ALD Automotive announced the acquisition of LeasePlan

16 Feb ALD Automotive announced the acquisition of LeasePlan

ALD announces the signing of a memorandum of understanding to acquire 100% of LeasePlan from a consortium led by TDR Capital. The proposed acquisition of LeasePlan for a total consideration of EUR 4.9 billion would be made through a combination of cash and shares.

Axeco Corporate Finance is pleased to have advised the managing board of LeasePlan

The proposed acquisition of LeasePlan for a total consideration of EUR 4.9 billion would be made through a combination of cash and shares.  At closing, expected by end 2022, Societe Generale would own c. 53% of “NewALD”, LeasePlan shareholders holding 30.75%. the value of NewALD’s free float would be significantly higher than pre-closing.

Societe Generale would commit to remain the long-term majority shareholder of NewALD. NewALD would create a leading global mobility player, strongly positioned to lead the digital transformation of the industry and capture mobility sector growth. NewALD would generate significant value for shareholders, thanks to scale effects and synergies.

The proposed combination of ALD and LeasePlan into NewALD is expected to be highly synergetic and create an opportunity to cross-leverage the two companies’ complementary capabilities. As a leading global player in mobility worldwide, NewALD would be able to benefit from a fast-growing market driven by strong underlying megatrends, including the:

• Shift from ownership to usership on all fronts: B2B, B2C and even B2E
• Data-driven digital transformation of the mobility industry
• Transition towards zero-emission and sustainable mobility

This transformative deal would be a step-change that would position NewALD for long term fleet growth of at least 6% p.a. post integration. NewALD would target an improvement in cost to income ratio to c. 45% by 2025, confirming its position as best-in-class in the industry. The transaction is expected to generate operational and procurement synergies of EUR 380 million p.a. before tax.

It is expected to provide attractive returns and significant value creation for investors. Considering the benefits of fully phased synergies and excluding restructuring costs, the pro-forma accretion of normalized earnings per share should be c.20% in 2023. Mid-term, NewALD’s dividend pay-out ratio is expected to remain between 50% and 60% until 2025.

Tim Albertsen, Chief Executive Officer of ALD, commented:

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in our history as a first step towards creating NewALD. In the context of today’s transformation of the automotive and mobility sectors, which is proceeding at an unprecedented pace, this proposed transaction is instrumental in the creation of a leading global player in mobility. By combining the multiple strengths of ALD and LeasePlan, gaining size, joining forces in digital and creating a leading provider of sustainable mobility solutions, we would transform our industry and be best positioned to deliver even better solutions and value propositions to our enlarged client base. This transaction would create multiple opportunities to the joint management teams and talents of both companies, across geographies, underpin our focus on sustainability with a clear path to zero emissions mobility and not least deliver strong shareholder returns over the cycles. We are all very excited about the prospect of being part of this new venture.”

Tex Gunning, Chief Executive Officer of LeasePlan, commented:

“The combined business would be instrumental in moving the automotive industry from ownership to subscription models and zero-emission mobility. By joining forces with ALD, we combine the best talents in the industry with the investment power needed to meet the next generation mobility needs of our customers. From day one, NewALD would be operating one of the largest fleets of electric vehicles and will continue to set the standard for ESG in the mobility industry. I am very proud of all LeasePlanners for bringing our business to where it is today. We are looking forward to working with the excellent team at ALD and taking our combined business into the exciting future of mobility.”

The proposed acquisition, announced on 6 January 2022, is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory and antitrust approvals. The proposed transaction is expected to close by end of 2022.

About LeasePlan

LeasePlan is one of the leading fleet management and mobility companies in the world by fleet size (total fleet of 1.8 million vehicles), with a global and extensive offering making it the perfect fit for ALD to shape the industry’s transformation.

About ALD Automotive

ALD is a global leader in mobility solutions providing full service leasing and fleet management services across 43 countries to a client base of large corporates, SMEs, professionals and private individuals.