MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Zip Co Limited (ASX: Z1P) ("Zip") and Sezzle Inc. (ASX:SZL) ("Sezzle") are pleased to announce they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Zip has agreed to acquire Sezzle in an all-scrip transaction by way of a statutory merger under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Proposed Transaction"). Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of specified closing conditions, Sezzle stockholders will be entitled to receive 0.98 Zip ordinary shares for every share of Sezzle common stock owned (including as represented by a CHESS depository interest ("CDI") in Sezzle)2. The total consideration for the Sezzle shares in the Proposed Transaction represents an implied value of Sezzle of approximately A$491 million (based on the trading price of Zip ordinary shares on the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX") as of the close at 25 February 2022)3. The Proposed Transaction values Sezzle at a 22.0% premium based on current spot prices of A$1.78 (Sezzle) and A$2.21 (Zip) as of 25 February 2022, and a 31.7% premium based on a 30-day volume weighted average price ("VWAP") of Sezzle's common stock on the ASX4. Upon implementation of the Proposed Transaction and the Placement (as defined below), Zip shareholders will own approximately 78% of the combined group and Sezzle stockholders will own approximately the remaining 22%5. Closing of the Proposed Transaction is expected to occur by the end of the third quarter of CY2022.
Zip is also pleased to announce a A$148.7 million fully underwritten placement to eligible institutional, professional and sophisticated investors (the "Placement"), and a non-underwritten share purchase plan to eligible Zip shareholders in Australia and New Zealand to raise up to A$50 million (the "SPP")6,7. Proceeds of the Placement and SPP will help Zip strengthen its balance sheet and positions Zip for sustainable growth by providing more capital runway to execute on the potential synergies from the Proposed Transaction8.
Zip is a leading global "buy now, pay later" ("BNPL") provider9, creating innovative, responsible and fair payments products that help businesses grow and allow consumers to take control of their finances. With a footprint across 14 geographies, Zip is a global leader in digital retail finance and payments. Zip offers innovative solutions and people-centred products that connect millions of customers with its global network of tens of thousands of merchants. Sezzle, a certified B Corp headquartered in the United States ("U.S.") and listed on the ASX, is a U.S. BNPL player with strength in small and medium businesses ("SMB") supported by omni-channel solutions. Sezzle's payments platform increases the purchasing power for millions of consumers by offering interest-free installment plans at online stores and in-store locations. Sezzle also has a long-term installment capability off balance sheet supported by its proprietary technology, and pioneered Sezzle Up, a product that allows users to buy now, pay later while building their credit scores. The combination of Zip and Sezzle is expected to result in pro forma 8.8 million customers and pro forma 60.5k merchants in the U.S.10.
The Proposed Transaction, which has been unanimously approved by both companies' boards of directors, and the mergers and acquisitions committee of the board of directors of Sezzle, capitalises on Zip and Sezzle's shared mission to financially empower the next generation. It advances both companies' strategic objectives to be a global and U.S. leader in the BNPL industry and to drive a high growth ecosystem that brings merchants and customers together. The Proposed Transaction brings together industry leading BNPL talent and has the potential to generate substantial synergy benefits to accelerate both companies' path to profitability.
"We are delighted to be bringing Zip and Sezzle together under a transformational transaction that is expected to deliver immediate scale and enhanced growth, which will support our path to profitability. Combining with Sezzle positions us as a leading global BNPL provider and prioritises our ability to win in the important U.S. market," said Larry Diamond, Co-Founder and Global CEO of Zip. "Pete and I have known Charlie and Paul (co-founders of Sezzle) for some time, and we've been impressed by what the Sezzle team has achieved. Their responsible lending, their Sezzle Up credit builder programme, as well as their B Corp certification is to be admired. We're excited to welcome the entire Sezzle team on our journey, as we continue our mission towards being the first payment choice, everywhere and every day."
"We are extremely excited about the opportunity to create a leader in the financial services industry by combining with Zip and its management team led by Larry and Pete. Paul and I believe it will be a great cultural fit for both our organisations and we're excited to be part of Zip's next chapter," stated Charlie Youakim, Co-founder, Executive Chairman, and CEO of Sezzle. "I believe the transaction will position us to win in the U.S. and globally."
