Dollar Tree To Acquire Family Dollar

July 28, 2014

Dollar Tree said it would acquire Family Dollar in a transformational cash and stock deal valued at $8.5 billion to create a company with more than 13,000 stores and annual sales of $18 billion.

The deal was unanimously approved by the boards of both companys and involves Dollar Tree paying Family Dollar shareholders $59.60 in cash and $14.90 in equivalent Dollar Tree shares.

"We will continue to operate under the Dollar Tree, Deals, and Dollar Tree Canada brands, and when this transaction is complete, we will operate under the Family Dollar brand as well," said Dollar Tree CEO Bob Sasser.  "Throughout our history, we have strived continuously to evolve and improve our business.  This acquisition, which enhances our footprint and diversifies our company, will enable us to build on that progression, and importantly, positions Dollar Tree for accelerated growth.  By offering both fixed-price and multi-price point formats and an even broader, more compelling merchandise assortment, we will be able to provide even greater value and choice to a wider array of customers."

Sasser said the deal would extend the company's reach to lower-income customers and strengthen and diversify its store footprint while also delivering significant synergies by leveraging best practices of the organizations.  Dollar Tree anticipates that the transaction will result in $300 million of annual run-rate synergies to be fully realized by the end of the third year after closing.

Plans call for Family Dollar CEO Howard Levine to remain with the combined company, reporting to Sasser, and serve as a member of the board.

"For more than 54 years, Family Dollar has provided value and convenience to customers.  Dollar Tree also has a rich history of providing great value to customers, and together, as one company, we can provide more customers with even greater value and convenience," Levine said.

The deal is a culmination of a process that began last winter and included discussions of potential combinations with other partners, Levine said.  The comprehensive review process ultimately determined the combination with Dollar Tree was in the best interest of shareholders.

"This combination will enable Family Dollar to accelerate efforts to improve the business and will benefit our dedicated team members who will now be part of a larger, more diverse organization," Levine said.  "I am excited about our future with Dollar Tree, and I look forward to working with the Dollar Tree team to complete the combination as quickly as possible to realize the compelling benefits for all our stakeholders."

Source: Retailing Today