11-14-2007, 10:10 PM
Luxottica Group and Oakley, Inc. completed the merger between the two companies for a total purchase price of approximately $2.1 billion. Oakley will now be a wholly- owned subsidiary of Luxottica Group and, as a result of the completion of the merger, Oakley's shares will cease to trade on the New York Stock Exchange. Cobined, the two companies expect consolidated pro forma net revenues for fiscal year 2007 of €5.7 billion and consolidated pro forma EBITDA for the same period of approximately €1.2 billion. Luxottica Group expects that the transaction will result in approximately €100 million per year in operating synergies at the operating income level within three years, driven by revenue growth and efficiencies.
Commenting on the merger, Andrea Guerra, CEO of Luxottica Group S.p.A., said, "We are extremely pleased with the closing of the merger with Oakley, with whom we have been partners for a long time. We have long admired the Oakley brand, products, and corporate culture. Joint teams from the two companies have been focusing for months on the tremendous business opportunities we have ahead, which will become operating plans by year-end. Today represents the beginning of a new phase for all of us, a journey which will make our Group much stronger going forward."
Scott Olivet, CEO of Oakley, Inc., commented, "The fact that Luxottica and Oakley had similar beginnings, share the same values around the importance of brand and product, and have individuals around the world who have worked closely for years, gives us a very strong foundation for success. While we have tremendous work in front of us, our early integration planning efforts give us confidence that the value of this combination can, in fact, be realized. We are excited to begin the next chapter in our history."
In accordance with the terms of the June 2007 merger agreement, Oakley's outstanding shares of common stock have been converted into the right to receive $29.30 per share, in cash. Citibank has been appointed as the paying agent for Luxottica Group.
Commenting on the merger, Andrea Guerra, CEO of Luxottica Group S.p.A., said, "We are extremely pleased with the closing of the merger with Oakley, with whom we have been partners for a long time. We have long admired the Oakley brand, products, and corporate culture. Joint teams from the two companies have been focusing for months on the tremendous business opportunities we have ahead, which will become operating plans by year-end. Today represents the beginning of a new phase for all of us, a journey which will make our Group much stronger going forward."
Scott Olivet, CEO of Oakley, Inc., commented, "The fact that Luxottica and Oakley had similar beginnings, share the same values around the importance of brand and product, and have individuals around the world who have worked closely for years, gives us a very strong foundation for success. While we have tremendous work in front of us, our early integration planning efforts give us confidence that the value of this combination can, in fact, be realized. We are excited to begin the next chapter in our history."
In accordance with the terms of the June 2007 merger agreement, Oakley's outstanding shares of common stock have been converted into the right to receive $29.30 per share, in cash. Citibank has been appointed as the paying agent for Luxottica Group.