A summary of the key terms of the Proposed Transaction is included in Appendix A to this announcement. An Investor Presentation, which includes additional information regarding the Proposed Transaction (including a summary of certain key risks associated with the Proposed Transaction) has also been lodged with the ASX and should be read together with this announcement, together with a copy of the merger agreement in Appendix D. Shareholders are also referred to the 'Important Notices' section of this announcement, and in particular to the paragraph titled 'Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements' in relation to the risks and uncertainties associated with the targeted potential synergies and other forward-looking statements in connection with the Proposed Transaction.
Compelling strategic and financial rationale
The Proposed Transaction is expected to deliver the scale to support sustainable growth and the path to profitability, creating enhanced value for Zip and Sezzle securityholders, as summarised below.
1. Significantly enhances Zip's scale and product offering, with the capabilities to accelerate in the U.S.
2. Provides meaningful customer benefits unlocking BNPL anywhere for Sezzle customers and provides Zip customers access to Sezzle's U.S. merchant network
3. Brings together highly complementary enterprise and SMB merchant networks with a strengthened set of capabilities to win together, across a diverse set of verticals
4. Enables potential material cost synergies to be achieved and opportunities for improved unit economics, supporting Zip's path to profitability
5. Integration path to deliver near-term financial benefits including accretion and balance sheet support to deliver sustainable growth and realisation of potential synergies; potential to create significant value for Zip and Sezzle securityholders
Management and Board
Zip and Sezzle strongly believe that it is important to combine with culturally aligned partners that have common vision and shared objectives. Sezzle's culture of empowering customers through products such as Sezzle Up is fully aligned with Zip's own ethos.
In order to ensure alignment on delivery of the combined company strategy, as part of the Proposed Transaction Zip will expand the Zip board of directors to nine members, comprising three persons appointed by Sezzle (being, Co-Founder & CEO of Sezzle, Charlie Youakim as an Executive Director, Paul Lahiff and Mike Cutter as Non-Executive Directors), and an independent director mutually agreed between Zip and Sezzle. Diane Smith-Gander will remain the Independent Chairperson of Zip. Upon closing, Charlie Youakim will become President and CEO of the Americas (U.S., Mexico and Canada) and Executive Director & President of Sezzle, Paul Paradis will join the U.S. leadership team.
Board Recommendations
The Zip board of directors has unanimously determined that the Proposed Transaction is in the best interests of Zip and its shareholders and recommends that Zip shareholders vote in favour of the resolutions necessary to implement the Proposed Transaction.
The Sezzle board of directors established a special committee of the board consisting solely of independent directors of Sezzle (the "Mergers and Acquisitions Committee") to review, analyse and make recommendations to the Sezzle board of directors with respect to potential opportunities for business combinations, mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, divestitures and other similar change of control transactions involving Sezzle, and determine whether any such transaction is in the best interests of Sezzle and Sezzle's minority stockholders. The Sezzle board of directors (acting upon the unanimous recommendation of the Mergers and Acquisitions Committee) unanimously determined that the Proposed Transaction is fair and in the best interests of Sezzle and its stockholders and those materially affected by Sezzle's conduct, and promotes the public benefit. Sezzle's directors unanimously recommend that Sezzle stockholders vote in favour of the Proposed Transaction.
Indicative Timetable and Next Steps
Subject to the receipt of the requisite Zip and Sezzle securityholder approvals, and the satisfaction or waiver of the other conditions to closing, Zip expects to complete the Proposed Transaction by the end of the third quarter of CY2022.
Zip and Sezzle securityholders do not need to take any action at the present time.
A notice of the meeting and proxy statement for the required meeting of Sezzle stockholders, when available, will contain additional details regarding the Proposed Transaction. Zip will also provide Zip shareholders with a notice of extraordinary general meeting in respect of the required Zip shareholder approvals in due course.
