Nov 24 2005
Arcelor S.A. announced today that it will be making an all cash take-over bid for all of the outstanding common shares of Canadian steelmaker Dofasco Inc. for C$56.00 per share.
The offer will represent a premium of approximately 27.3% over the closing price of Dofasco's common shares on November 22, 2005, of C$44.00, and a premium of approximately 46.4% over the closing price of Dofasco's common shares on November 10, 2005 of C$38.25, the last trading day prior to speculation as reported in the press about a possible acquisition of Dofasco. The offer will also represent a premium of approximately 36.2% over the volume weighted-average trading price of Dofasco's common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) for the 20 trading days immediately preceding the date of this announcement of C$41.12 and a premium of approximately 42.3% over the volume weighted-average trading price of Dofasco's common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) for the 20 trading days up to and including November 10, 2005, of C$39.35.
Guy Dollé, Chief Executive Officer of Arcelor, said the proposed transaction would be Arcelor's largest investment in North America to date, reflecting Arcelor's strong confidence in Canada and in Dofasco, its management team and its world-class employees.
"Dofasco's leadership in the North American automotive market is highly complementary with Arcelor's strategy to expand its foothold in this significant market. The combination of Arcelor's global leadership in automotive steel and Dofasco's strong position in this highly competitive market creates even better conditions for both companies, built on the unique strengths each brings to this relationship. Dofasco would become Arcelor's platform in North America", said Guy Dollé.
Mr. Dollé added "This transaction represents a logical expansion for Arcelor into North America. As such, Arcelor intends to maintain and strengthen Dofasco's present scope of activities by providing it with access to Arcelor's best in class technology and know-how (particularly for the automotive market) and Arcelor's global reach and network. As part of the Arcelor group, Dofasco will become a stronger, more competitive steel producer in an increasingly competitive North American steel market."
Mr. Dollé recognized Arcelor's long-standing relationship with Dofasco, particularly through their joint venture, DoSol Galva Limited Partnership, based in Hamilton, Ontario. "We have been very pleased with our investment in Hamilton to date. Dofasco's highly regarded corporate values with respect to its relations with employees, and its legacy of active community engagement, are principles that Arcelor shares and will continue to support."
Mr. Dollé noted that intense international consolidation in the global steel industry makes the combination of Dofasco with another player inevitable: "Canadian steel producers, regardless of their current competitiveness, are not immune to the forces driving consolidation around the globe. For Dofasco, the question is not if it should join forces with another industry player, but when, and with whom. We strongly believe that Arcelor is the best partner for Dofasco and that this is the right time".
Arcelor has approached Dofasco on several occasions, starting in the first half of 2005 with a view to exploring the possibility of an acquisition. While Dofasco's management and Board of Directors engaged in some dialogue in connection with the most recent proposal, the parties were unable to reach terms that were acceptable. Accordingly, Arcelor has decided to make this very compelling offer directly to Dofasco's shareholders.
Arcelor is committed to working closely with the appropriate government authorities to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Full details of the offer will be included in the formal take-over bid and circular documents to be mailed to Dofasco shareholders. Arcelor will formally request a list of Dofasco's shareholders and expects to mail the take-over bid and circular documents to Dofasco shareholders as soon as possible following the receipt of the shareholder list.
The offer will contain certain conditions that are customary to transactions of this nature, including the valid tender, and non-withdrawal, of at least 66-2/3% of Dofasco's common shares, receipt of required regulatory consents and approvals, the absence of litigation, no material adverse change at Dofasco and certain other conditions.
Under the terms of the offer, Arcelor intends to make its offer a "permitted bid" under Dofasco's shareholder rights plan. Accordingly, the offer will be open for acceptance for at least 60 days following the commencement of the bid and no Dofasco common shares will be taken up and paid for pursuant to the offer unless, at such date, more than 50 per cent of the then outstanding Dofasco common shares have been deposited pursuant to the bid and not withdrawn. Should this condition be met, Arcelor will make a public announcement of that fact on the date the offer would otherwise expire and the offer will be extended for a period of not less than 10 business days.
http://www.arcelor.com