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Swank to Be Acquired by Randa Accessories Leather Goods for $57.5M
Posted February 3, 2012
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NEW YORK, NY -- Swank, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: SNKI), a leading designer and marketer of men's and women's belts and men's leather accessories, jewelry and suspenders, and Randa Accessories Leather Goods LLC, a leading manufacturer, distributor and marketer of lifestyle accessories, jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Randa will acquire Swank for $10.00 a share, or total consideration of approximately $57.5 million.
The merger consideration represents a 111% percent premium over the closing bid price of Swank's common stock as quoted on the website of OTC Markets Group on February 2, 2012.
John Tulin, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Swank, said, "I am pleased to announce this agreement, as it will deliver to our stockholders significant value and the certainty of a substantial cash premium for their shares. Today's announcement is the result of a lengthy process in which Swank's Board of Directors, working with senior management and with our financial and legal advisors, have thoroughly reviewed and considered Randa's interest in Swank. Our Board of Directors has unanimously approved this transaction and believes it is in the best interests of our stockholders, customers and employees."
Jeffrey Spiegel, Chief Executive Officer of Randa, added, "We are very pleased that Swank, a leader in the men's and women's accessories industry with a strong reputation for exceptional quality, reliability and customer service, is joining our family. The strategic benefits of this combination are clear and we are pleased to be able to move forward on terms that are financially attractive for Swank's stockholders."
The acquisition, which is subject to approval by Swank's stockholders as well as other customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012. Randa intends to fund the acquisition with a combination of existing cash and the proceeds of a committed revolving credit facility from JPMorgan Chase Bank.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, Swank may solicit and encourage alternative acquisition proposals from third parties for a 35-day "go-shop" period continuing through March 9, 2012. The merger agreement provides Randa with a customary right to match a superior proposal. Swank does not anticipate it will disclose any developments with regard to this process unless Swank's Board of Directors makes a decision with respect to a potential superior proposal. There is no guarantee that this process will result in a superior proposal.
For the protection and benefit of participants in the employee stock ownership plan component of The New Swank, Inc. Retirement Plan, Reliance Trust Company has been appointed to serve as independent fiduciary and independent trustee of the employee stock ownership plan component of the Retirement Plan. Stout Risius Ross, Inc. is acting as the financial advisor to Reliance Trust Company and Bryan Cave LLP is acting as Reliance Trust Company's legal advisor.
Financo, Inc. is acting as financial advisor to Swank and has provided a fairness opinion in connection with the transaction to the Board of Directors of Swank. Troutman Sanders LLP is serving as legal advisor to Swank in connection with this transaction. Peter J. Solomon Company is Randa's financial advisor and Olshan Grundman Frome Rosenzweig & Wolosky LLP is serving as legal advisor to Randa in connection with the transaction.
About Swank, Inc.
Swank is engaged in the importation, sale and distribution of men's and women's belts and men's leather accessories, suspenders, and jewelry. Swank distributes its products to retail outlets throughout the United States and in numerous foreign countries. These products are distributed under the names "Kenneth Cole", "Tommy Hilfiger", "Nautica", "Geoffrey Beene", "Guess?", "Tumi", "Buffalo David Bitton", "Chaps", "Donald Trump", "Pierre Cardin", "US Polo Association", and "Swank". Swank also distributes men's jewelry and leather items to retailers under private labels.
About Randa
Randa Accessories is the global leader in lifestyle accessories and the world's largest men's accessories company. Collaborating with 75 leading brands, Randa designs, innovates, manufactures, and markets men's belts, wallets, neckwear, small leather goods, luggage, backpacks, business cases, seasonal footwear, and gifts. From its origins as a neckwear company over a century ago, Randa now provides fashion, lifestyle, luxury, and private branded products through retailers in all channels of distribution, worldwide. More information is available at www.randa.net.
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