Further information about the date of the securityholder meetings to consider the necessary resolutions required to proceed with the Proposed Transaction will be provided in due course.
In connection with the Proposed Transaction, Zip will also file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") a registration statement on Form F-4 (which will include a definitive proxy statement of Sezzle and a prospectus of Zip with respect to the Zip ordinary shares and Zip ADRs to be issued to Sezzle stockholders in the Proposed Transaction) that will be provided to Sezzle stockholders.
Subject to certain exceptions, each of Sezzle's co-founders, Charlie Youakim and Paul Paradis (accounting for 48% of Sezzle's outstanding shares of common stock as at 25 February 2022), and Zip's co-founders, Larry Diamond and Peter Gray (accounting for 12% of issued Zip ordinary shares as at 25 February 2022), have agreed to vote in favour of the Proposed Transaction.
As part of the Proposed Transaction, Zip is also establishing an American Depository Receipts program, with such securities required to be listed on a U.S. exchange as a condition to closing of the Proposed Transaction (the "Zip ADRs")17. American Depository Receipts allow U.S. investors to invest in non-US companies (such as Zip) and give non-U.S. companies easier access to the U.S. capital markets. As Zip will have undertaken this process as part of the Proposed Transaction, this provides Zip with a pathway to explore a U.S. IPO in the future and/or a greater opportunity to access new pools of capital in the U.S..
Placement
Zip is undertaking a fully underwritten institutional Placement to eligible institutional, professional and sophisticated investors to raise approximately A$148.7 million at a fixed price of A$1.90 (the "Placement Price"). This represents a:
The Placement is fully underwritten18. The Placement will result in the issue of approximately 78.3 million Zip ordinary shares (the "Placement Shares"), representing approximately 13.3% of Zip's existing shares on issue19. The Placement Shares will rank equally with existing Zip ordinary shares and are expected to settle on 3 March 2022 and commence trading on 4 March 2022.
The Placement is not conditional on the Proposed Transaction completing and is occurring without Zip shareholder approval under Zip's ASX Listing Rule 7.1 placement capacity.
Proceeds of the Placement will help Zip strengthen its balance sheet and positions Zip for sustainable growth by providing more capital runway to execute on potential synergies from the Proposed Transaction.20
SPP
Following completion of the Placement, eligible Zip shareholders in Australia and New Zealand21 will have the opportunity to participate in a non-underwritten SPP to raise up to A$50 million22. Under the SPP, eligible shareholders will have the opportunity to apply for up to A$30,000 of new Zip ordinary shares without incurring broker or transaction costs23.
The issue price of the new Zip ordinary shares to be issued under the SPP ("SPP Shares") will be the lower of:
The SPP Shares will rank equally with existing Zip ordinary shares from their issue date.
The SPP is not conditional on the Proposed Transaction completing. Full details of the SPP will be set out in the SPP offer booklet, which is expected to be released to the ASX and made available to eligible shareholders on the SPP offer opening date of 11 March 2022.
This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The Placement Shares and the SPP Shares have not been, and will not be, registered under the US Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States except in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the US Securities Act and applicable US state securities laws. The SPP Shares will only be offered and sold outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the US Securities Act.
HY 2022 earnings
In addition to today's announcement, Zip reported record revenues and transaction volumes for the half-year ended 31 December 2021 (HY 2022). Zip's HY 2022 results have also been lodged on the ASX.
Advisers
BofA Securities and Jarden-Evercore are acting as financial advisers to Zip. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is acting as U.S. legal counsel and Arnold Bloch Leibler is acting as Australian legal counsel to Zip.
Sezzle is advised by financial adviser Goldman Sachs. Ropes & Gray is acting as U.S. legal counsel and Squire Patton Boggs is acting as Australian legal counsel to the Merger and Acquisitions Committee of the board of directors of Sezzle.
Release approved by the board of directors of Zip and the board of directors of Sezzle.
Shareholders and investors are encouraged to participate in a Conference Call (Call ID "Zip 1") to discuss the results and announcement on Monday, 28th February 2022 at 10:30 AM AEDT.
