Panalpina and DSV agree to join forces

DSV and Panalpina have reached an agreement on the terms and conditions of a combination by way of a Public Exchange Offer to all Panalpina shareholders. The board of directors of Panalpina recommends that Panalpina shareholders accept the Public Exchange Offer. The Public Exchange Offer already has the support of shareholders representing 69.9% of the registered shares of Panalpina, who have irrevocably agreed to tender their shares into the Public Exchange Offer. This includes Panalpina's largest shareholder, Ernst Göhner Foundation and Cevian and Artisan*.

Pursuant to the Public Exchange Offer, DSV will offer 2.375 DSV shares (with a nominal value of DKK 1 per share) for one Panalpina share (the "Exchange Ratio"). Fractional DSV shares will be settled in cash. Based on the DSV closing price of DKK 550.4 and an exchange rate of DKK 1.00 = CHF 0.1498 as of 29 March 2019, the Exchange Offer equals an implied offer price of CHF 195.8 for each Panalpina share.

The transaction has an enterprise value of approximately CHF 4.6 billion corresponding to DKK 30.5 billion on the basis of the closing price of DSV prior to the date of this announcement and the DKK-CHF exchange rate published by Bloomberg at 4pm GMT on 29 March 2019, the last trading day on NASDAQ Copenhagen prior to the date of this announcement.

Using the closing price of DSV prior to the date of this announcement, the Exchange Ratio represents a premium of approximately 43% to the on-exchange closing price of Panalpina shares on SIX of CHF 137 on 15 January 2019, the day before DSV's initial proposal was published.

If the Exchange Offer is successful, DSV and Panalpina will become one of the world's largest transport and logistics companies with a combined pro forma revenue of approximately DKK 118 billion and a combined workforce of more than 60,000 employees.

An integration committee comprising an equal number of Panalpina and DSV representatives will be established to oversee the integration process and ensure a fair treatment of all employees. A thorough evaluation will be carried out with the aim to maintain relevant functions and competences in Switzerland.

Following completion, DSV will propose to its shareholders, at an extraordinary general meeting to be convened, to change its name to "DSV Panalpina A/S", which reflects the long, rich history of both companies.

Subject to fiduciary duties, DSV has agreed with the board of directors of Panalpina to propose a dividend policy with a pay-out ratio to DSV's shareholders of approximately 15% of net profit.

Peter Ulber, Chairman of the Board of Panalpina, comments:
"In the course of the past weeks, Panalpina's board of directors and management has been exploring different strategic initiatives and held discussions with DSV about a potential combination. The board of director's assessment is that the updated proposal of DSV is very attractive. It is recognizing the quality of Panalpina's employees, the company's strong position as one of the world's leading providers of supply chain solutions, and its special competencies and know-how in air and ocean freight. The board of directors recommends Panalpina's

shareholders to accept the offer. Talks with Agility have been discontinued. We are now looking forward to join forces with DSV and contribute to creating one of the world's largest transport and logistics companies. Our customers will be able to benefit from a stronger network and service offering as well as new competencies and skills."

Kurt Larsen, Chairman of the Board of DSV, comments:

"A combination of DSV and Panalpina further strengthens our position as a leading global freight forwarding company. Together, we can present a strong global network and enhanced service offering to our clients, further solidifying our competitive edge in the industry. It's a great match on all parameters. Panalpina is a great company and we're very excited by this possibility to join forces and to welcome Panalpina's talented staff".

Ernst Göhner Foundation to become DSVs largest shareholder

Ernst Göhner Foundation, Panalpina's largest shareholder with a 46% stake, has agreed with DSV to tender all of its shares in the Public Exchange Offer pre-announced today.

At completion of the transaction Ernst Göhner Foundation is expected to become the largest shareholder of DSV with a holding of approximately 11% of the issued share capital. DSV has undertaken to nominate and recommend to its shareholders that a candidate proposed by Ernst Göhner Foundation will be elected to the board of directors of DSV A/S. Ernst Göhner Foundation has undertaken not to sell or dispose of its DSV shares for a period of 24 months following settlement of the Public Exchange Offer, save for limited participation in share buy-back programmes that may be undertaken by DSV in the future.

Thomas A. Gutzwiller, Member of the Board of Trustees and Chairman of the independent Panalpina Committee of Ernst Göhner Foundation, comments:

"In view of the ongoing industry consolidation and resulting opportunities and risks, we have carefully considered various options for Panalpina with an open mind. Our Board of Trustees unanimously concluded that the proposed combination under the umbrella of DSV provides the best opportunities for Panalpina to meet future market challenges from a position of strength and to create value for all stakeholders. As an entrepreneurial foundation with a philanthropic purpose, we feel very comfortable with the announced solution both in terms of quality and security as well as earnings potential. In this spirit of continuity Ernst Göhner Foundation looks forward to supporting DSV Panalpina as the largest shareholder."

