Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp. (NASDAQ: BIOX) (Bioceres) and
Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBII) (MBI) announced today
that they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine the
companies in an all-stock transaction. Under the terms of the
transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the Board of
Directors of both companies, each share of MBI common stock will be
exchanged at closing for ordinary shares of Bioceres at a fixed
ratio of 0.088, representing a value of approximately $236 million,
based on the Bioceres and MBI share prices at market close on March
15, 2022 and the number of current outstanding MBI shares.
This transaction will combine Bioceres’
expertise in bionutrition and seed care products with MBI’s
leadership in the development of biological crop protection and
plant health solutions, creating a global leader in the development
and commercialization of sustainable agricultural solutions. The
companies together operate in 46 countries with approximately 640
employees, including two wholly owned manufacturing facilities and
research and development (R&D) facilities located in Davis,
California, and Rosario, Argentina.
“We are very excited about the value creation
that will result from this combination for customers, employees and
investors,” said Bioceres Chief Executive Officer Federico Trucco.
“By combining our current commercialized products and pipelines, we
will be in a position to serve all major agriculture input
categories with low environmental impact, highly efficacious,
biological based solutions.”
Trucco added, “MBI’s commercial footprint in
North America and Europe will strongly complement our existing
efforts in these geographies, while Bioceres’ leadership in Latin
America will provide an excellent channel for MBI’s portfolio in
these important row-crop markets. Together, we will create a
winning platform in one of the most dynamic segments of
agriculture.”
“Our merger has the potential to accelerate
global reach, broaden our product offerings and expand our R&D
programs,” said Kevin Helash, Chief Executive Officer of Marrone
Bio. “Consumer and grower demand is accelerating for agricultural
products that help produce safe, affordable food in a sustainable
manner. We will be able to further serve that market opportunity
and provide our distribution partners and our growers with greater
returns on investment.” Helash noted that the merger is anticipated
to generate $8 million in annual cost synergies, the majority of
which relate to the elimination of duplicative public company
expenses and consulting fees.
“MBI and Bioceres have a shared culture of
innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. With complementary R&D
capabilities, the combination unlocks many additional possibilities
for further groundbreaking commercial solutions,” Helash
concluded.
“Bioceres has a proven track record in
successfully integrating and scaling up businesses that have
cultures focused on the commercialization of innovation. Since we
integrated Rizobacter just over five years ago, revenue almost
tripled and margins have expanded, driving ~4x increase in EBITDA.
Rizobacter had the team, the products, the industrial capabilities
and strong customer relationships needed to materialize growth, and
we partnered with their leadership to unlock the opportunity,” said
Enrique Lopez Lecube, Bioceres’ CFO.
“Concurrent with Rizobacter’s acquisition,
Bioceres negotiated a $45 million long-term loan, today fully
repaid, that brought in the financial resources to execute on our
ambitious plans. Similarly, today we are announcing that in
connection with the merger, we have agreed to terms for up to $45
million in long-term committed capital in the form of a convertible
loan. In addition to each company’s existing cash position, we
estimate that pro forma cash will be around $100 million. Finally,
we are also announcing the conversion to equity of 75% of the 2023
convertible loan, with the other 25% restructured into a new 4-year
loan,” added Lopez Lecube.
“We are excited that the scale created by this
combination with Bioceres can accelerate and expand the
commercialization of Marrone’s existing products. The combined
companies will have the quality, experience and depth of management
as well as the financial resources to realize the full potential of
Marrone’s pipeline,” said Dwight Anderson, Managing Partner at
Ospraie Ag Science LLC, the largest shareholder of MBI.
The combined company will have a diverse
customer base, product portfolio and geographic reach across a wide
range of crops, positioned to serve the massive market opportunity
emerging from the bio-reduction and replacement of chemical ag
inputs. Key products in the combined companies’ R&D pipelines
include Bioceres’ HB4 drought tolerance program in wheat and
soybeans and MBI’s breakthrough research in bioherbicides.
Additionally, MBI recently submitted regulatory packages for its
novel bioinsecticide/bionematicide products MBI-306 and MBI-206 to
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Brazilian authorities
for approval, respectively.
Transaction Details
The transaction is expected to close in the
third quarter of calendar 2022, subject to the approval of MBI
shareholders, regulatory clearance and other customary closing
conditions. Shareholders representing approximately 49% of MBI’s
outstanding shares of common stock have entered into customary
transaction support agreements, agreeing to vote their shares in
favor of the merger agreement and transactions contemplated
thereby. Upon close, MBI shareholders will own approximately 16
million shares of Bioceres, with at least two individuals
designated by MBI to be appointed to Bioceres’ board of
directors.
Linklaters LLP is serving as legal counsel to
Bioceres. Roth Capital Partners is serving as financial advisor to
MBI, and Morrison & Foerster LLP is serving as legal counsel to
MBI.
