BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. (NYSE: BJ) ("BJ's" or the "Company") today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by affiliates of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. ("LGP") and funds advised by CVC Capital Partners ("CVC") in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $2.8 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, BJ's shareholders will receive $51.25 per share in cash for each share of BJ's common stock they hold, representing an approximately 38% premium to the closing price of BJ's shares on June 30, 2010, the day before LGP announced its 9.5% ownership stake in the Company, and an approximately 7% premium to the closing price of BJ's shares on June 28, 2011.
BJ's Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of its committee of independent directors and following a process that began in February 2011, in which it explored and evaluated strategic alternatives, has unanimously approved the merger agreement and recommends that all BJ's shareholders vote in favor of the transaction.
Thomas Shields, Lead Director and Chairman of the independent committee, said, "We are very pleased to announce a transaction that provides our shareholders with excellent value and the certainty of a significant cash premium for their shares. Today's announcement is the result of a comprehensive process in which an independent committee of our Board, with the assistance of its outside financial advisor, thoroughly explored and carefully considered alternatives to enhance value for our shareholders. In connection with this process, CVC and LGP made a definitive offer to acquire BJ's, and this offer was fully negotiated by the Company. BJ's Board of Directors believes that this transaction maximizes value and is in the best interests of our shareholders, employees and members."
Laura Sen, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "BJ's will benefit from the continued execution of our business plan and the significant retail expertise of our new partners at LGP and CVC, as well as from continued investments in our clubs, our people and technology, and the future of our business. Our members will continue to enjoy the top-quality merchandise, outstanding savings and great service that they've come to expect from BJ's on every visit."
Jonathan Seiffer, Partner of LGP, said "BJ's is the clear leader in the wholesale club industry in the eastern United States with strong brand equity and a proven and successful strategy. We are pleased to partner with Laura and the management team and look forward to the next phase of the Company's growth."
Cameron Breitner, Managing Director of CVC, said, "We are delighted to work in partnership with the BJ's management team and our friends at LGP to support the continued growth of the Company. With its leading market positions, outstanding value proposition and service, and valued employee base, BJ's is very well positioned to extend its history of strong financial and operating performance. This transaction will build upon CVC's significant history of investing in world-class businesses in the consumer and retail sectors."
The merger is subject to the approval of BJ's shareholders, customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2011. BJ's will file a preliminary proxy statement with the SEC containing detailed information about the transaction and the Board and independent committee process. Once the SEC completes its review of the preliminary proxy statement, BJ's will file a definitive proxy statement with the SEC and distribute it to shareholders.
Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. acted as financial advisor to BJ's, and Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP served as its legal counsel. Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP served as legal counsel to BJ's committee of independent directors. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., Barclays Capital Inc. and Jefferies & Company, Inc. acted as financial advisors, and, in addition to General Electric Capital Corporation and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, provided fully committed financing to CVC and LGP. Latham & Watkins LLP and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP acted as legal advisors to LGP and CVC, respectively.