According to an April 1, 2008 joint press release, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. and CSK Auto Corporation announced that the two companies have signed a definitive merger agreement under which O’Reilly will acquire all of the outstanding shares of CSK common stock pursuant to an exchange offer, in a transaction valued at approximately $1.0 billion, including approximately $500 million of debt. The boards of directors of both companies have approved the transaction.
“Today is an exciting day for both O’Reilly and CSK shareholders,” stated O’Reilly Automotive Chief Executive Officer Greg Henslee. “As a combined company, we will be even stronger and more competitive, with the ability to better meet the continuing evolution of the automotive aftermarket industry. Additionally, we are creating a company that will generate significant value for the combined companies’ shareholders, growth opportunities for team members and enhanced service to our customers.”
"The benefits of this transaction are very compelling," said Larry Mondry, CSK Auto’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "After careful consideration of a number of viable alternatives, our Board has determined that partnering with O’Reilly is clearly the best course of action for our shareholders. As part of a stronger, more financially flexible company, shareholders, creditors and suppliers will have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the development of a company that will be well positioned to be a nation-wide leader in the automotive aftermarket industry. Equally important, this transaction provides growth and advancement opportunities for CSK’s team members.”
Following the close of the transaction, O’Reilly will be the third largest national auto parts retailer with approximately 3,200 stores located across the United States. The combined company had pro forma revenues of approximately $4.4 billion in 2007.
O’Reilly has entered into a commitment for a $1.2 billion asset based revolving credit facility with Bank of America and Lehman Brothers Inc. which will be used to refinance debt, fund the cash portion of the consideration and other transaction-related expenses and to provide ample liquidity for the combined company going forward.
Source: O’Reilly Automotive Inc. and CSK Auto Corporation Press Release via www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/NewsRoom.do.