Fairmont Announces Agreement To Be Acquired By Kingdom Hotels And Colony Capital
Fairmont and Raffles to Combine, Creating a US$5.5 Billion Global Luxury Hotel Leader
TORONTO, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Inc. ("Fairmont" or the "Company") (TSX/NYSE: FHR) today announced that it has entered into an Acquisition Agreement whereby a Canadian company owned by Kingdom Hotels International ("Kingdom") and Colony Capital ("Colony") will acquire all of Fairmont's outstanding common shares at a price of US$45.00 per share in cash. The total value of this transaction, including debt and the combination with Raffles, is expected to be approximately US$5.5 billion (or US$3.9 billion, without giving effect to the Raffles combination).
This all-cash transaction for 100% of the Company's shares represents a 28% premium over Fairmont's closing share price on November 4, 2005, the last trading day on the NYSE prior to the public expressions of interest in the Company, and exceeds the highest trading price of the shares.
The transaction has been unanimously approved by Fairmont's Board of Directors following receipt of the recommendation of a Special Committee of the Board. Fairmont's Board has agreed to recommend to its shareholders that they vote in favor of the transaction. The Board confirmed its previous recommendation of December 21, 2005 to reject the Icahn bid and not to tender to the Icahn bid.
Fairmont has been advised by Kingdom and Colony of their intention to combine the Fairmont and Raffles portfolios following the completion of the transaction, transforming the companies into a luxury global hotel leader with 120 hotels in 24 countries. Fairmont will remain an independent hotel management and ownership company headquartered in Canada and Raffles, based in Singapore, will also retain its independent brand identity. Raffles owns and manages a portfolio of 33 properties located primarily across Asia and Europe, including its flagship property built in 1887, the Raffles Hotel, Singapore.
"This transaction is the ideal means of delivering significant, immediate value to the Company's current shareholders while preserving this Canadian- based company and establishing a solid platform from which to grow," stated Peter C. Godsoe, Chairman of Fairmont's Board of Directors. "As previously announced, the Fairmont Board created a Special Committee to review options for maximizing value for our shareholders. This review was thorough and dynamic, and it attracted significant interest from a number of parties. Following the presentation of the results of this review by the Special Committee, and the Special Committee's recommendation, the Fairmont Board has unanimously recommended the transaction with Kingdom and Colony."
"We are very excited about this transaction as it delivers value to our shareholders and creates an expanded foundation from which to build on our legacy, grow our brand and create significant opportunities for our employees. With an expanding international portfolio of exceptional resorts and gateway city properties, our guests will be exposed to new, exciting destinations with different cultures," said William R. Fatt, Fairmont's Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to working with our partners who are committed to building on the success of our Company."
HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Alsaud of Kingdom said, "As one of Fairmont's current shareholders and strategic partners, Kingdom has long recognized the Company's existing value and potential. Fairmont's success is clearly attributable to the dedication and professionalism of its management and employees. We look forward to partnering with Colony and working with both Fairmont and Raffles' management to take the combined companies to a new level of achievement." Kingdom and its affiliates own 3,875,000 common shares of Fairmont.
"Colony's mission is to make major investments with world class partners in irreplaceable assets managed by proven management teams. Our partnership with HRH Prince Alwaleed and our investments in Fairmont and Raffles fulfill our mission," commented Thomas J. Barrack, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Colony. "Fairmont and Raffles are an excellent strategic fit with rich histories, global brand recognition and complementary destinations. Joining the two luxury companies creates an ideal platform for continued international expansion."
The transaction is to be carried out by way of a statutory plan of arrangement and, accordingly, will be subject to the approval of 66 2/3% of the votes cast by Fairmont's shareholders at a meeting of shareholders, currently anticipated to take place in April, as well as court approval. A proxy circular will be prepared and mailed to shareholders in March providing shareholders with important information about the transaction. Once mailed, the proxy circular will be available at the Canadian SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. All shareholders are urged to read the proxy circular once it is available.
The closing is subject to certain other customary conditions, including regulatory approvals. The closing of the transaction is not subject to any financing condition. The proposed transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2006, shortly after receipt of shareholder and court approvals.
UBS Investment Bank, Avington International and Scotia Capital Inc. acted as financial advisors to Fairmont. J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. acted as financial advisor to Kingdom and Colony.
Emma Thompson
(416) 874.2485
FRHI
