Diodes Incorporated (Nasdaq: DIOD), a leading global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality application specific standard products within the broad discrete, logic, analog and mixed-signal semiconductor markets, and Lite-On Semiconductor Corporation (TWSE: 5305) (“LSC”), a Taiwan-based supplier of “green” power-related discrete and analog semiconductor devices, today announced the companies have entered into an agreement that provides for the acquisition of LSC by Diodes.
At the effective date of the transaction, each share of LSC stock will be converted into the right to receive TWD 42.50 in cash, or $1.37 USD, as of June 30, 2019 without interest. The aggregate consideration will be approximately $428 million. The price per share reflects a premium of 35% over LSC’s 30-day volume-weighted average price (VWAP). The boards of both companies have approved the transaction, which is still subject to approval by LSC shareholders as well as other customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to close in April, 2020.
Commenting on the transaction, Dr. Keh-Shew Lu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Diodes, stated, “In combination with our strong organic growth, this proposed acquisition underscores Diodes’ use of acquisitions to accelerate the attainment of our next strategic goal of $2.5 billion in annual revenue and $1.0 billion in annual gross profit by 2025. This transaction will expand our discrete business in Asia, complementing our existing product lines with offerings at additional price points, especially for cost-sensitive applications. LSC’s contact image sensor business also extends Diodes’ footprint, representing a new market where Diodes can participate. Additionally, LSC’s wafer fabs and assembly sites provide Diodes with incremental manufacturing capacity as well as the opportunity for increased manufacturing flexibility and cross-regional internal dual-sourcing.”
Dr. Lu continued, “Further, this acquisition accelerates our share repurchase activities, recapturing over 15.3% of Diodes outstanding shares currently held by LSC. In addition, it provides a positive return on investment for LSC’s 31.2% ownership in On-Bright Electronics. The transaction also meets our criteria for strategic acquisitions and is expected to be immediately accretive to our earnings. We look forward to further leveraging Diodes’ strong manufacturing know-how to drive increased operational and cost efficiencies, while also improving utilization of LSC’s production facilities in Taiwan and China.”
Commenting on the proposed acquisition, David Lee, LSC President said, “We are pleased to have reached this agreement as Diodes offers us a significant opportunity to leverage their extensive sales channel, manufacturing strength and broad support infrastructure. We believe this transaction represents outstanding value for our shareholders, customers and employees alike, and we look forward to becoming a part of Diodes.”
Diodes expects to fund the purchase price of the acquisition primarily with proceeds from a new financing arrangement co-led by Bank of America, PNC Bank and Wells Fargo Securities. Advisors for the transaction included Jones Day, who served as legal counsel to Diodes and Lexcel Partners, legal counsel for LSC.
