Herman Miller Inc., an office furniture maker in Zeeland, and Knoll Inc. have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Herman Miller will acquire Knoll in a cash and stock transaction valued at $1.8 billion.
The transaction, which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, is expected to close by the end of the third quarter of calendar year 2021, subject to the satisfaction of closing conditions.
Under the terms of the agreement, Knoll shareholders will receive $11 in cash and 0.32 shares of Herman Miller common stock for each share of Knoll common stock they own. Based on Herman Miller’s five-day volume weighted average price of $43.94 per share, the transaction terms imply a purchase price of $25.06 per share, representing a 45 percent premium to Knoll’s closing share price on April 16, 2021.
Upon completion of the transaction, Herman Miller shareholders will own approximately 78 percent of the combined company and Knoll shareholders will own approximately 22 percent.
In connection with the closing of the transaction, Herman Miller will purchase all of the outstanding shares of Knoll’s preferred stock from Investindustrial VII L.P. (“Investindustrial”) for a fixed cash consideration of $253 million, representing an equivalent price of $25.06 for each underlying share of Knoll common stock.
Investindustrial has entered into a voting agreement to vote in favor of the transaction at the special meeting of Knoll shareholders to be held in connection with the transaction.
The companies state the combination will create an industry leader in modern design, catalyzing the transformation of the home and office sectors at a time of unprecedented disruption. Herman Miller and Knoll collectively have 19 leading brands, presence across more than 100 countries worldwide, a global dealer network, 64 showrooms globally, over 50 physical retail locations and global multi-channel eCommerce capabilities.
The combined company will have pro forma annual revenue of approximately $3.6 billion and pro forma adjusted EBITDA of approximately $552 million, based on each company’s respective last reported 12 months and including the anticipated $100 million of cost synergies, implying adjusted EBITDA margins of approximately 16 percent.
“This transaction brings together two pioneering icons of design with strong businesses, attractive portfolios and long histories of innovation,” says Andi Owen, president and CEO of Herman Miller. “As distributed working models become the new normal for companies, businesses are reimagining the office to foster collaboration, culture and focused work, while supporting a growing remote employee base.
“At the same time, consumers are making significant investments in their homes. With a broad portfolio, global footprint and advanced digital capabilities, we will be poised to meet our customers everywhere they live and work. Together, we will offer a deep portfolio of brands, technology, talent and innovation, to create meaningful growth opportunities in all areas of the combined business.”
Andrew Cogan, chairman and CEO of Knoll, states: “We believe this combination offers significant benefits to our shareholders, clients, dealers, and associates. Our shareholders will receive immediate and certain value, as well as future upside potential through ownership in an industry leader with significant growth opportunities. Our clients, the design community and dealers will have access to an expanded, exceptional portfolio of brands through enhanced channels. And our associates will benefit as part of a larger and more diversified company with a shared design legacy.”
Following the close of the transaction, Owen will serve as president and CEO of the combined company. Cogan plans to depart the combined company upon closing of the transaction after a successful 30-year career with Knoll, during which time Knoll received the National Design Award for Corporate and Institutional Achievement from the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum.
The transaction is subject to approval by Herman Miller and Knoll shareholders, the receipt of required regulatory approvals, and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
The transaction is not conditioned on financing. Herman Miller expects to fund the cash portion of the transaction consideration with a combination of new debt and cash on hand. Herman Miller has obtained a commitment from Goldman Sachs for $1.75 billion of senior secured revolving and term loan credit facilities, subject to customary conditions.
Goldman Sachs & Co. is serving as financial advisor to Herman Miller and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as legal advisor. BofA Securities is serving as financial advisor to Knoll and Sullivan & Cromwell is serving as legal advisor.
Founded in 1905, Herman Miller in 2018 created Herman Miller Group, a family of brands that includes Colebrook Bosson Saunders, Design Within Reach, Geiger, HAY, Maars Living Walls, Maharam, and naughtone. For more information, visit www.hermanmiller.com/about-us.
Knoll’s brands include Knoll Office, KnollStudio, KnollTextiles, KnollExtra, Spinneybeck | FilzFelt, Edelman Leather, HOLLY HUNT, DatesWeiser, Muuto, and Fully.
