shared focus on local
proximity and entrepreneurship;
- Highly complementary geographical footprint and positioning
across sectors, with opportunities to mutually expand the
combination’s joint business;
- Improved positioning to capture the significant growth
opportunities in the market, among others through scale
advantages;
- Increased possibilities for knowledge sharing, strengthening
capabilities and talent development; and
- Enhanced career opportunities for employees, as they will be
part of a larger company.
The combination will be focused on capturing the significant
growth potential in the BeNeLux digital services market estimated
at approx. €31 billion in 2022 for 28 million inhabitants, with
approx. 8% growth per year for the next 3 years3. By way of
comparison, the French market stands at €44 billion per year for 68
million inhabitants.
The size of the market, the weight of public sector and
financial services clients and the presence of European
institutions make this geographical region a strategic development
area for Sopra Steria. In particular, the acquisition of Ordina
would significantly strengthen the public sector and financial
services segments, where Ordina generates 42% and 26% of its
revenues respectively.
Sopra Steria has an objective to expand its activities in Europe
to develop its market share in geographical areas where there is
significant growth potential. Strategic size in certain countries
will help to strengthen the strategic nature of the relationship
with targeted clients and the ability to recruit the required
talents by building a strong employer brand. Strengthening Sopra
Steria's presence in the BeNeLux would meet this dual objective. It
would also support Sopra Steria’s European ambition with a credible
positioning in the field of digital sovereignty and trust.
The proposed acquisition would also contribute to balancing
Sopra Steria's geographical portfolio. On a pro forma basis, Sopra
Steria's revenue including Ordina would be distributed as follows:
39% in France, 15% in the United Kingdom, 11% in BeNeLux, 8% in
Scandinavia, 7% in Germany, 8% in the rest of Europe and 12% in
software.
A value-creating and immediately accretive
transaction
The combination of the two entities will drive significant
complementarities from both a commercial and operational
perspective.
In the strategic public, defence & security, financial
services and transportation sectors, the combination will provide
access to a larger and more significant business potential.
Ordina’s client base could also benefit from Sopra Steria's
end-to-end capabilities, in particular its hybrid cloud &
technology services, cybersecurity and Sopra Banking Software
solutions. Clients will also have access to Sopra Steria's delivery
facilities and its nearshore and offshore capabilities. The
combination of the two organizations is also expected to strengthen
hiring capability and operational efficiency.
Operational complementarities are estimated at €10 million on an
annual basis (run-rate after 2 years).
Sopra Steria expects an accretive impact on earnings per share
from the first year (+1.2% in 2024). In 2025, Sopra Steria expects
an accretive impact of +3.7% on earnings per share.
The transaction will be financed by existing cash and credit
facilities. Following completion of the transaction pro forma
leverage of Sopra Steria would be approximately 1.5x4 EBITDA by the
end of 2023.
Johan van Hall, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of
Ordina: “Following a thorough process, we have carefully
evaluated the interest Sopra Steria has expressed in Ordina and we
concluded that Ordina and all its stakeholders, including the
shareholders, would benefit from the offer. The offer reflects a
compelling and immediate value for our shareholders, which is
underlined by the irrevocable commitments Sopra Steria has received
from certain larger shareholders. Sopra Steria fully understands
our strategy that fits perfectly with our combined vision. The
Supervisory Board therefore unanimously supports the transaction
and recommends the offer by Sopra Steria, which we believe will
promote the sustainable success of Ordina.”
Jo Maes, CEO of Ordina: "Today’s announcement marks an
important step for Ordina. As we are making great progress on our
way to become a digital business partner for our clients, we
believe that combining forces with Sopra Steria will enable us to
accelerate this strategy. Combining our current operations in the
BeNeLux with those of Sopra Steria and the recently acquired
Tobania will allow to fully benefit from the reach, scale and
resources of our combined businesses. I look forward to work
closely with Michel Lorgeré as my deputy CEO. As such, this
transaction will enable us to take a leap forward, also bringing
along enhanced career opportunities for our employees. We shall
continue to foster our culture of excellence, where qualified
employees are offered attractive opportunities. With an integration
committee of representatives from all three companies we will
ensure a swift integration to capitalize on the strengths of the
entire organization and further pursue the transformation of the
combined entity into a digital business partner of choice."
