SHCR - Sharecare enters into definitive agreement to be acquired by Altaris | Benzinga
Sharecare shareholders to receive $1.43 per share in cash
Transaction will deliver significant immediate cash value to stockholders upon closing, best positions Sharecare to continue to deliver exceptional service to clients and drive innovation
ATLANTA, June 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sharecare (NASDAQ:SHCR), the digital health company that helps people manage all their health in one place, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Altaris, LLC, an investment firm exclusively focused on the healthcare industry.
Under the terms of the definitive merger agreement, Sharecare stockholders will receive $1.43 in cash per share. The merger consideration of $1.43 per share represents a premium of approximately 85% over the closing price of Sharecare on June 20, 2024, the last trading day prior to public disclosure of the transaction and an 87% premium over the 90-day volume weighted average trading price. Upon the completion of the acquisition, Sharecare will become a privately held company and its common stock will no longer be listed on Nasdaq.
Sharecare's comprehensive and data-driven virtual health platform is designed to help people, providers, employers, health plans, government organizations, and communities optimize individual and population-wide health and well-being. Across all three of its business channels, Sharecare delivers value to the healthcare system by improving access and outcomes for patients, imperatives that are clearly aligned with Altaris' investment strategy and focus.
Jeff Arnold, Sharecare's founder and executive chairman of the Board of Directors, said, "After embarking on a deliberate process to maximize stockholder value and best position Sharecare for continued growth and success, we carefully evaluated a variety of options. Our Board of Directors determined that this transaction is in the best interests of Sharecare and its stockholders and, upon closing, will deliver significant, immediate, and certain value to our stockholders."
Arnold added, "With Altaris as a partner, we are excited to continue executing on Sharecare's mission with the benefit of their deep healthcare industry expertise, as well as increased capital and strategic and operational flexibility to continue providing industry-leading solutions to our customers across our three channels."
"Today's announcement not only delivers value for Sharecare's stockholders but also will result in exciting opportunities for our employees and customers," said Brent Layton, CEO of Sharecare. "This transaction is an important step forward to enable the continued growth and evolution of Sharecare, and further strengthens us as we deploy our innovative technology across the healthcare sector."
Transaction Details
A special committee (the "Special Committee") of the Board of Directors of Sharecare (the "Board"), comprised solely of independent directors, carefully evaluated Altaris' proposal and alternatives thereto. Following this process, the Special Committee determined that the transaction is in the best interests of Sharecare and its stockholders, and acting upon the recommendation of the Special Committee, the Board approved the merger agreement and the transaction, and will recommend that the Company's stockholders approve both the adoption of the merger agreement and the transaction on the terms set forth in the merger agreement.
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2024, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Sharecare stockholders and the receipt of required regulatory approvals. The transaction is not subject to a financing condition.
Arnold has agreed to vote his shares in favor of the transaction, and will roll over substantially all of his existing equity and continue to be a significant shareholder following this transaction. In addition, Arnold will continue to serve as executive chairman and Layton as CEO, and Sharecare's current executive leadership team is expected to continue in their roles following the close of the transaction.
Advisors
Houlihan Lokey and MTS Health Partners are acting as financial advisors to the Special Committee, and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is acting as legal advisor to the Special Committee.
Kirkland & Ellis LLP is acting as legal advisor to Altaris.
King & Spalding LLC is acting as legal advisor to Jeff Arnold.
About Sharecare
Sharecare is the leading digital ...