Societal CDMO Enters Into Definitive Agreement to be Acquired by CoreRx, Inc.
Societal CDMO is set to be acquired by CoreRx, Inc., in a deal worth $1.10 per share. The merger will create an enhanced CDMO with capabilities spanning early-stage formulation development through commercial manufacturing and packaging. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2024.
The acquisition of Societal CDMO by CoreRx represents a strategic consolidation in the CDMO sector, which is significant given the increasing demand for outsourced pharmaceutical services. The offer price of $1.10 per share needs to be evaluated against Societal CDMO's current financial health, historical stock performance and industry multiples. Investors should consider whether the premium offered reflects the intrinsic value of Societal CDMO, taking into account its revenue streams, growth potential and the synergy benefits that CoreRx anticipates.
It is also important to assess the liquidity and capital structure implications for both companies. CoreRx's ability to finance the acquisition, possibly affecting its leverage and liquidity ratios, is a key factor. The tender offer followed by a second-step merger is a common acquisition structure, which typically suggests a swift consolidation post-tender offer acceptance. The transaction's expected closure in the second quarter of 2024 indicates a rapid integration timeline, which could lead to quicker realization of synergies but also poses integration risks.
The CDMO market is highly competitive with a focus on innovation, quality and scalability. The combined capabilities of Societal CDMO and CoreRx could provide a competitive advantage by offering a more comprehensive suite of services. The ability to cover the entire drug development lifecycle from early-stage formulation to commercial-scale production could attract a larger client base and potentially increase market share. Analyzing the competitive landscape post-acquisition will provide insights into how the new entity might alter market dynamics.
Furthermore, the impact on the client retention and acquisition strategy is crucial. Existing relationships with pharmaceutical companies could be strengthened and the enhanced service offering might attract new clients looking for a one-stop-shop solution. The expertise in small molecule therapeutics is particularly noteworthy, as it remains a core area in pharmaceuticals, with high demand for specialized formulation and manufacturing services.
From a legal perspective, the unanimous approval by Societal CDMO’s board and their recommendation for shareholders to tender their shares indicates a high level of confidence in the transaction's benefits. However, shareholder response to the tender offer will be a determinant in the transaction's success. The structure of the deal, which involves a tender offer followed by a second-step merger, is designed to expedite the acquisition process but also requires careful scrutiny to ensure compliance with securities and antitrust laws.
The potential for regulatory scrutiny exists, especially if the combined entity controls a significant market share. Additionally, the 'without the vote of Societal CDMO shareholders' clause in the second-step merger is a legal mechanism that may raise questions among minority shareholders, although it is a standard procedure in such transactions. The role of Raymond James & Associates as financial advisor is to ensure that the transaction is financially fair and in the best interest of Societal CDMO's shareholders.
02/28/2024 - 04:29 PM
Societal CDMO to be Acquired by CoreRx, Inc. to Create an Enhanced CDMO with Broad Capabilities Spanning Early-Stage Formulation Development through Commercial Manufacturing and Packaging
CoreRx to Commence a Tender Offer for all Outstanding Shares of Societal CDMO, Inc.
CLEARWATER, Fla. and GAINESVILLE, Ga., Feb. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Societal CDMO, Inc. (“Societal CDMO”) (Nasdaq: SCTL), a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) dedicated to solving complex formulation and manufacturing challenges primarily in small molecule therapeutic development, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with CoreRx, Inc. (“CoreRx”) under which CoreRx will acquire Societal CDMO. CoreRx will commence a tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Societal CDMO for $1.10 per share in cash, subject to any applicable tax withholding. Societal CDMO’s board of directors unanimously approved the transaction and plans to recommend that all shareholders tender their shares in the tender offer.
“We are pleased to enter into this transaction with CoreRx, which delivers substantial value to our shareholders and is the outcome of a thorough review process overseen by the Societal CDMO board of directors,” said Wayne Weisman, executive chairman of Societal CDMO’s board of directors.
“The enhanced CDMO that will be created through this transaction will be positioned to offer both existing and new customers strength in formulation development, early-stage production, clinical trial services, commercial-scale manufacturing, and a range of packaging services. The prospects for this combined entity to establish itself as a preferred CDMO partner in the small molecule space are bright and we look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the new company’s success,” said David Enloe, chief executive officer of Societal CDMO. “We are proud to see our team’s accomplishments and are truly grateful for the contributions made by all team members to the success of the company. I am confident that this transaction will maximize value for our shareholders.”
