Harry Winston (HWD) to Sell Luxury Watch Brand in $1B Deal
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Harry Winston Diamond Corp (NYSE: HWD) has entered into an agreement to sell its luxury brand diamond jewelry and timepiece division, Harry Winston Inc., to The Swatch Group Ltd. for US$750 million plus their assumption of up to US$250 million of pro forma net debt.
The Swatch Group, with its unparalleled combination of expertise in both engineering and brand management, is the perfect home for such a prestigious brand. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the Company has agreed to trade under a new name as of the time of closing of the transaction and will therefore change its name to Dominion Diamond Corporation. The Company will retain an ongoing relationship with The Swatch Group, one of the world's largest buyers of polished diamonds, in sourcing polished diamonds for them. The two companies will also explore the opportunities for a joint diamond polishing venture bringing together the manufacturing and diamond expertise of the two companies.
After repayment of debt this transaction will net the Company US$750 million. Rothschild advised the Company on the transaction and provided a fairness opinion.
Nayla Hayek, Chairwoman of The Swatch Group Ltd., said, "Harry Winston brilliantly complements the prestige segment of the Group. We are proud and happy to welcome Harry Winston to the Swatch Group family - diamonds are still a girl's best friend."
The transaction is subject to receipt of a variety of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
The Swatch Group, with its unparalleled combination of expertise in both engineering and brand management, is the perfect home for such a prestigious brand. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the Company has agreed to trade under a new name as of the time of closing of the transaction and will therefore change its name to Dominion Diamond Corporation. The Company will retain an ongoing relationship with The Swatch Group, one of the world's largest buyers of polished diamonds, in sourcing polished diamonds for them. The two companies will also explore the opportunities for a joint diamond polishing venture bringing together the manufacturing and diamond expertise of the two companies.
After repayment of debt this transaction will net the Company US$750 million. Rothschild advised the Company on the transaction and provided a fairness opinion.
Nayla Hayek, Chairwoman of The Swatch Group Ltd., said, "Harry Winston brilliantly complements the prestige segment of the Group. We are proud and happy to welcome Harry Winston to the Swatch Group family - diamonds are still a girl's best friend."
The transaction is subject to receipt of a variety of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
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