Summary
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (HIG) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire The Navigators Group, Inc. for $70.00 per Navigators share in cash, totaling approximately $2.1 billion. This strategic acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2019, subject to customary closing conditions, including stockholder and regulatory approvals. The transaction is not subject to a financing condition, and The Hartford has sufficient liquidity to fund the deal, with plans to utilize dividends from insurance subsidiaries to replenish holding company liquidity, subject to regulatory approval. The company does not intend to issue new equity to finance the acquisition. This move signals The Hartford's intent to expand its offerings, particularly in the specialty insurance market, by integrating Navigators' expertise and business lines. The acquisition also includes the assumption of $265 million in Navigators' senior notes. Management highlights that potential risks include obtaining regulatory approvals, integration challenges, purchase accounting impacts, and potential changes in Navigators' reserves. The agreement includes provisions for shareholder meetings, board recommendations, and break-up fees under specific circumstances, with a go-shop period allowing Navigators to explore superior proposals.
Key Highlights
- 1The Hartford to acquire The Navigators Group, Inc. for $70.00 per share in cash.
- 2Total transaction value is approximately $2.1 billion.
- 3Acquisition expected to close in the first half of 2019.
- 4No financing condition; The Hartford has sufficient liquidity.
- 5The Hartford plans to use dividends from insurance subsidiaries to fund the deal, subject to regulatory approval.
- 6The company will assume $265 million of Navigators' senior notes.
- 7Key risks include regulatory approvals, integration, and reserve adjustments.