Merz to Acquire BioForm Medical
Merz Pharma Group (“Merz”), a privately-held company based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, and BioForm Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq:BFRM) today announced that the Board of Directors of BioForm Medical and the Merz Shareholders Council have unanimously approved a definitive agreement under which Merz will acquire all of the outstanding shares of BioForm Medical for US$5.45 per share in cash pursuant to a cash tender offer followed by a second-step merger. The transaction has a total equity value of approximately US$253 million based on BioForm Medical’s outstanding shares of common stock.
The US$5.45 per share cash purchase price represents a premium of 55% over BioForm Medical’s 30-day average closing stock price, and a premium of 60% over the closing price of BioForm Medical’s common stock on December 31, 2009, the last trading day prior to today’s announcement.
This transaction advances Merz’s strategy of becoming a leading player in aesthetic medicine, a fast growing, multi-billion dollar global market.
BioForm Medical is a leader in the dermal filler market in the United States and Europe with its flagship product, RADIESSE(R) dermal filler. Following completion of the transaction, BioForm Medical will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merz and will be renamed Merz Aesthetics. With BioForm Medical, the new Merz Aesthetics will be distinguished in the marketplace by its ability to offer dermal fillers based on three distinct technologies: RADIESSE(R) dermal filler, Belotero(R) and Novabel(R). With this broader dermal filler product offering and other innovative aesthetics products under development, including Polidocanol, a sclerotherapy agent, and Bocouture(R)/XEOMIN(R), a neurotoxin free of complexing protein, the combined company will be positioned to enable healthcare professionals to achieve excellent patient results and satisfaction.
“We are pleased with this transaction, which has been strongly supported by Merz shareholders. Together with BioForm Medical, we will have even greater potential for future growth in our worldwide, fast growing aesthetics and dermatological business,” said Dr. Jochen Huckmann, Chairman of the Merz Shareholders Council. “We are delighted to welcome BioForm Medical to our company and expect them to be an important part of Merz’s continued growth and success.”
“This transaction strengthens our operating foundation and builds on Merz’s history of providing innovative and effective products to the aesthetic medical community and the patients we serve,” said Dr. Martin Zugel, Chairman of the Merz Management Board. “With BioForm Medical, we expand our product offering in the high-growth aesthetic market and increase our direct commercial presence in the United States and Europe. Through the addition of BioForm Medical’s experienced commercial organization, we will be able to offer healthcare providers a broader range of high quality aesthetic treatment options, further enhancing Merz’s customer relationships and our competitive position.”
“After thorough and extensive analysis, the BioForm Medical Board of Directors unanimously approved this transaction with Merz, recognizing that it provides significant immediate value to our stockholders and is also in the best interests of our customers and employees,” said Steve Basta, Chief Executive Officer of BioForm Medical. “We are pleased to join Merz. I believe this combination offers a platform for future growth as well as expanded opportunities for our employees and our company as a whole. I am confident that with Merz’s expertise, resources, product portfolio and pipeline, we will be better positioned to develop and market the solutions our customers need. We look forward to working closely with the Merz team to ensure a smooth transition and complete the transaction as expeditiously as possible.”
BioForm Medical will maintain its headquarters in San Mateo, California, and its manufacturing, distribution and other operations in Franksville, Wisconsin. BioForm Medical’s Asia operations as well as its Netherlands operation, including its European sales team, will also become part of Merz Aesthetics. Merz Pharmaceuticals’ U.S. Pharmaceutical operations with its Clinical Dermatology and Neurology Business units will remain in Greensboro, North Carolina, with the U.S. aesthetics commercial organization led from San Mateo.
Mr. Basta and BioForm Medical’s management team and employees are expected to remain with the Company following completion of the transaction. Mr. Basta will serve as CEO of Merz Aesthetics U.S.
January 04, 2010
