Patterson Companies (PDCO) has agreed to acquire Animal Health International, an animal health distribution company in the United States. According to an announcement made by the company Monday, this acquisition will more than double the size of Patterson’s veterinary business.
Under terms of the definitive agreement, Patterson Companies will acquire all of Animal Health International’s stock for approximately $1.1 billion in cash. Animal Health International generated sales and EBITDA of $1.5 billion and $68 million, respectively, during the 12 months ended March 2015. The purchase price reflects a 16x trailing EBITDA multiple. Patterson Companies is financing the acquisition through a combination of a $1 billion unsecured term loan and a $500 million unsecured cash flow revolving line of credit. The initial interest rate under the credit agreement is expected to be LIBOR plus 200 basis points.
Patterson expects $20 million to $30 million of synergies to result from the Animal Health International acquisition, to be realized over a three-year period. The Company’s debt to EBITDA ratio will rise to approximately 3.5x immediately after the acquisition. Patterson intends to apply the proceeds from the potential sale of its medical business to reduce the Animal Health International acquisition debt. In the event the medical business is sold, the Company expects the debt to EBITDA ratio to be approximately 2.5x.
PDCO shares closed at $47.08. The stock has a 52-week range of $37.03 - $51.49.