TORONTO–Air Canada, The Toronto-Dominion Bank, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, and Visa Canada Corporation, on behalf of a corporation to be formed, have made a proposal to Aimia Inc. to acquire its Aeroplan loyalty business (including approximately $2 billion of Aeroplan points liability at March 31, 2018) for $250 million in cash, representing a total purchase price of approximately $2.25 billion.
The proposed transaction, if accepted by Aimia, will ensure value and continuity for their members as well as customers of Air Canada, TD, CIBC and Visa. The proposal implies an estimated market equivalent value of $3.64 per Aimia share, a 52.3% premium to the 30-day VWAP and a 45.6% premium to spot closing price as of July 24, 2018. The market equivalent value is comprised of the Aeroplan loyalty business proposal value of $1.64 per Aimia common share plus non Aeroplan loyalty program net assets valued at $2.00 per common share based on fair market value estimates contained in Mittleman Investment Management’s Q1 2018 investor letter.1
The parties have requested a prompt response from Aimia regarding the proposal, which has an expiry date of August 2, 2018. The proposed transaction is subject to the satisfactory conclusion of transaction documents and certain other customary conditions, including due diligence, receipt of customary regulatory approvals and the negotiation and satisfactory completion of credit card agreements between Air Canada and each of TD and CIBC.
If completed, the transaction would result in a positive outcome for Aimia shareholders and Aeroplan members, allowing for a smooth transition of Aeroplan members’ points to Air Canada’s new loyalty program launching in 2020, safeguarding their points and providing convenience and value for millions of Canadians, the joint group says.
The bidders argue that “given Aimia’s current situation and future prospects”, the proposed transaction delivers value to Aimia’s stakeholders.
They say Air Canada, TD, CIBC and Visa are committed to engaging with Aimia’s board to complete a transaction and trust that Aimia’s Special Committee and Board of Directors, in discharging their fiduciary duties, will respond promptly by August 2, 2018. A timely completion of the transaction is essential for the continued participation of the parties, they suggested.
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