Pierre Pasquier, Chairman Sopra Steria: “Sopra Steria’s
strategy is anchored on a Europe-wide independent corporate plan
underpinned by expansion through organic and acquisition-led
growth. Its goal is to generate substantial added value by
leveraging a comprehensive range of end-to-end solutions and its
combination of technology and sector-specific expertise. The
proposed acquisition of Ordina would be an acceleration of our
strategy. It would materialize our ambition of building a European
player with a balanced geographical portfolio. The combination
would also reinforce our business in strategic sectors such as
public, defence & security, financial services and transport.
That will help to confirm Sopra Steria’s robust positioning in
digital sovereignty and trust for its European clients.”
Cyril Malargé, CEO Sopra Steria: “I am enthusiastic about
the proposed acquisition of Ordina. The benefits it will have for
all stakeholders of both companies is tangible. The improved
positioning that will result from the combination will help us to
capture the significant growth opportunities in the BeNeLux market
and contribute to the continued development of Sopra Steria in
Europe. The combination of the offers will create greater value to
customers. From a culture perspective, we share with Ordina the
same entrepreneurial spirit, values, and focus on local proximity
with clients. We aim to foster a seamless fit between the employees
of both companies and talents and leaders from Sopra Steria,
Tobania and Ordina will have key roles to play in making this
combination a success. I look forward to working closely with Jo
Maes and all of the teams to take this new combination to the next
level.”
Offer highlights
- The transaction will be financed by existing cash and credit
facilities
- The draft offer memorandum will be submitted to the AFM in Q2
2023
- The Offer is subject to certain customary conditions and is
expected to complete in Q4 2023
- Sopra Steria intends to delist Ordina from Euronext Amsterdam
as soon as practicable following the settlement of the Offer
Offer Price
- Conditional agreement has been reached at an Offer Price of EUR
5.75 ex-the proposed dividend per Share5
- The Offer Price ex-the proposed dividend represents the
following premia:
- 36% over closing price on 14 March 2023
- 43% to the last three months daily volume-weighted average
price per Share
- 46% to the last six months daily volume-weighted average price
per Share
Full and unanimous support and recommendation by the Ordina
Boards
Consistent with their fiduciary responsibilities, Ordina’s
management board (the “Management Board”) and supervisory board
(the “Supervisory Board”, and together with the Management Board,
the “Boards”) have discussed and carefully reviewed the Offer and
the related actions as contemplated by the Transaction, with the
assistance of their financial and legal advisors, and carefully
considered all alternatives available to them. The Boards have
followed a thorough and careful process in which they have
frequently discussed the developments. Having taken the interests
of all stakeholders into account, the Ordina Boards concluded that
the Transaction is in the long-term interests of Ordina, the
sustainable success of its business and clients, employees,
shareholders and other stakeholders.
The Ordina Boards unanimously support the Transaction and
recommend Ordina’s shareholders to tender their shares to the
Offer, if and when made. The Boards recommend that shareholders of
Ordina vote in favour of the resolutions relating to the Offer at
the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders, to be held
during the offer period (the “EGM”). The support and recommendation
of the Boards, and the obligations of Ordina in relation thereto,
are subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Protocol.
Fairness Opinions
The Ordina Boards have obtained a written opinion dated March 21
2023 of AXECO Corporate Finance B.V. (“AXECO”), and the Ordina
Supervisory Board has received a written opinion from ABN AMRO Bank
N.V. (“ABN AMRO”), each to the effect that, as of such date and
subject to the qualifications and assumptions included in the
respective opinion, the Offer Price is fair, from a financial point
of view, to the holders of the Shares, and the purchase price for
the entire Ordina’s business is fair, from a financial point of
view to the Company. The full text of the fairness opinions, each
of which sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed,
matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken in
connection with such opinion, will be included in Ordina’s position
statement. The opinions of AXECO and ABN AMRO have been given
solely to the Management Board of Ordina and to the Supervisory
Board of Ordina, and not to the holders of Shares. The opinions do
not make any recommendation to the holders of Shares as to whether
they should tender their Shares under the Offer (if and when made)
or how they should vote or act with respect to the proposed
resolutions at the EGM or any other matter.
Irrevocable undertakings
The Offer is supported by Ordina’s two largest shareholders, as
well as the individual members of each of the Boards, together
representing approximately 27% of the Shares. Each has irrevocably
committed to Sopra Steria to support the Offer, vote in favor of
the resolutions contemplated by the Merger Protocol and tender its
shareholding in the Offer. In accordance with the applicable public
offer rules, any information shared with these major shareholders
about the Offer shall, if not published prior to the offer
memorandum being made generally available, be included in the offer
memorandum in respect of the Offer (if and when issued) and these
shareholders will tender their Shares on the same terms and
conditions as the other shareholders.