Transaction Details $1.10 per share in cash, subject to applicable tax withholding, and Societal CDMO has agreed to file a recommendation statement containing the unanimous recommendation of its board of directors that Societal CDMO shareholders tender their shares to CoreRx. The transaction is expected to close early in the second quarter of 2024. The transaction is subject to the tender of a majority of the outstanding shares of Societal CDMO’s common stock, as well as other customary closing conditions. Following the successful closing of the tender offer, CoreRx will acquire all remaining shares of Societal CDMO that are not tendered into the tender offer through a second-step merger at the same price of $1.10 per share, without the vote of Societal CDMO shareholders. The merger will be effected as soon as practicable after the closing of the tender offer. Until that time, Societal CDMO will continue to operate as a separate and independent company.
Raymond James & Associates, Inc. is acting as financial advisor to Societal CDMO.
About CoreRx
About Societal CDMO
In addition to our experience in handling DEA controlled substances and developing and manufacturing modified-release dosage forms, Societal CDMO has the expertise to deliver on our clients’ pharmaceutical development and manufacturing projects, regardless of complexity level. We do all of this in our best-in-class facilities, which total 145,000 square feet, in Gainesville, Georgia and San Diego, California.
Societal CDMO: Bringing Science to Society. For more information about Societal CDMO’s customer solutions, visit societalcdmo.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among others, the ability to complete and the timing of completion of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the parties’ ability to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the Offer and the other conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement and the possibility of any termination of the Merger Agreement. The forward-looking statements contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Potential risks, uncertainties and other factor to be considered include, among others, that Societal CDMO shareholders may not tender a sufficient number of shares in the tender offer; the length of time necessary to consummate the proposed transaction may be longer than anticipated, or it may not be consummated at all; the proposed transaction may involve unexpected costs; the businesses may suffer as a result of uncertainty surrounding the proposed transaction, including difficulties in maintaining relationships with third parties or retaining key employees; and the risk that shareholder litigation in connection with the Offer or the Merger may result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, see Societal CDMO’s most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including under the headings “Risk Factors.” You are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by law, neither CoreRx nor Societal CDMO is under any duty to update any of the information in this document.
Additional Information And Where To Find It
In connection with the proposed acquisition, CoreRx will commence a tender offer for the outstanding shares of Societal CDMO. The tender offer has not yet commenced. This communication is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of Societal CDMO, nor is it a substitute for the tender offer materials that CoreRx and its wholly owned merger subsidiary, Cane Merger Sub, Inc. (“Merger Sub”), will file with the SEC upon commencement of the tender offer. At the time the tender offer is commenced, CoreRx and Merger Sub will file tender offer materials on Schedule TO, and Societal CDMO will file a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC with respect to the tender offer. HOLDERS OF SHARES OF SOCIETAL CDMO COMMON STOCK ARE URGED TO READ THE TENDER OFFER MATERIALS (INCLUDING AN OFFER TO PURCHASE, A RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CERTAIN OTHER TENDER OFFER DOCUMENTS) AND THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE (AS EACH MAY BE AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME) BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT HOLDERS OF SHARES OF SOCIETAL CDMO COMMON STOCK SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING TENDERING THEIR SHARES. The Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, will be made available to all holders of shares of Societal CDMO at no expense to them. The tender offer materials and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement will be made available for free at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, these materials will be available at no charge on the Investors page of Societal CDMO’s website at https://www.societalcdmo.com/ and by directing a request to the information agent for the tender offer, whose contact information will be set forth in the Offer to Purchase.
What is the acquisition price per share for Societal CDMO by CoreRx, Inc.?
The acquisition price per share for Societal CDMO by CoreRx, Inc., is $1.10.
When is the expected closing date for the transaction between Societal CDMO and CoreRx, Inc.?
The transaction between Societal CDMO and CoreRx, Inc., is expected to close early in the second quarter of 2024.
Who approved the acquisition transaction between Societal CDMO and CoreRx, Inc.?
Societal CDMO's board of directors unanimously approved the acquisition transaction with CoreRx, Inc.
What will happen to Societal CDMO after the acquisition by CoreRx, Inc.?
Following the successful closing of the tender offer, CoreRx will acquire all remaining shares of Societal CDMO that are not tendered into the offer through a second-step merger.
Who is the executive chairman of Societal CDMO's board of directors?
Wayne Weisman is the executive chairman of Societal CDMO's board of directors.
