Groupe Casino: Acquisition of GPA's stake in Cnova
Acquisition of GPA's stake in Cnova
Paris, 27 November 2023
Groupe Casino today announces the acquisition from GPA of CBD Luxembourg Holding, which indirectly holds 34.0% of Cnova's share capital (117,303,664 ordinary shares1) ("the Transaction"). The Transaction will increase Casino's stake in Cnova, directly and through wholly-owned subsidiaries, to 98.8%.
The purchase price has been set at €10,000,000 of which 80% is to be paid on completion of the Transaction, expected by 30 November 2023, and 20% by 30 June 2024 at the latest2.
The agreement provides for the payment by Casino, under certain conditions, of an earn-out, if a transaction involving its stake in Cnova were to take place within the next 18 months, for a higher valuation of Cnova than that resulting from the Transaction. The calculation of the potential earn-out will be based on the difference between the implied value of 29.4 million euros for 100% of Cnova resulting from the initial transaction, and the value of Cnova resulting from a subsequent sale by Casino. GPA will receive as an earn-out, in the event of a positive variation, 100% of the variation related to its 34% share over the first 12 months, with a reduction to 75% and 50% of the variation (also related to its 34% share), respectively within 15 and 18 months.
Given the nature of the Transaction, special measures have been put in place by the parties to comply with best governance practices. At GPA level, a special committee of directors was set up by GPA's Board of Directors, comprising only independent Board members, to negotiate the terms of the contract with Casino. At CGP level, the Transaction was approved by the Board of Directors, on the advice of its Audit Committee. In addition, the price was negotiated by the parties on the basis of two valuations established by independent financial experts.
This transaction is part of the Group's financial restructuring, and in particular simplifies Cnova's ownership structure and separates CGP's stakes in GPA and Cnova.
This communication is for informational purposes only under the current applicable laws and regulations, and is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
ANALYSTS AND INVESTORS CONTACTS
Christopher WELTON - - Tel: +33 (0)1 53 65 64 17
or
- Tel: +33 (0)1 53 65 24 17
PRESS CONTACTS
Groupe Casino – Communications Director
Béatrice MANDINE – - Tel: + 33 (0)6 48 48 10 10
or
- Tel: + 33(0)1 53 65 24 78
Agence IMAGE 7
Karine Allouis - - Tel: +33 (0)6 11 59 23 26
Laurent Poinsot - - Tel: + 33(0)6 80 11 73 52
Franck Pasquier - - Tel: + 33(0)6 73 62 57 99
1 As well as shares with special voting rights.
2 The balance will be paid in advance when the Group's financial restructuring is completed.
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