The dial in details are as follows:
Reference the Call ID: "Zip 1".
Participant Toll free |
|
Australia: |
1800 144 837 |
Czech Republic: |
800 700 539 |
Hong Kong: |
800 901 494 |
India: |
000 800 100 7615 |
Japan: |
0053 116 0855 |
Mexico: |
001 800 514 6145 |
New Zealand: |
080 044 9207 |
Singapore: |
800 101 2018 |
South Africa: |
080 098 1020 |
U.K.: |
0808 101 1183 |
US: |
800 895 3361 |
For all other countries, the call can be accessed by Toll number.
Participant Toll +1 785 424 1062
Alternatively, you can access the audio-only webcast HERE or visit the below link.
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3655199/71209937596300D1BF2528CC09B4C4F3
Note: Q&A functionality is only available through the conference call line.
For more information, please contact:
Zip Investors:
Vivienne Lee |
Kerry Parkin |
Katherine Kim |
Nigel Kassulke |
For general investor enquiries, email [email protected]
Sezzle Investors:
Lee Brading, CFA |
Justin Clyne |
About Zip
Zip is a leading global financial services company, offering innovative, people-centred products that bring customers and merchants together. On a mission to be the first payment choice everywhere and every day, Zip offers point-of-sale credit and digital payment services in 14 geographies around the world, including through strategic investments, connecting millions of customers with its global network of tens of thousands of merchants.
One of the fastest growing BNPL providers globally, Zip has a presence in Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, India, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, UAE, the United Kingdom and the United States. Zip provides fair, flexible and transparent payment options to individual consumers and SMBs, helping them to take control of their financial future and helping merchants to grow their businesses. Zip is committed to responsible lending and also owns Pocketbook, a leading personal financial management tool. Founded in Australia in 2013, Zip now employs over 1,500 Zipsters worldwide.
For more information, visit: www.zip.co.
About Sezzle
Sezzle is a rapidly growing fintech company on a mission to financially empower the next generation. Sezzle's payment platform increases the purchasing power for millions of active consumers by offering interest-free instalment plans at online stores and in-store locations. Sezzle's transparent, inclusive and seamless payment option allows consumers to take control over their spending, be more responsible, and gain access to financial freedom. When consumers apply, approval is instant, and their credit scores are not impacted, unless the consumer elects to opt-in to a credit building feature, called Sezzle Up.
The increase in purchasing power for consumers can lead to increased sales and basket sizes for more than 47,000 active merchants that offer Sezzle.
For more information, visit sezzle.com.
Sezzle's CDIs are issued in reliance on the exemption from registration contained in Regulation S of the US Securities Act of 1933 ("Securities Act") for offers of securities which are made outside the US. Accordingly, the CDIs have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act or the laws of any state or other jurisdiction in the US. As a result of relying on the Regulation S exemption, the CDIs are 'restricted securities' under Rule 144 of the Securities Act. This means that you are unable to sell the CDIs into the US or to a US person who is not a qualified institutional buyer ("QIB") for the foreseeable future, unless the re–sale of the CDIs is registered under the Securities Act or another exemption is available. To enforce the above transfer restrictions, all CDIs issued bear a FOR Financial Product designation on the ASX. This designation restricts any CDIs from being sold on ASX to US persons excluding QIBs. However, you are still able to freely transfer your CDIs on ASX to any person other than a US person who is not a QIB. In addition, hedging transactions with regard to the CDIs may only be conducted in accordance with the Securities Act.
Appendix A: Details of Terms of the Proposed Transaction
Consideration
Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of specified closing conditions, Sezzle stockholders will be entitled to receive 0.98 Zip ordinary shares for every Sezzle common stock owned. As part of the Proposed Transaction, Zip is also establishing an American Depository Receipts program, with the associated Zip ADRs required to be listed on a U.S. exchange as a condition to closing of the Proposed Transaction. Accordingly, Sezzle stockholders outside of Australia24 may elect under the definitive merger agreement to receive 0.98 Zip ADRs for every Sezzle common stock owned in lieu of receiving Zip ordinary shares25. The total consideration for the Sezzle shares of common stock in the Proposed Transaction represents an implied value of Sezzle of approximately A$491 million (based on the trading price of Zip ordinary shares on the ASX as of the close at 25 February 2022)26.
