Dona Ferentes
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Wesfarmers has informed API that it has entered into an agreement with API’s shareholder, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited (“WHSP”), which holds a 19.3% interest in API. In the absence of a superior proposal as determined by the API Board, the arrangement includes an undertaking to vote in favour of the Indicative Proposal (or an improved proposal from Wesfarmers). The agreement also includes an option for Wesfarmers to acquire WHSP’s shares in the event Wesfarmers intends to match or exceed any competing proposal which API receives.
People happy to sell it at $1.37 this morning.WES makes an unsolicited, conditional bid for API at $1.38 per share.. Opportunistic, lowball offer from WES. I think they will end up increasing the price if they really want API as I don't think most shareholders will go for it at $1.38.
If the Proposal is successful, API would form the basis of a new healthcare division of Wesfarmers and a base from which to invest and develop capabilities in the health and wellbeing sector.
The combination of Wesfarmers and API is a compelling opportunity to capitalise on APIs strengths and positioning in these markets while drawing upon Wesfarmers capabilities in retail and distribution, our strong balance sheet and our willingness to invest in our businesses for growth over the long term.
and I think there's the nub. WES will lobby hard to keep the current model, probably more successfully than SOL. Whereas I'd imagine Chemist Warehouse would be seeking open slather, before their putative IPO gets to being priced.Wesfarmers supports the community pharmacy model, including the pharmacy ownership and location rules, and considers the API relationships with its community pharmacy partners to be one of its key strengths. We see opportunities to build on these relationships and invest to expand ranges, improve supply chain capabilities and enhance the online experience for customers. These investments are expected to strengthen the competitive position of API and its community pharmacy partners, Mr Scott said.
Most long termers wouldn't.WES makes an unsolicited, conditional bid for API at $1.38 per share. WES has gotten SOL on board to back them in getting shareholder support for the proposal.
Opportunistic, lowball offer from WES. I think they will end up increasing the price if they really want API as I don't think most shareholders will go for it at $1.38.
API Board has decided to increase the focus of the company on its Pharmacy Distribution and two retail businesses, Priceline Pharmacy and Clear Skincare. As a result, API will cease manufacturing personal care and over the counter products in New Zealand and outsource their manufacture. The personal care and over-the-counter ranges that form the Consumer Brands business of API will continue to be a valuable part of API’s branded and private label product offers.
People happy to sell it at $1.37 this morning.
Institutional holders will sell. With the SOL option in WES pocket, it is unlikely a 'superior proposal' will emerge.
The problem with API is, they as well as all the other pharmacies are being out muscled by chemist warehouse, WES getting in before they float would be a major concern for the warehouse IMO.
It would be interesting to see a map of where API outlets are, in regard to where WES have a footprint, which would help with logistic synergies.
“We’ve been looking at the healthcare sector for many years – looking at where we think there may be some good opportunities for growth, and also areas where we have the capability,” Scott says.
“What we like about this business is that it’s one of three major pharmaceutical distribution companies and we have, obviously, a lot of deep supply chain distribution experience,” said Rob Scott. “They also provide over-the-counter products, not just in the pharmaceutical space, but in the beauty area, through a range of pharmacies, including the Priceline chain."
“We feel that a lot of our retail expertise, digital expertise, product development expertise, can help the pharmacies to be more competitive.”
Whatever happens this is a good move by WES on a distressed entity.The API business model offers a franchise deal to pharmacists, whereas Chemist Warehouse has direct ownership of a chain of pharmacies.
While WES states it "supports the community pharmacy model, including the pharmacy ownership and location rules", it does have the backup option if things change, with a spread of KMart and Target locations!! Woolworths has held the option for a pharmacy in supermarket model for nearly 20 years, but regulation has prevented any roll-out. And of course, we know the pharmacy advice aspect is only a small part, and definitely not the most profitable, when confronted with the range of fragrances, beauty products, supplements, vitamins etc that these high street and shopping centre outlets offer.
Mmmm, perhaps not that 'distressed" ? Others may be seeing value, or at least a bit of competition such that WES may have to lift their $1.38 offer. After the bid, it was under but after a few days, some buying to push it to $1.40 and today as high as $1.43.Whatever happens this is a good move by WES on a distressed entity.
API has several significant long-term upside opportunities. The company is the number two player behind Chemist Warehouse in a fragmented retail pharmacy sector, and is adding 10 – 15 pharmacies to its network each year. We believe that over time, an increasing number of independent pharmacies will find it difficult to remain viable businesses, which should enable API to attract more pharmacies to Priceline, increasing the earnings from this division.
One of the ‘hidden gems’ that we believe the market has not recognised is Priceline’s seven million member ‘Sisterhood’ loyalty program. This gives API valuable opportunities to market offers and discounts to Priceline customers, driving bigger basket sizes (the number of items sold in a single purchase) and more repeat business. The loyalty program also represents a strong opportunity to cross-market Clear Skincare Clinics products and services to what is an overlapping customer base.
Mmmm, perhaps not that 'distressed" ? Others may be seeing value, or at least a bit of competition such that WES may have to lift their $1.38 offer. After the bid, it was under but after a few days, some buying to push it to $1.40 and today as high as $1.43.
One fund manager with a stake thinks there might be
I suspect WES with its digital strategy, that has a focus on "leveraging data and digital platforms to develop new revenue streams", would be well aware of this element. So, will a higher WES bid arise (possibly/ quite likely if serious), or will others move in (unlikely)?
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( you in the Sisterhood program, gg?)
A particularly difficult problem @divs4ever. With Covid about to spread nationally to levels seen in Europe last year my guess is that API will fold. Go WES.at the end of last month WES was my 4th largest holding and API my 8th
i had been calmly accumulating API especially during the low stretch mentioned above , i liked API for the long term
this deal does NOT suit me , i would prefer to keep holding API , or second best would be a scrip component (more WES would not be a huge problem )
booted out on the sidewalk with a wad of cash ( along with the HSN and YFZ take-over cash ) isn't so good
i have a hard enough time finding a good home for the cash i have in the bank , currently
( sigh )
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