Fully committed financing in place
The Offer values Ordina at approximately EUR 518 million. The
Offeror has funds readily available to finance the Offer through
available cash resources and existing credit lines and will comply
with all its financial obligations (subject to customary
conditions).
Other highlights of the agreement
Ordina and Sopra Steria have agreed to certain non-financial
covenants in respect of, amongst others, strategy, structure and
governance, employees and minority shareholders for a duration of
2.5 years after settlement of the Offer (the "Non-Financial
Covenants" - please see details in Appendix).
Commencement and offer conditions
The commencement of the Offer is subject to the satisfaction or
waiver of commencement conditions customary for a transaction of
this kind, being:
- the AFM having approved the Offer Memorandum;
- no material breach of the Merger Protocol having occurred that
has not been timely remedied;
- no material adverse effect having occurred that is
continuing
- no notification having been received from the AFM stating that
pursuant to Section 5:80 of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act
(Wet op het financieel toezicht) investment firms
(beleggingsondernemingen) would not be allowed to cooperate with
the settlement;
- compliance with the co-determination procedures pursuant to the
Dutch Works Council Act (Wet op de ondernemingsraden) with respect
to the Dutch works council of Ordina;
- the Boards not having revoked or altered their recommendation
of the Offer;
- no termination of the Merger Protocol;
- no order, stay, judgment or decree having been issued by any
court, arbitral tribunal, government, governmental authority or
other regulatory or administrative authority and being in effect,
or any statute, rule, regulation, governmental order or injunction
having been enacted, enforced or deemed applicable to the Offer,
any of which restrains or prohibits the Offer or the Transaction in
any material respect; and
- trading in Shares on Euronext not having been suspended or
ended as a result of a listing measure (noteringsmaatregel) taken
by Euronext Amsterdam in accordance with Article 6901/2 or any
other relevant provision of the Euronext Rulebook I (Harmonised
Rules).
If and when made, the consummation of the Offer will be subject
to the satisfaction or waiver of offer conditions customary for a
transaction of this kind, being:
- minimum acceptance level of at least 95% of the Shares, which
will be reduced to 80% if the general meeting of the Company adopts
the resolutions in connection with the Asset Sale followed by
either (i) the Liquidation or (ii) the Issuance and Repurchase and
the Note Distribution (as defined below) at the EGM, which
condition may be waived by the Offeror provided that the Offeror
may only waive this condition together with the Company if less
than 75% of all Shares is tendered;
- the Competition Clearances (as defined below) and Regulatory
Clearances (as defined below) having been obtained;
- no notification having been received from the AFM stating that
pursuant to Section 5:80 of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act
(Wet op het financieel toezicht) investment firms
(beleggingsondernemingen) would not be allowed to cooperate with
the settlement;
- no material breach of the Merger Protocol having occurred that
has not been timely remedied;
- the general meeting of Ordina having adopted all resolutions
required in connection with the Transaction, including but not
limited to (i) the appointment of the new Board members as per
settlement of the Offer, (ii) the post-closing restructuring
measure and (iii) certain amendments to Ordina's articles of
association after settlement of the Offer or delisting of
Ordina;
- no material adverse effect having occurred;
- the Boards not having revoked or altered their recommendation
of the Offer;
- no order, stay, judgment or decree having been issued by any
court, arbitral tribunal, government, governmental authority or
other regulatory or administrative authority and being in effect,
or any statute, rule, regulation, governmental order or injunction
having been enacted, enforced or deemed applicable to the Offer,
any of which restrains or prohibits the Offer or the Transaction in
any material respect; and
- trading in Shares on Euronext not having been suspended or
ended as a result of a listing measure (noteringsmaatregel) taken
by Euronext Amsterdam in accordance with Article 6901/2 or any
other relevant provision of the Euronext Rulebook I (Harmonised
Rules).
