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Brooks Automation (BRKS) To Separate Into Two Independent Publicly Traded Companies

May 10, 2021 4:03 PM

Brooks Automation, Inc. ("Brooks") (Nasdaq: BRKS) today announced its intention to separate its business into two independent, and publicly-traded companies.

The transaction is intended to be structured as a pro-rata distribution of shares to Brooks shareholders in a tax-efficient manner and will establish:

"This is an exciting day for Brooks and represents a critical milestone in our long-term strategy for the company. Over the past decade, we have successfully built two strong businesses in life sciences and automation," said Steve Schwartz, President and CEO of Brooks. "We are convinced the separation will better position each of them to extend their advantages in the markets they serve."

"Today's announcement is the result of a thorough strategic review conducted by the Board and the management team," said Joseph R. Martin, Chairman of the Board of Brooks. "The creation of two independent companies, each with a distinct focus and a proven business model, is intended to drive continued momentum in both businesses and deliver shareholder value."

Current Brooks CEO, Steve Schwartz will lead the standalone life sciences company; current Brooks CFO, Lindon Robertson, will serve as CFO. The company will be comprised of Brooks' Life Sciences business.

Following the separation, Dave Jarzynka, current President of the Semiconductor Solutions Group business, will be named CEO of the new Brooks Automation; current Brooks Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer, Dave Pietrantoni, will be named CFO. The company will be comprised of Brooks' Semiconductor Solutions business, which includes the collaborative robotics and multi-market automation business acquired on April 29, 2021.

Compelling Strategic Rationale for a Separation

The life sciences and semiconductor businesses operate in distinct markets, with unique business opportunities and investment requirements. The Brooks Board and management believe the separation will result in material benefits to the standalone companies, including:

Separation Details

The transaction is planned to be a pro rata distribution of shares to Brooks shareholders in a tax-efficient manner. Brooks is targeting completion of the separation by the end of calendar year 2021. Completion of the separation is subject to customary market, regulatory, and other conditions. Further details on the separation will be included in future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The separation will not require a shareholder vote. There can be no assurance regarding the form and timing of the separation or its completion.

Evercore is serving as financial advisor, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving as legal advisor to Brooks.

Conference Call and Investor Presentation Today

The Company will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss the announcement today, in conjunction with the previously scheduled Q2 Earnings Call, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. To participate in the conference call, please dial 800-913-8744 for domestic callers and +1-212-271-4615 for international callers.

Analysts, investors and members of the media can access the live webcast via the Brooks website at https://brooks.investorroom.com/events. A replay will be available beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET on May 11, 2021.

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