The biggest news from the world of the 3D printing industry last year has been finalized! Nikon Corporation has announced the completion of its acquisition of SLM Solutions, which was announced less than four months ago. The Japanese company announced that all the conditions for closing the voluntary public takeover bid and the parallel voluntary call for the purchase of all convertible bonds issued by SLM with a maturity date of 2026 have been met. The settlement of the Takeover Offer and the Bond Offer will take place next week at the latest, i.e. on January 27, 2023.
Toshikazu Umatate, Nikon’s CEO, said: “We are delighted that our transaction went well and look forward to working with SLM. We value the capabilities of SLM in the area of production of 3D printers for metals and from now on, together we can provide comprehensive solutions to clients from various industries around the world. We look forward to enhancing and expanding our digital manufacturing business, which we believe will lead to a revolution in global mass production.”
Sam O’Leary, CEO of SLM, added: “With deep experience in developing state-of-the-art optoelectronic technology and precision equipment, Nikon is the perfect partner for SLM. Together with Nikon, we will further strengthen our leading position in the production of metal 3D printing systems by consistently raising the bar in this innovation-driven environment. We have proven the importance of our technology in every major industry, and with Nikon we are confident that we will expand our customer base even further.”
Nikon first announced its intention to acquire SLM Solutions in September 2022. During Formnext 2022, the two companies held a joint press conference to familiarize attendees with the merger plans. In late November last year, Nikon secured 92.38% of SLM’s shares before the end of the additional approval period it provided to shareholders. This will give Nikon the opportunity to delist SLM from the stock exchange.
The Settlement Implementation Notice published by Nikon on January 20, 2023 stated:
“Following the outcome of the Takeover Offer and Bond Offer, Nikon may consider whether to initiate, cause or cause the delisting of SLM’s listed shares, to the extent commercially reasonable and acceptable under market conditions. The Management Board of SLM has concluded an investment agreement, according to which SLM is obliged to withdraw from trading at the request of Nikon. Currently, the impact of the Takeover Offer and the Bond Offering on the forecasts of results for the financial year ending in March 2023 is being analysed. Nikon will promptly disclose any necessary changes to its earnings projections or any matters that need to be disclosed.”
Source: www.nikon.com