Acquisition of 100%
The Offeror and the Company believe that it is desirable that
the Offeror acquires full ownership of the Company and its business
and achieving a delisting to sustainably pursue Ordina’s long-term
business strategy. This belief is based, inter alia, on:
- the fact that having a single shareholder and operating without
a public listing increases the Company's ability to achieve the
goals and implement the actions of its strategy and reduces the
Company’s costs;
- the ability to implement and focus on achieving long-term
strategic goals of the Company, as opposed to short-term
performance driven by quarterly reporting;
- as part of long-term strategic objectives the ability to focus
on pursuing and supporting (by providing access to equity and debt
capital) continued buy-and-build acquisition opportunities as and
when they arise;
- the ability of the Company and the Offeror to terminate the
listing of the Shares from Euronext Amsterdam, and all resulting
cost savings therefrom; and
- the ability to achieve an efficient capital structure (both
from a tax and financing perspective), which would, among other
things, facilitate the Transaction, intercompany and dividend
distributions.
The Offeror and Ordina will seek to procure the delisting of the
Shares from Euronext Amsterdam, as soon as possible.
If, after the post-acceptance period of the Offer (the
"Post-Acceptance Period") (if elected by the Offeror), the
Offeror holds at least 80%, but less than 95% of the Shares, the
Offeror may determine to implement an asset sale transaction
pursuant to which the Company will sell and transfer all of its
assets and liabilities to the Offeror at the same price and for the
same consideration as the Offer (the "Asset Sale") whereby
an amount equal to the value attributable to the Offeror's
shareholding will be paid through a loan note (the "Offeror
Note"), followed by the dissolution and liquidation of the
Company (the "Liquidation"). As soon as possible after
commencement of the Liquidation, an advance liquidation
distribution will be made to the shareholders of the Company
consisting of a payment per Share equal to the Offer Price, subject
to any applicable tax, including any Dutch dividend withholding
tax.
If, after the Post-Acceptance Period (if elected by the
Offeror), the Offeror has acquired at least 95% of the Shares, the
Offeror will commence statutory squeeze-out proceedings (the
"Squeeze-Out Proceedings") to obtain 100% of the Shares,
provided that the Offeror may choose to implement the Asset Sale
prior to commencing the Squeeze-Out Proceedings. At the request of
the Offeror, the Company will then be converted into a private
company with limited liability (besloten vennootschap met beperkte
aansprakelijkheid) and its articles of association will be amended
to, inter alia, provide for a new class of shares (the "B
Shares") and subsequently, the Company will issue a number of B
Shares to the Offeror equal to the number of Shares held by the
Offeror at the time of such issuance, and exclude pre-emptive
rights in that respect, against the transfer by the Offeror to the
Company of the Shares held by it (the "Issuance and
Repurchase"). The Company will subsequently make a distribution
equal to the Offeror Note on the B Shares to the Offeror (the
"Note Distribution"). As part of the Squeeze-Out Proceedings
the remaining minority shareholders in the Company will be offered
the Offer Price for their Shares unless there would be financial,
business or other developments or circumstances that would justify
a different price in accordance with, respectively, section 2:92a,
paragraph 5, section 2:201a, paragraph 5 or section 2:359c,
paragraph 6 of the DCC.
The post-closing restructuring measure is subject to the
adoption of certain shareholder resolutions at the EGM. The Boards
have agreed to unanimously recommend that shareholders vote in
favour of the resolutions required for the post-closing
restructuring measure, subject to completion of consultation with
the appropriate employee representative bodies.
Exclusivity and competing offer
As part of the Merger Protocol, Ordina has entered into
customary undertakings not to solicit third party offers. If the
Boards determine that Ordina has received from a bona fide third
party a written and binding proposal relating to an offer for all
of the Shares or for substantially all of Ordina's business or a
merger of Ordina with a party or another proposal made by a bona
fide third party that would involve a change of control of Ordina
or substantially all of Ordina's business, which, in the opinion of
the Boards, after having considered advice of the Company's outside
counsel and financial advisors, is a more beneficial offer for the
Group, taking into account the interests of all its stakeholders,
than the Offer, and the consideration of which exceeds the offer
price as included in this press release by at least 10% (a
"Competing Offer"), Ordina will inform the Offeror in
writing thereof. In such case, the Offeror has the opportunity to
match such Superior Offer within five business days. If the Offeror
timely submits to Ordina a revised offer in writing, that in the
reasonable opinion of the Boards, having consulted their financial
and legal advisers and acting in good faith and observing their
obligations under Dutch law, are at least equally beneficial to the
Company, its business and its stakeholders and materially matches
the terms and conditions of the Competing Offer, Ordina will not
accept the Competing Offer and the Offeror and Ordina will remain
bound to the Merger Protocol. If the Offeror does not timely match
the Competing Offer or informs Ordina that it does not wish to
match the Competing Offer, Ordina will be entitled to agree to the
Competing Offer, in which case each of the Offeror and Ordina may
terminate the Merger Protocol.
