Metlifecare to buy Vision Senior, Private Life for $216m

BUSINESSDESK: Metlifecare, which raised $45.5 million of new capital last year, has agreed to buy rivals Vision Senior Living and Private Life Care Holdings in a deal worth some $216m in stock and cash.

The retirement village operator will buy VSL's five existing villages for $83m in Metlifecare shares, and PLC's three villages for $123m for scrip, the company said.

VSL's shareholders will also buy 4.2m further shares for some $10m in cash to pay down the retirement village operator's debt.

"The merger will strengthen Metlifecare's presence in the key Auckland retirement village market and ensure the company continues to compete strongly in the New Zealand retirement village sector," managing director Alan Edwards said.

"The merger will be immediately cashflow accretive and will provide an enhanced platform for Metlifecare to drive growth and shareholder value."

In February, Metlifecare reported a 38% slump in first-half underlying profit as it had to pay rising insurance costs and had to contend with smaller operating revenue after selling its Merivale Village last year.

The merger will boost Metlifecare's portfolio to 24 villages, three of which are in development.

The number of units will increase to 3902 from 2460, while brownfield and greenfield capacity climbs to 1011 units from 380 units.

Metlifecare's biggest shareholder, Retirement Village Group, owns 100% of PLC, and has committed to sell 16.5m shares to retail investors to take its stake below 50%.

It won't be allowed to reduce its stake below 35% within 12 months.

VSL private equity shareholders Goldman Sachs and Arrow International, who hold about 68% of the village operator and developer, will be allowed to distribute shares in-specie after six months, while minority investors won't be allowed to sell for 12 months.

The deal comes after Retirement Village Group sold down its stake in Metlifecare last year, and ends speculation VSL would float independently on the stock exchange.

The transaction is expected to settle in July, and needs Overseas Investment Office approval, minority shareholder sign-off and certain third-party consents.

A special meeting will be held in Auckland next month. RVG will be excluded from the vote because it is a related party transaction.

Metlifecare's board will increase the ratio of independent directors, adding two unrelated parties by the end of the year.

Northington Partners will provide an independent adviser's report on the merger, while Grant Samuel & Associates provided Metlifecare with advice on the deal.

Chapman Tripp gave the company legal advice.

The company's stock fell 1.8% to $2.20 in trading on Friday.