Bioceres Financing And Capitalization
Update
In connection with the transaction, Bioceres has
agreed to terms for a capital commitment with a principal amount
between $37.5 million and $45 million in the form of a convertible
loan. The loan will mature four years after closing and accrue
interest at an annual rate of 9%, of which 5% will be payable in
cash and 4% in-kind. At any time up to maturity the lenders will
have the option to convert the loan into common shares of Bioceres
at a strike price of $18 per share. Bioceres will have the option
for a voluntary prepayment beginning 30 months after the date on
which the loan has been effected.
Bioceres has also entered into an agreement with
holders of a convertible note with an outstanding principal amount
of $49.1 million that matures in March 2023. Under such agreement,
and pursuant to the terms of the convertible note, the holders of
the convertible note have committed to convert 75% of the
outstanding principal amount into shares of common stock of
Bioceres. The remaining 25% of the principal amount outstanding
will be rolled into a new loan facility with a maturity of 4 years
and no rights to convert into equity.
Under the proposed terms, the closing of the
conversion of the existing convertible notes and closing of the
related new term loan are expected to occur within six weeks, and
the closing of the new convertible loan is conditioned on, and will
occur simultaneously with the closing of the transaction.
The terms of the conversion, new term loan and
new convertible loan described above are subject to negotiation and
execution of customary definitive documentation.
Joint Conference CallBioceres Chairman &
Chief Executive Officer Federico Trucco, Chief Financial Officer
Enrique Lopez Lecube and Head of Investor Relations Rodrigo Krause,
with MBI Chief Executive Officer Kevin Helash, will host a
conference call to discuss the announcement, followed by a
question-and-answer session. The conference call will be
accompanied by a presentation, which can be viewed during the
webcast or accessed via the investor relations section of each
company’s website here, for Bioceres, and
here, for MBI.
To access the call, please use the following
information:
Date: |
Thursday, March 17, 2022 |
Time: |
8:30 a.m. EST, 5:30 a.m. PST |
Toll Free dial-in number: |
1-844-200-6205 |
Toll/International dial-in
number: |
1-929-526-1599 |
Conference ID: |
811982 |
Webcast: |
Click here |
Please call the conference telephone number 5-10
minutes prior to the start time. An operator will register your
name and organization. If you have difficulty connecting with the
conference call, please contact MZ Group at +1 (949) 491-8235.
The conference call will be broadcast live and
available for replay here and via the investor
relations section of the company’s website
here.
A replay of the call will be available through
March 24, 2022 following the conference.
Toll Free Replay Number: |
1-866-813-9403 |
International Replay
Number: |
+44 204 525 0658 |
Replay ID: |
962243 |
About Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp.
Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp. (NASDAQ: BIOX) is
a fully integrated provider of crop productivity technologies
designed to enable the transition of agriculture towards carbon
neutrality. To do this, Bioceres’ solutions create economic
incentives for farmers and other stakeholders to adopt
environmentally friendlier production practices. The Company has a
unique biotech platform with high-impact, patented technologies for
seeds and microbial ag-inputs, as well as next generation crop
nutrition and protection solutions. Through its HB4® program, the
Company is bringing digital solutions to support growers’ decisions
and provide end-to-end traceability for production outputs. For
more information, visit here.
About Marrone Bio InnovationsMarrone Bio
Innovations Inc. (NASDAQ: MBII) is a growth-oriented agricultural
company leading the movement to environmentally sustainable farming
practices through the discovery, development and sale of innovative
biological products for crop protection, crop health and crop
nutrition. The portfolio of 18 products helps customers operate
more sustainably while increasing their return on investment. The
company’s commercial products are sold globally and supported by a
robust portfolio of more than 500 issued and pending patents. End
markets include row crops; fruits and vegetables; trees, nuts and
vines; and greenhouse production. Marrone Bio’s research and
development program uses proprietary technologies to isolate and
screen naturally occurring microorganisms and plant extracts to
create new, environmentally sound solutions in agriculture. For
more information, visit here.
Bioceres Crop Solutions Investor Relations
ContactChris TysonExecutive Vice PresidentMZ Group – MZ
North America (949) 491-8235BIOX@mzgroup.us www.mzgroup.us
Bioceres Crop Solutions:Rodrigo KrauseHead of Investor
Relationsinvestorrelations@biocerescrops.com
MBI Investor Relations
Contact530-750-2800info@marronebio.com
Forward-Looking StatementsThis
communication contains certain “forward-looking” statements within
the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the U.S.