Termination
If the Merger Protocol is terminated because of Ordina having
agreed to a Competing Offer, Ordina shall pay the Offeror an amount
of EUR 5.2 million (approx. 1.0% of the aggregate value of the
Shares at the Offer Price). If the Merger Protocol is terminated by
Ordina because of the offer condition with regard to Competition
Clearances is not (timely) obtained, the Offeror shall pay Ordina
an amount of EUR 15.5 million (approx. 3.0% of the aggregate value
of the Shares at the Offer Price). If the Merger Protocol is
terminated by Ordina because all commencement conditions having
been satisfied or waived and the Offeror having failed to make the
Offer or all offer conditions having been satisfied or waived and
the settlement of the Offer not having occurred timely, the Offeror
shall pay Ordina an amount of EUR 7.8 million (approx. 1.5% of the
aggregate value of the Shares at the Offer Price). If the Merger
Protocol is terminated because a party has materially breached the
Merger Protocol and such breach is incapable of being remedied or
has not been remedied, the party that breaches the Merger Protocol
will pay to the other party an amount of EUR 7.8 million (approx.
1.5% of the aggregate value of the Shares at the Offer Price).
These rights to payment are without prejudice to the right of the
Offeror or Ordina to demand specific performance of the Merger
Protocol or any liability under the Merger Protocol to the extent
the amount of the liability exceeds the amount in the two preceding
sentences.
Regulatory Clearances
Ordina and the Offeror shall seek to obtain the required
regulatory clearances ("Regulatory Clearances") as soon as
practicable and prepare and file with the regulatory authorities
the relevant applications and provide the regulatory authorities
with any additional information and documentation that may be
reasonably requested in connection with these applications.
Competition Clearances
Both the Offeror and Ordina will procure the preparation and
filing with the European Commission to obtain the required
competition clearances in respect of the Offer (the “Competition
Clearances”) as soon as practicable after the signing of the
Merger Protocol. The Offeror and Ordina shall closely co-operate in
respect of any necessary contact with and notifications to the
European Commission.
Timing and Next Steps
The Company and the Offeror will seek to obtain all necessary
approvals and the Competition Clearances and Regulatory Clearances
(if required) as soon as practicable, whereby the Offeror, with
assistance of the Company, has agreed to take all necessary steps
to obtain clearance from the competition authorities and regulatory
authorities (if required). The required advice and consultation
procedures with the Company's works council will start as soon as
feasible. Both parties are confident that the Offeror will secure
all required approvals and clearances within the timetable of the
Offer.
The Offeror will launch the Offer within three business days
after it has been notified by the AFM of the approval of the offer
memorandum and in accordance with the applicable statutory
timetable. The Offeror will submit a first draft of the Offer
Memorandum to the AFM as soon as practicable, and in any event
within twelve (12) weeks. The Offer Memorandum will be published
shortly after approval, which is expected to occur in the second
quarter of 2023. Ordina will hold an Extraordinary General Meeting
at least six business days before the offer period ends, in
accordance with Section 18, paragraph 1 of the Decree, to inform
the shareholders about the Transaction and to adopt the resolutions
(including with respect to the Post-Closing Restructuring Measure).
Based on the required steps and subject to the necessary approvals,
Ordina and the Offeror anticipate that the Offer will close in the
second half of 2023.
Advisors
AXECO Corporate Finance is acting as financial advisor and
Stibbe N.V. is acting as legal advisor to Ordina. ABN AMRO is
acting as independent financial advisor to the Supervisory Board.
CFF Communications is acting as Ordina’s communication adviser.
Advisors
Messier & Associés is acting as financial advisor and Van
Bael & Bellis and Houthoff are acting as legal advisor to Sopra
Steria. Image 7 is acting as Sopra Steria’s communication
adviser.
Analyst and Investor Calls
Sopra Steria:
The project of acquisition will be presented to financial
analysts and investors in a French/English webcast on Tuesday, 21
March 2023 at 8:30 a.m. CET.