Transaction overview

  • Exchange Ratio of 2.375 DSV shares (with a nominal value of DKK 1 per share) for one Panalpina share
  • Transaction multiple: 28.1x reported 2018 EV/EBITDA multiple (pre-IFRS 16) of the Panalpina group calculated on the basis set out above
  • The main offer period for the Public Exchange Offer is expected to commence in the end of May 2019 subsequent to Public Exchange Offer materials being duly approved by regulatory bodies and to last until the end of June 2019 with a right to extend
  • Assuming that the Public Exchange Offer is accepted by all Panalpina shareholders, DSV will issue an aggregate of approximately 56 million DSV shares equivalent to approximately 23% of the enlarged share capital of DSV as consideration in the Public Exchange Offer
  • The Public Exchange Offer is subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including acceptance by 80% of all publicly held Panalpina shares (including the 69.9% shares already subject to an agreement to tender), receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, approval of a capital increase at an extraordinary general meeting in DSV, approval of a listing prospectus and admittance of the new DSV shares for trading at NASDAQ Copenhagen and effectiveness of a US Registration Statement
  • Public Exchange Offer settlement and completion of the transaction are expected in Q4 2019

A summary of the material terms and conditions of the transaction agreement entered into between DSV and Panalpina in relation to the Public Exchange Offer will be part of DSV's listing prospectus, which is expected to be published towards the end of Q2 2019 and will be available, together with other Public Exchange Offer documents as required by law, at investor.dsv.com.

Strategic rationale

Acquisitions are an integral part of DSV's strategy, and DSV has a track record of successful integrations. The combination with Panalpina is expected to increase DSV's annual revenue by close to 50%, which will rank the combined companies in the industry top four with a pro forma revenue of approximately DKK 118 billion and a combined workforce of more than 60,000 employees. The combined company will have own operations in more than 90 countries.

Scale remains one of the key competitive advantages in freight forwarding with significant operational and commercial benefits.

The Air & Sea division will be substantially strengthened and will be among the largest providers globally with close to 3 million containers (TEU's) and more than 1.5 million tonnes of air freight transported yearly.

Contract logistics capabilities are increasingly important due to complex supply chains and changing distribution channels. The Solutions division will be strengthened and Panalpina will bring additional warehousing capacity of more than 500,000 square metres.

DSV's road network will be a strong addition to Panalpina's existing service offering.

The combination will increase DSV's exposure to APAC and the Americas thereby further balancing DSV's geographical footprint.

DSV and Panalpina is a strong match with many potential synergies as a result of similarities in business models, services and strategies:

  • Unique customer relationships and vertical expertise
  • Operational excellence and efficiency 'DNA'
  • Commercial synergies and cross-selling opportunities from stronger network and service offerings, new competencies and skills
  • Consolidation of operations, administration and logistics facilities
  • Consolidation of IT infrastructure

It is the target for the transaction to be EPS accretive (diluted and adjusted) in year 2 after settlement of the Public Exchange Offer, and it is DSV's aspiration to lift the operating margin of the combined entity towards DSV's existing level.

Following settlement of the Public Exchange Offer, further details on the impact of the acquisition will be communicated. This will include estimates of synergies and integration costs as well as an update on the financial outlook and financial targets.

_______

*) Artisan Partners Limited Partnership, acting as investment adviser to and on behalf of its clients in its International Value Strategy

About Panalpina

The Panalpina Group is one of the world's leading providers of supply chain solutions. The company combines its core products - Air Freight, Ocean Freight, and Logistics and Manufacturing - to deliver globally integrated, tailor-made end-to-end solutions for 12 core industries. Drawing on in-depth industry know-how and customized IT systems, Panalpina manages the needs of its customers' supply chains, no matter how demanding they might be. Project Solutions is a specialized service for the energy and capital projects sector. The Panalpina Group generated revenues of approximately CHF 6 billion in 2018 and operates a global network with some 500 offices in around 70 countries, and it works with partner companies in another 100 countries. Panalpina employs approximately 14,500 people worldwide who deliver a comprehensive service to the highest quality standards - wherever and whenever.

About DSV

DSV provides and manages supply chain solutions for thousands of companies every day - from the small family run business to the large global corporation. 47,000 employees in more than 75 countries work passionately to deliver great customer experiences and high-quality services - and help ensure a steady supply of goods to production lines, outlets, stores and consumers all over the world. DSV is organised into three divisions offering the complete range of services to support our customers' entire supply chain: Air & Sea, Road and Solutions (warehousing and logistics services). In 2018 DSV generated revenues of approximately DKK 79 billion. More than 1,000 offices, terminals and warehouses across the world enable DSV to be close to local markets while taking advantage of a global perspective and network to secure the best possible service.

Media conference in Basel

Panalpina is inviting journalists to a media conference which will take place on April 1, 2019, 15.30 CET at Panalpina's headquarters in Basel, Viaduktstrasse 42. At the media conference, Stefan Karlen, CEO of Panalpina, and Jens Bjørn Andersen, CEO of DSV, will present the transaction and take questions.

The conference can be accessed via phone. Dial-in numbers will be provided in the course of the day on the Financial Calendar page of Panalpina's website:

https://panalpina.com/www/global/en/home/investors/financial_calendar/financial_calendar_2019.html

Pre-registration for the media or telephone conference is not necessary.

Contacts DSV:

Investor Relations

Flemming Ole Nielsen, tel. +45 43 20 33 92, flemming.o.nielsen@dsv.com

Nicolas Thomsen, tel. +45 43 20 31 93, nicolas,thomsen@dsv.com

Media

Tina Hindsbo, tel. +45 43 20 36 63, tina.hindsbo@dsv.com

Contacts Panalpina:

Investor Relations

Robert Erni, Chief Financial Officer, tel. +41 61 226 11 25, robert.erni@panalpina.com

Media

Edna Ayme-Yahil, Head of Marketing and Communications, tel. +41 791589359, edna.ayme@panalpina.com


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