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, concerning Bioceres,
MBI and the proposed transaction between Bioceres and MBI. All
statements other than statements of fact, including information
concerning future results, are forward-looking statements. These
forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words
“anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “seek,” “intend,”
“may,” “could” or similar expressions. Such forward-looking
statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the
benefits of the proposed transaction, including anticipated future
financial and operating results, synergies, accretion and growth
rates, Bioceres’, MBI’s and the combined company’s plans,
objectives, expectations and intentions, and the expected timing of
completion of the proposed transactions, including the acquisition
of MBI and the financing transactions of Bioceres. There are
several factors which could cause actual plans and results to
differ materially from those expressed or implied in
forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not
limited to, the failure to obtain, or delays in obtaining, required
regulatory approvals, and the risk that such approvals may result
in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the
combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed
transaction, or the failure to satisfy any of the other conditions
to the proposed transaction on a timely basis or at all; the
occurrence of events that may give rise to a right of one or both
of the parties to terminate the business combination agreement;
adverse effects on the market price of Bioceres’ or MBI’s common
stock and on Bioceres’ or MBI’s operating results because of a
failure to complete the proposed transaction in the anticipated
timeframe or at all; the ability of Bioceres, MBI and the combined
company to make payments on debt or to repay existing or future
indebtedness when due or to comply with the covenants contained
therein; adverse changes in the ratings of Bioceres’ debt
securities or adverse conditions in the credit markets; negative
effects of the announcement, pendency or consummation of the
transaction on the market price of Bioceres’ or MBI’s common stock
and on Bioceres’ or MBI’s operating results, including as a result
of changes in key customer, supplier, employee or other business
relationships; significant transaction costs, including financing
costs, and unknown liabilities; failure to realize the expected
benefits and synergies of the proposed transaction in the expected
timeframes or at all; costs or difficulties related to the
integration of MBI’s technology and operations into Bioceres; the
risk of litigation or regulatory actions; the inability of
Bioceres, MBI or the combined company to retain and hire key
personnel; the risk that certain contractual restrictions contained
in the business combination agreement during the pendency of the
proposed transaction could adversely affect Bioceres’ or MBI’s
ability to pursue business opportunities or strategic transactions;
effects of changes in the regulatory environment in which Bioceres
and MBI operate; changes in global, political, economic, business,
competitive and market conditions; changes in tax and other laws
and regulations; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in
Bioceres’ Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended June
30, 2021, including in the sections thereof captioned “Risk
Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements,” as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 6-K, all
of which are filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov and
www.biocerescrops.com, and in MBI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and in its subsequent
reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned
“Risk Factors” and “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements and Trade Names,” as well as in its subsequent reports
on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the SEC and available at
www.sec.gov and www.marronebio.com. Forward-looking statements are
based on current expectations and assumptions, which are subject to
risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and the
timing of events to differ materially from those expressed in or
implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these risks and
uncertainties, persons reading this communication are cautioned not
to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
Bioceres and MBI assume no obligation to update or revise the
information contained in this communication (whether as a result of
new information, future events, changes in its expectations, other
circumstances that exist after the date as of which the
forward-looking statements were made or otherwise), except as
required by applicable law.
Important Additional
InformationIn connection with the proposed transaction,
Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp. (“Bioceres”) will file a registration
statement on Form F-4 (the “registration statement”) with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which will contain a
proxy statement of Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. (“MBI”), that also
constitutes a prospectus of Bioceres (the “proxy
statement/prospectus”), and each party will file other documents
regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC from time to time.
Investors and security holders are urged to read the proxy
statement/prospectus, as well as any amendments or supplements to
those documents and other relevant documents filed with the sec
when they become available because they will contain important
information. When final, a definitive copy of the proxy
statement/prospectus will be sent to MBI stockholders. Investors
and security holders will be able to obtain the registration
statement and the proxy statement/prospectus free of charge from
the SEC’s website or from Bioceres or MBI. The documents filed by
Bioceres with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at Bioceres’
website, at www.biocerescrops.com, or at the SEC’s website, at
www.sec.gov. These documents may also be obtained free of charge
from Bioceres by requesting them by mail at Bioceres Crop Solutions
Corp., Investor Relations, Ocampo 210 bis, Predio CCT, Rosario
Province of Santa Fe, Argentina. The documents filed by MBI with
the SEC may be obtained free of charge at MBI’s website, at
www.marronebio.com, or at the SEC’s website, at www.sec.gov. These
documents may also be obtained free of charge from MBI by
requesting them by mail at Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc., Investor
Relations, 7780-420 Briar Creek Parkway, Raleigh, NC 27617, or by
telephone at (530) 750-2800.
Participants in the
SolicitationBioceres and MBI and their respective
directors and executive officers and other members of management
and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation
of consents in respect of the proposed transaction. Information
about Bioceres’ directors and executive officers is available in
Bioceres’ Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the SEC on October
29, 2021. Information about MBI’s directors and executive officers
is available in MBI’s proxy statement dated April 26, 2021, for its
2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and MBI’s Current Reports on
Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on August 30, 2021 and February 22,
2022. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy
solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect
interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in
the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and
other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the
proposed transaction when they become available. Investors should
read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully when it becomes
available before making any voting or investment decisions. You may
obtain free copies of these documents from Bioceres or MBI using
the sources as indicated above.
No Offer or SolicitationThis
communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be
any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer,
solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or
qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a
prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities
Act.
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