Upon implementation of the Proposed Transaction and the Placement, the shares issuable to Sezzle stockholders in the Proposed Transaction will represent approximately 22% of the combined group and the shares held by Zip shareholders immediately prior to the closing of the Proposed Transaction will represent the remaining 78%27.
Conditions precedent
Closing of the Proposed Transaction is subject to certain conditions precedent, including:
The merger agreement contains mutual non-solicitation of certain third-party acquisition proposals, notification obligations and payment of an agreed termination fee, payable by Sezzle in the amount of A$7.8 million and payable by Zip in the amount of A$31.4 million in certain circumstances (noting certain restrictions on Zip's ability to engage with a third-party acquisition proposal does not apply to Zip where the proposal would not significantly decrease the likelihood, or materially delay, the Proposed Transaction, in addition to exercise of a fiduciary-out to enter into a superior proposal).
Either party has the right to terminate the merger agreement for the Proposed Transaction if completion has not occurred by 28 November 2022, subject to an extension right in favour of each party if the only condition that has not been satisfied as of such date is the expiration or early termination of the HSR waiting period31. In addition, each party has the right to terminate the merger agreement under the following circumstances, among others: (a) upon exercise of a fiduciary-out to enter into a superior proposal (subject to payment by the terminating party of a termination fee); (b) a breach by the non-terminating party of any of its covenants in the merger agreement or the inaccuracy of any of its representations in the merger agreement, in each case, such that a closing condition would not be satisfied and provided that such breach has not been cured by the prescribed time; (c) a breach by the non-terminating party in any material respect of its no-shop obligations or such other party failing to recommend the Proposed Transaction to its securityholders; and (d) either party's securityholders failing to provide the requisite shareholder approvals for the Proposed Transaction. Zip is also obligated to reimburse Sezzle for its out-of-pocket, documented expenses with respect to obtaining HSR approval up to US$5.0 million if the Proposed Transaction is terminated for failure to obtain such antitrust clearance, which cap may be increased to US$8.0 million in certain prescribed circumstances.
New employee securities
As part of the Proposed Transaction, Zip has agreed to grant at closing up to 15.3 million new options and performance rights in Zip to the existing employee incentive plan securityholders of Sezzle in replacement of their existing unvested employee incentive securities in Sezzle. The new securities will generally be granted on the same terms as the current Sezzle employee incentive securities, except that on exercise of these securities, the securityholder will be able to be issued Zip ordinary shares (rather than common stock in Sezzle). The grant of the new securities is subject to Zip shareholder approval as detailed above.
Other key terms
The following is a summary of some other key terms relating to the Proposed Transaction:
Appendix B: Key information for the Placement and SPP
Placement timetable
Event |
Date34 |
Announcement of completion of the Placement |
Tuesday, 1 March 2022 |
Settlement of Placement Shares issued under the Placement |
Thursday, 3 March 2022 |
Allotment and commencement of trading of Placement Shares |
Friday, 4 March 2022 |
SPP timetable
Event |
Date35 |
Record date for SPP |
7:00pm (AEDT), Friday, 25 February 2022 |
SPP offer opens and dispatch SPP documents to shareholders |
Friday, 11 March 2022 |
SPP offer closes |
5:00pm (AEDT), Friday, 1 April 2022 |
Announcement of results of the SPP, including scaleback |
Wednesday, 6 April 2022 |
Settlement and allotment of the SPP Shares issued under the |
Friday, 8 April 2022 |
Expected quotation on the ASX and normal trading of the SPP |
Monday, 11 April 2022 |
Dispatch of allotment confirmations / holding statements for |
Monday, 11 April 2022 |
Appendix C: Other financial disclosure
The following table sets out the pro forma historical financial impact of the Proposed Transaction, excluding the impact of any potential synergies, harmonisation of Sezzle's accounting policies to Zip's accounting policies and the finalisation of the purchase price consideration and allocation:36
31 December 2021 |
Zip |
Sezzle37 |
Pro forma38 |
Operating metrics39 |
|||
Global Customers |
9.9m |
3.4m |
13.3m |
Global Merchants |
81.8k |
47.0k |
128.8k |
P&L (A$m) |
|||
Consolidated TTV (LTM) |
7,844 |
2,527 |
10,372 |
Consolidated Revenue (LTM) |
539 |
161 |
699 |
Consolidated Reported EBTDA (LTM)[40] |
(378) |
(104) |
(512) |
Consolidated Reported Profit Before Tax (LTM) |
(484) |
(105) |
(619) |
Balance sheet (A$m) |
|||
Consolidated Total Assets |
4,057 |
312 |
4,926 |
Consolidated Total Equity |
1,162 |
53 |
1,772 |
Note: LTM refers to Last Twelve Months. |
IMPORTANT NOTICES
Key risks
There are a number of risks associated with the Proposed Transaction, a summary of which is set out in the Investor Presentation lodged with the ASX together with this announcement ("Investor Presentation"). These risks should be read together with this announcement.
