Upon completion Mitel shareholders will receive $11.15 per common share in cash. This exceeds Mitel’s 52-week and last three-year-high price and represents a premium of approximately 24%.
Mitel will now become a privately held company, which is expected to provide the company with additional flexibility to accelerate its move-to-the-cloud strategy.
Terry Matthews (pictured), Mitel Co-founder and Chairman, said, “Mitel has succeeded for 45 years because of persistent innovation and relentless focus on delivering shareholder value. Our Board determined that this transaction, upon closing, will deliver immediate, significant and certain cash value to our shareholders. It also affirms the tremendous value and market leadership of Mitel. We believe this transaction will provide Mitel with additional flexibility as a private company to pursue the company’s move-to-the-cloud strategy.”
Searchlight, a leading private investment firm with investments in North America and Europe, seeks out partnerships for its funds with leading corporations and businesses in which their capital and strategic support can enhance value.
“This transaction is an exciting next step in our multi-year transformation that has enabled Mitel to emerge as an industry leader in the largest markets in the world. As a private company, and with the strategic and capital support of the Searchlight funds, we will have greater flexibility to manage the transition in our market, accelerate our strategy, and drive the next phase of success for our customers, partners, and employees,” said Mitel CEO, Rich McBee.
Mitel expects to issue a news release with its Q1 2018 results before markets open on May 3, 2018 but in light of entering into the arrangement agreement will not hold a Q1 2018 conference call.