Intrum has entered into a definitive agreement with Lowell, a European credit receivables management company, to divest Lindorff’s businesses in Denmark, Estonia, Finland and Sweden as well as Intrum Justitia’s business in Norway (“The Divested Group”). The transaction values The Divested Group at EUR 730 million on an enterprise value basis, with estimated cash proceeds of about EUR 700 million to be received by Intrum. Management of Intrum is confident that the divestment will fully honour the commitments made to the European Commission in relation to the approval of the combination of Intrum Justitia and Lindorff on June 12, 2017.
“The interest in these five units has been very high, which is reflected in the valuation achieved. This is another important step in the successful execution of the combination of Intrum Justitia and Lindorff, forming the new Intrum. The integration process is progressing very well and I am pleased that this transaction gives us the opportunity to further strengthen that process,” says Mikael Ericson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Intrum.
The divestment will be subject to the approval of Lowell as purchaser by the European Commission, as well as customary competition and regulatory approvals. The purchaser currently has no operations in the Nordic region. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2018 and is currently not expected to result in any significant profit and loss impact. Intrum will incur customary transaction costs amounting to approximately 1.5% of the enterprise value of the divestment.
“The sales proceeds will add to our strong financial position and provide significant additional flexibility for increased investments in debt portfolios as well as for complementary acquisition targets in prioritized markets. This is an industry with strong potential for new investments. Intrum is well-equipped to seize these opportunities for further profitable growth,” concludes Mikael Ericson.
The Divested Group is a full-service credit management service provider, offering services within debt collection and debt purchase as well as payment and invoicing services. The Divested Group has approximately 900 employees and operations in five markets. For the last twelve months to September 30, 2017, The Divested Group’s revenues amount to approximately EUR 190 million, with EBITDA excluding non-recurring items of approximately EUR 55 million. As of September 30, 2017, The Divested Group had purchased debt portfolios with a book value of approximately EUR 400 million.
For further information, please contact:
Mikael Ericson, CEO & President
Tel: +46 8 546 102 02
Erik Forsberg, CFO
Tel: +46 8 546 102 02