Soufflet Malt announces non-binding, indicative proposal to acquire United Malt Group, creating largest maltster globally

Soufflet Malt, one of the top three operators in the global malt industry and a subsidiary of leading European agricultural group InVivo Group, announced today that it has made a non-binding, indicative and conditional proposal to United Malt Group Limited (United Malt), a company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and the fourth largest maltster globally, to acquire all of the shares of United Malt for A$5.001 cash per share by way of a scheme of arrangement (Proposal). The Proposal represents a 45.3% premium to the last closing price of United Malt shares on the ASX of A$3.44 (as at 24 March 2023)². 

The Directors of United Malt have announced that, should Soufflet Malt provide a binding proposal in respect of the Proposal (at a price of no less than the Proposal price of A$5.001), subject to entry into a binding scheme implementation agreement in a form acceptable to the United Malt Board, the United Malt Board intends to unanimously recommend that United Malt shareholders vote in favour of the Proposal (in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to an independent expert concluding, and continuing to conclude, that the Proposal in the best interests of United Malt shareholders). 

United Malt and Soufflet Malt have entered into a process and exclusivity deed which governs the process under which Soufflet Malt will undertake due diligence and the parties will work towards agreeing and executing a binding scheme implementation agreement. United Malt has granted Soufflet Malt a 10-week period of exclusive due diligence from the date of the opening of a data room that has been populated with all, or substantially all, the due diligence materials reasonably requested by Soufflet Malt. 

Strategic combination to capture growth in the global malt market across regions and verticals 

InVivo Group is committed to making malt one of the central pillars of its business by strengthening the position of Soufflet Malt as a world leader in the sector. Following the acquisition of Castle Malting in Belgium earlier this year, the proposed acquisition would enable Soufflet Malt to expand its presence in the high value-added craft beer market and build a platform to supply brewers, both craft and industrial, and distillers throughout the world. The combined company would enable its customers to access increased resources and support their own ambitions for growth. 

Overall, the transaction would be beneficial to InVivo Group’s and United Malt’s stakeholders, notably by improving opportunities for all employees and enabling United Malt’s current shareholders to receive A$5.00 in cash per share. 

The acquisition would reinforce Soufflet Malt’s presence in the United Kingdom and increase its global footprint in strategic markets, including the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, in addition to its current foothold in Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa. 

This acquisition would also enable Soufflet Malt to take advantage of the expansion of the global malt market and to meet increasingly specific customer demands in terms of malt quality, carbon footprint reduction and more ambitious sustainability commitments. 

Thierry Blandinières, Chairman of Soufflet Malt and CEO of InVivo Group: 'Today’s announcement is completely in line with the strategic approach we designed for Soufflet Malt in 2021 with our strategic partners, KKR, Bpifrance and Crédit Agricole Group. The acquisition of United Malt is a unique opportunity to reinforce our presence in the high-value craft beer market, expand our geographical footprint to new strategic markets, and accelerate our ambitious strategy in the malt sector. A larger global platform would also enable customers to access increased resources and support their own growth ambitions. This acquisition would be a key step in our journey to becoming a global leader in the malt sector.' 

The acquisition of United Malt is subject to further due diligence and conditions including consultation of Soufflet Malt’s relevant working councils, agreeing and executing final binding documentation, prior authorizations from the relevant regulatory authorities, court approval and approval by United Malt’s shareholders. 

Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE and Crédit Agricole CIB are serving as financial advisors to Soufflet Malt and Vivien & Associés, Aramis, Bredin Prat and Allens are serving as the company’s legal advisors. 

1 Australian Dollars. Proposal price will be adjusted for any distribution paid to United Malt shareholders prior to the implementation of the Proposal. 
2 Based on 300.3 million fully diluted shares on issue and net debt (inclusive of leases) of A$453m as at 30 September 2022.