Summary
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (ICE) announced a significant acquisition via an 8-K filing on October 27, 2015, detailing an Agreement and Plan of Merger to acquire Interactive Data Holdings Corporation. The transaction is valued at approximately $5.2 billion, comprising $3.65 billion in cash and roughly $1.55 billion in ICE common stock, based on the 10-day volume-weighted average price prior to the announcement. This acquisition represents a strategic move by ICE to expand its data services and analytics capabilities. The deal is structured with a cash component to repay Interactive Data's existing debt and compensate equityholders, alongside a stock component for equityholders. The issuance of ICE shares may be adjusted based on ICE's stock price at closing, indicating a mechanism to manage valuation risk. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals like the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act waiting period and UK Financial Conduct Authority approval. ICE has secured a bridge financing facility to back the cash portion of the acquisition, underscoring its commitment to completing the deal.
Key Highlights
- 1ICE to acquire Interactive Data Holdings Corporation for approximately $5.2 billion.
- 2Transaction mix includes $3.65 billion in cash and approximately $1.55 billion in ICE common stock.
- 3Potential for additional ICE shares to be issued if ICE's stock price falls below a certain threshold at closing.
- 4Cash portion of the acquisition will be used to repay Interactive Data's debt and pay equityholders.
- 5Financing for the cash component is expected from a combination of cash on hand, permanent financing, and a $3.65 billion bridge facility.
- 6Acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals (HSR Act, FCA).
- 7The merger is not subject to a financing condition.