The information in this announcement also does not purport to contain all the information which a prospective investor or shareholder in Zip or Sezzle may require in evaluating the Proposed Transaction or a possible investment in Zip or Sezzle and only contains summary information and does not purport to be comprehensive or accurate. The recipient of these materials should consult his, her or its own legal, regulatory, tax, business, financial and accounting advisors to the extent such recipient deems necessary, and such recipient must make his, her or its own investment decision and perform his, her or its own independent investigation and analysis of an investment in Zip, Sezzle or the combined company after the Proposed Transaction.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The prospective financial information included in this announcement (and the Investor Presentation), including the references to the potential impact on EBTDA and the potential synergies, is predictive in character, may be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties and may differ materially from results ultimately achieved.
This announcement (and the Investor Presentation) contain certain forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of the federal securities laws) with respect to the Proposed Transaction, including but not limited to, statements regarding the expected benefits of the Proposed Transaction and the anticipated timing, completion and effects of the Proposed Transaction, strategies, objectives and the products and markets of Zip and Sezzle. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words " estimate," "plan," "project," "forecast," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "predict," "target," "contemplate," "potential," "intend," "seek," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "may," "could," "target," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events or trends that are based on current expectations and assumptions. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this announcement (or the Investor Presentation), and on the current expectations of Zip and Sezzle and are not predictions of actual performance, and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Forward-looking statements involve inherent known and unknown risks, uncertainties and contingencies, both general and specific, many of which are beyond Zip's and Sezzle's control, and there is a risk that such predictions, forecasts, projections, and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. Actual results may be materially different from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements and any projections and assumptions upon which these statements are based. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those set out in the Investor Presentation lodged with ASX together with this announcement and: (i) the risk that the Proposed Transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all; (ii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to closing of the Proposed Transaction, including the requisite approvals of the securityholders of Zip and Sezzle and the receipt of certain U.S. and foreign governmental and regulatory approvals; (iii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement; (iv) Sezzle's and Zip's ability to increase its merchant network, its base of consumers and underlying merchant sales; (v) Sezzle's and Zip's ability to effectively manage growth, sustain its growth rate and maintain its market share; (vi) impact of Sezzle's and Zip's exposure to consumer bad debts and insolvency of merchants; (vii) impact of key vendors or merchants failing to comply with legal or regulatory requirements or to provide various services that are important to Sezzle's and Zip's operations; (viii) impact of the integration, support and prominent presentation of Sezzle's and Zip's platform by its merchants; (ix) impact of exchange rate fluctuations in the international markets in which Sezzle and Zip operate; (x) Sezzle's and Zip's ability to protect its intellectual property rights; (xi) Sezzle's ability to achieve its public benefit purpose and maintain its B Corporation certification; (xii) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the Proposed Transaction on Sezzle's and Zip's business relationships, operating results and business generally and the responses of merchants and business partners to the announcement; (xiii) risks that the Proposed Transaction disrupts current plans and operations of Sezzle and Zip; (xiv) potential difficulties in retaining Sezzle and Zip customers and employees as a result of the Proposed Transaction; (xv) risks related to diverting the attention of the management of Sezzle and Zip from each party's respective ongoing business operations, (xvi) Sezzle's and Zip's estimates of its financial performance, including requirements for additional capital and its ability to raise sufficient funds to meet its needs in the future; (xvii) changes in general economic or political conditions; (xviii) changes in the