– French-language webcast:
https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/soprasteriafr/20230321_1/
– English-language webcast:
https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/soprasteriaen/20230321_1/
Or by phone:
– French-language phone number: +33 (0)1 70
37 71 66
– English-language phone number: +44 (0)33
0551 0200
Practical information about the presentation and webcast can be
found in the ‘Investors’ section of the Group’s website:
https://www.soprasteria.com/investors
For More Information:
Investor Relations
Olivier Psaume
olivier.psaume@soprasteria.com
+33 (0)1 40 67 68 16
Press Relations
Caroline Simon (Image 7)
caroline.simon@image7.fr
+33 (0)1 53 70 74 65
Ordina:
– At 10.00 am
CET, Ordina will organize an analyst webcast, which can be
followed live at our website https://www.ordina.com/investors/
– At 8.30 am
CET, Ordina will organize a press call. For information
please contact our media relations.
For More Information:
Investor Relations
Anneke Hoijtink
anneke.hoijtink@ordina.nl
+31 615396873
Media relations
Uneke Dekkers, CFF Communications
Uneke.dekkers@cffcomunications.nl
+31 650261626
About Ordina
Ordina is the digital business partner that harnesses technology
and market know-how to give its clients an edge. We do this by
using smart solutions to connect technology, business challenges
and people. We help our clients to accelerate, to develop smart
applications, to launch new digital services and ensure that people
embrace those services. Ordina was founded in 1973. Its shares are
listed on Euronext Amsterdam and are included in the Smallcap Index
(AScX). In 2022, Ordina recorded revenue of EUR 429 million.
You will find more information at www.ordina.com.
About Sopra Steria
Sopra Steria, a European Tech leader recognised for its
consulting, digital services and software development, helps its
clients drive their digital transformation to obtain tangible and
sustainable benefits. It provides end-to-end solutions to make
large companies and organisations more competitive by combining
in-depth knowledge of a wide range of business sectors and
innovative technologies with a fully collaborative approach. Sopra
Steria places people at the heart of everything it does and is
committed to putting digital to work for its clients in order to
build a positive future for all. With 50,000 employees in nearly 30
countries, the Group generated revenue of €5.1 billion in 2022.
The world is how we shape it. Sopra Steria (SOP) is
listed on Euronext Paris (Compartment A) – ISIN: FR0000050809 For
more information, visit us at www.soprasteria.com
Disclaimer, General Restrictions and Forward-Looking
Statements
The distribution of this press release may, in some countries,
be restricted by law or regulation. Accordingly, persons who come
into possession of this document should inform themselves of and
observe these restrictions. To the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law, the Offeror and Ordina disclaim any responsibility
or liability for the violation of any such restrictions by any
person. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may
constitute a violation of the securities laws of that jurisdiction.
Neither Ordina, nor the Offeror, nor any of their advisors assume
any responsibility for any violation by any person of any of these
restrictions. Ordina shareholders in any doubt as to their position
should consult an appropriate professional advisor without delay.
This announcement is not to be published or distributed in or to
Canada, Japan and the United States.
This is a public announcement by Ordina pursuant to section 17
paragraph 1 of the European Market Abuse Regulation (596/2014) and
section 4 paragraph 1 and 3 and section 5 paragraph 1 of the Dutch
decree on public takeover bids (Besluit openbare biedingen Wft).
This public announcement is for information purposes only and does
not constitute an offer, or any solicitation of any offer, to buy
or subscribe for any securities in Ordina. This press release is
not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part,
in or into, directly or indirectly, in any jurisdiction in which
such release, publication or distribution would be unlawful.
This public announcement may include "forward-looking
statements" and language that indicates trends, such as
"anticipated" and "expected". Although Ordina and the Offeror
believe that the assumptions upon which their respective financial
information and their respective forward-looking statements are
based are reasonable, they can give no assurance that these
assumptions will prove to be correct. Neither Ordina nor the
Offeror, nor any of their advisors accept any responsibility for
any financial information contained in this press release relating
to the business or operations or results or financial condition of
the other or their respective groups
APPENDIX
Non-Financial Covenants
The Offeror and the Company have agreed to certain non-financial
covenants in respect of, amongst others, strategy, structure and
governance, financing, employees and minority shareholders for a
duration of 30 months after settlement of the Offer (the
“Non-Financial Covenants”), including the covenants
summarized below.
