Shutterfly, Inc. (Nasdaq: SFLY) (“Shutterfly” or the “Company”), a leading retailer and manufacturing platform dedicated to helping capture, preserve, and share life’s important moments, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with affiliates of certain funds (the “Apollo Funds”) managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, LLC (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Apollo”) (NYSE: APO), a leading global alternative investment manager, pursuant to which the Apollo Funds will acquire all the outstanding shares of Shutterfly for $51.00 per share in cash, or enterprise value of approximately $2.7 billion.
“Shutterfly has cultivated a deep connection with customers through its three divisions, Shutterfly Consumer, Shutterfly Business Solutions and Lifetouch, each of which we view as exceptional platforms with leading positions in their respective segments”
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The $51.00 per share cash consideration represents a premium of 31% when compared to Shutterfly’s unaffected closing stock price of $38.91 on April 23, 2019, the last trading day before a media report was published speculating that Apollo Funds were considering a bid for the Company. The Shutterfly Board of Directors unanimously approved the agreement with the Apollo Funds and recommends that Shutterfly stockholders vote in favor of the transaction.
“Earlier this year, Shutterfly announced the formation of a Strategic Review Committee to continue the Board of Directors’ ongoing review of strategic alternatives for the Company,” said William Lansing, Shutterfly’s Chairman of the Board. “We ran a broad and comprehensive process, engaging with a significant number of potential buyers, and are pleased that the process culminated in a transaction that maximizes value for Shutterfly stockholders. We look forward to working closely with Apollo as we continue to build a compelling service that enables deeper, more personal relationships for our customers, and to advance our digital and manufacturing capabilities to support sustainable growth.”
“Shutterfly has cultivated a deep connection with customers through its three divisions, Shutterfly Consumer, Shutterfly Business Solutions and Lifetouch, each of which we view as exceptional platforms with leading positions in their respective segments,” said David Sambur, Senior Partner at Apollo. “At a time when billions of photos are taken every day, Shutterfly has led the charge as a pioneer of personalized photo products and school photography, helping consumers capture, preserve and share life’s most important moments. We are excited to work with Shutterfly’s leadership and talented team of dedicated employees to grow each of the businesses and further enhance customer relationships across both Shutterfly and Lifetouch.”
Lansing continued, “This transaction is a testament to our outstanding team of talented employees and the company they have built. What began as a digital photo printing company is now a large and diversified business that has successfully evolved with our customers. As we enter this exciting new chapter for Shutterfly, Apollo is an ideal strategic partner, as they will provide additional resources and industry knowledge while we continue to work on our important business initiatives.”
In a separate press release issued today, Shutterfly announced the appointment of Ryan O’Hara as its President and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 24, 2019.
Transaction Details
The transaction is expected to close by early fourth quarter 2019. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Shutterfly stockholders and receipt of clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.
Upon completion of the transaction, Shutterfly will become a privately held company, and its shares will no longer be listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.
Advisors and Financing Providers
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is acting as financial advisor to Shutterfly, and Fenwick & West LLP is acting as its legal counsel.
Financing is being provided by Barclays, Citi and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. (or a lending affiliate), who are also serving as financial advisors to the Apollo Funds. LionTree, UBS Investment Bank and Evercore are also serving as financial advisors to the Apollo Funds. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is acting as legal counsel to the Apollo Funds.
About Shutterfly
Shutterfly, Inc. is a leading retailer and manufacturing platform for personalized products and communications. Founded in 1999, Shutterfly, Inc. has three divisions: Shutterfly Consumer, Lifetouch, and Shutterfly Business Solutions. Shutterfly Consumer and Lifetouch help consumers capture, preserve, and share life’s important moments through professional and personal photography, and personalized products. The Shutterfly brand brings photos to life in photo books, gifts, home décor, and cards and stationery. Lifetouch is the national leader in school photography, built on the enduring tradition of “Picture Day”, and also serves families through portrait studios and other partnerships. Shutterfly Business Solutions delivers digital printing services that enable efficient and effective customer engagement through personalized communications. For more information about Shutterfly, Inc. (Nasdaq: SFLY), visit www.shutterflyinc.com.
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