Sorin and Cyberonics have announced their merger plan with a combined equity value of approximately US$2.7bn (€2.4bn).
Under the terms of the transaction, Sorin and Cyberonics will combine under a newly formed holding company, “NewCo”, which the parties will name prior to closing. Each Cyberonics stockholder will receive one ordinary share of NewCo for every share of Cyberonics owned. Each Sorin shareholder will receive a fixed ratio of 0.0472 ordinary shares of NewCo for every Sorin share owned. Following completion of the transaction, assuming no withdrawal rights under Italian law are exercised by Sorin shareholders with respect to the merger, Sorin shareholders will own approximately 46% of NewCo, and Cyberonics shareholders will own approximately 54%, on a fully diluted basis.
André-Michel Ballester, chief executive officer of Sorin, will serve as chief executive officer of NewCo and Dan Moore, chief executive officer of Cyberonics, will become non-executive chairman. Commenting on the announcement, Ballester said: “As one company we will be able to leverage our combined strengths, capture new opportunities and create new solutions to benefit patients and healthcare professionals alike.”
Dan Moore said: “Sorin is an ideal partner, given its heart failure programs and the ability to combine Vagus Nerve Stimulation with cardiac rhythm management technology. Sorin’s well-established international operations are expected to accelerate our epilepsy growth strategy by enabling us to reach a larger number of potential new patients in the underpenetrated markets outside the USA while integrating Sorin’s technology expertise into future neuromodulation products. While each company has a strong track record of execution on its own, the geographic diversification, benefits of scale and strong financial profile of the combined company will create tremendous new opportunities to drive growth and build significant shareholder value.”