Strategy
The Offeror fully subscribes to the business strategy of the
Company’s group. The Offeror intends to align the activities of the
Belgian and Luxembourg parts of the Offeror and the Belgian and
Luxembourg parts of the Company’s group, to fully benefit from the
reach, scale and resources of their combined businesses (the
"BeLux Group" and together with the other parts of the
Company’s group, the "BeNeLux Group"). The Offeror will
support, including from a financial perspective, the BeNeLux Group
to realise and execute the business strategy of the Company’s group
and will work with the Company to grow the BeNeLux Group
organically and through mergers and acquisitions. The core business
of the Company’s group shall remain intact. The Offeror has no
intention to break up the BeNeLux Group or to divest a part of the
BeNeLux Group. The BeNeLux Group will be rebranded (including the
name of the Company).
The Offeror will support the Company in furthering its current
sustainability, ESG and corporate social responsibility strategy
and goals, with a view to maintain the "best of both worlds" of the
existing ESG standards of the Company’s group and the Offeror’s
group.
Structure and governance
Following the settlement of the Offer, the Company will have a
one-tier board (the "One-Tier Board"), comprising three
executive directors (the "Executive Directors"), being Jo
Maes (as the CEO of the Company’s group), Joyce van Donk-van Wijnen
and Michel Lorgeré, and five non-executive directors (the
"Non-Executive Directors"), being (i) Dennis de Breij and
Bj�rn van Reet who are current members of the Supervisory Board and
who are considered independent from the Offeror (the
"Independent Non-Executive Directors") and (ii) Pierre
Pasquier, Kathleen Clark Bracco and Yvane Bernard-Hulin, to be
designated by the Offeror, who are non-independent from the Offeror
(the "Designated Non-Executive Directors"). The two
Independent Non-Executive Directors will especially monitor
compliance with the Non-Financial Covenants. Any deviations from
the Non-Financial Covenants require the prior written approval of
the One-Tier Board, including a vote in favor of such approval by
the Independent Non-Executive Directors.
The Executive Directors remain responsible for managing the
BeNeLux Group. Any persons to be appointed within the BeNeLux Group
that report directly to the Executive Board, shall be appointed by
the Executive Directors, following the approval of the One-Tier
Board. The CEO of the Dutch part of the BeNeLux Group shall be
Joost de Bruin and the CEO of the BeLux Group shall be Lieven
Verhaevert. Until such appointment, the current CEOs for
respectively Ordina BeLux, Michel Lorgeré, Sopra Steria BeNeLux,
Lieven Verhaevert and Tobania Belgium, Lode Peeters will remain in
function, reporting to the Executive Directors.
The Company’s group will maintain a substantial presence in the
Netherlands and the BeNeLux headquarters will remain in Nieuwegein,
the Netherlands. The Company will remain a separate legal entity
and the main holding company of the current and future subsidiaries
and operations of the Company’s group. The Company will continue
under the mitigated structure regime (gemitigeerde
structuurregime).
Employees
The existing rights and benefits of the employees of the
combined group will be respected, as well as the current employee
consultation structure of the Company’s group in the Netherlands,
Belgium and Luxembourg. The Offeror will also respect the existing
pension rights of the current and former employees of the combined
group.
To the extent that any positions within the Company’s group and
the Offeror's group overlap following settlement of the Offer, such
positions will be filled based on fair allocation principles, such
as "best person for the job". The Offeror is committed to provide
the employees of the combined group with appropriate career
opportunities and training.
_________________________ 1 On 16 February 2023, Ordina
announced a dividend of EUR 39.5 cent per share; any other
dividends or distributions will be deducted from the offer price 2
Net Income consensus based on brokers post FY2022 results 3 Gartner
Q3 2022 report, IT Services forecast 2020-2026, end user spending
by geography, in Euros at constant currencies. BeNeLux market date
excludes Luxembourg 4 Pro forma EBITDA before the impact of IFRS 16
5 On 16 February 2023, Ordina announced a dividend of EUR 39.5 cent
per share, any other dividends or distributions will be deducted
from the offer price
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230320005698/en/
Sopra Steria:
Investor Relations Olivier Psaume
olivier.psaume@soprasteria.com +33 (0)1 40 67 68 16
Press Relations Caroline Simon (Image 7)
caroline.simon@image7.fr +33 (0)1 53 70 74 65
Ordina:
Investor Relations Anneke Hoijtink
anneke.hoijtink@ordina.nl +31 615396873
Media relations Uneke Dekkers, CFF Communications
Uneke.dekkers@cffcomunications.nl +31 650261626
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