Schneider Electric to acquire Telvent for $2 billion

Schneider Electric has signed a definitive agreement with Telvent GIT to make a cash tender offer for all of Telvent's shares at a price of $40 per share, which represents a premium of 36% to Telvent's average share price over the last 3 months.
January 27, 2012

729 Schneider Electric has signed a definitive agreement with 134 Telvent GIT to make a cash tender offer for all of Telvent’s shares at a price of $40 per share, which represents a premium of 36% to Telvent’s average share price over the last 3 months. Abengoa SA has irrevocably agreed to tender its 40% shareholding in Telvent into the offer. Certain members of management of Abengoa SA and Telvent, who collectively hold approximately 1.5% of Telvent’s capital, have also agreed to tender their shares.

The transaction has been approved by the board of directors of Telvent, which formed a special committee to review the transaction on behalf of the public shareholders of Telvent.

Based in Madrid, Telvent is a leading and highly-recognised software and IT solution provider of real-time management of smart infrastructures. It provides its customers with increased reliability and flexibility of power distribution networks as well as operational and energy efficiency of their infrastructures.

By acquiring Telvent, Schneider Electric will integrate a high value-added software platform that presents a good fit with its own range in field device control and operation management software for the smart grid and efficient infrastructures.  The Group will also double its overall software development competencies and enhance its IT integration and software service capability, including weather services.

“The acquisition is in line with our ambition to become a complete solution provider for our customers,” said Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Schneider Electric’s president and CEO, commented. “ Telvent offers software capability that complements and integrates with Schneider Electric’s offering.  It also brings complementary customer base and geographical coverage.  Together, we will be able to provide our customers with high value added solutions that integrate smart devices and full software capability, hence reinforcing our position in the smart grid and critical infrastructure space.  We look forward to welcoming the Telvent teams who will enrich the cultural diversity and capability of our company.”

According to Ignacio González Domínguez, Telvent’s chairman and CEO, said: “We see strong complementarities of Telvent’s solution offering and that of Schneider Electric as well as a good cultural fit of people and spirit. We believe that our customers will benefit highly from this combination. With Schneider Electric, Telvent expects to expand its global footprint, especially in the fast growing new economies. We look forward to this next phase of the development of our company.”

Telvent employs more than 6,000 people on a worldwide basis and operates in more than 19 countries.  It reported 2010 sales of approximately €753 million and adjusted EBITDA of €115 million. Its key markets are in Europe (42% of 2010 sales), North America (35%) and Latin America (16%).  Its presence in the other regions of the world is more limited (7% of 2010 sales) but growing.

As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in energy and infrastructure, industrial processes, building automation, and data centres/networks, as well as a broad presence in residential applications. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, and efficient, the company's 110,000 plus employees achieved sales of 19.6 billion euros in 2010, through an active commitment to help individuals and organisations “Make the most of their energy.”

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