markets in which Sezzle and Zip competes, including with respect to its competitive landscape, technology evolution or regulatory changes; (xix) impact of the BNPL industry becoming subject to increased regulatory scrutiny; (xx) impact of the costs of complying with various laws and regulations applicable to the BNPL industry in the United States and the international markets in which Sezzle and Zip operate; (xxi) impact of macro-economic conditions on consumer spending; (xxii) slowdowns in securities trading or shifting demand for security trading product; (xxiii) the impact of natural disasters or health epidemics, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; (xxiv) legislative or regulatory changes; (xxv) impact of operating in a highly competitive industry; (xxvi) reliance on third party service providers; (xxvii) impact of a potential loss of Sezzle's or Zip's key partners and merchant relationships; (xxviii) competition in retaining key employees; (xxix) Sezzle's and Zip's reliance on new products and establishment and maintenance of its brand; (xxx) risks related to data security and privacy, including the impact of any data security breaches, cyberattacks, employee or other internal misconduct, malware, phishing or ransomware, physical security breaches, natural disasters, or similar disruptions; (xxxi) changes to accounting principles and guidelines; (xxxii) potential litigation relating to the Proposed Transaction that could be instituted against Sezzle, Zip or their respective directors and officers, including the effects of any outcomes related thereto; (xxxiii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Zip or against Sezzle related to the merger agreement or the Proposed Transaction (which may result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability); (xxxiv) the price of Sezzle's or Zip's securities may be volatile due to a variety of factors; (xxxv) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations after the completion of the Proposed Transaction, and identify and realize additional opportunities; (xxxvi) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the Proposed Transaction; (xxxvii) the possibility that competing offers or acquisition proposals for Sezzle or Zip will be made, which could result in termination of the merger agreement; (xxxviii) the risk that Zip shareholders do not approve the Proposed Transaction and (xxxix) Zip's ability to realize the potential synergies contemplated by the Proposed Transaction and integrate the business of Sezzle. The risks and uncertainties may be amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic (and related variants), which has caused significant economic uncertainty. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic (and related variants) impacts Zip's or Sezzle's businesses, operations, and financial results, including the duration and magnitude of such effects, will depend on numerous factors, which are unpredictable, including, but not limited to, the duration and spread of the outbreak, its severity, the actions to contain the virus or treat its impact, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the "Key risks" section of Zip's Investor Presentation lodged with the ASX together with this announcement, Sezzle's registration statement on Form 10 (File No.000-56267) (the "Form 10"), Zip's registration statement on Form F-4 and other documents filed by Zip or Sezzle from time to time with the ASX, the ASIC and/or the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements.
If any of these risks materialize or Sezzle's and Zip's assumptions prove incorrect, actual events and results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that Sezzle and Zip presently do not know or that Sezzle and Zip currently believe is immaterial that could also cause actual events and results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Sezzle's and Zip's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this announcement. Sezzle and Zip anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Sezzle's and Zip's assessments to change. While Sezzle and Zip may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Sezzle and Zip specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, unless required by applicable law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Sezzle's and Zip's assessment as of any date subsequent to the date of this announcement. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. Sezzle and Zip do not give any assurance that either Zip or Sezzle, or the combined company, will achieve the results or other matters set forth in the forward-looking statements.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
This announcement relates to the Proposed Transaction. In connection with the Proposed Transaction, Zip will file a registration statement on Form F-4 with the SEC, a Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting in respect of the requisite Zip shareholder approvals and, to the extent required by ASIC, will file a prospectus in Australia with the ASIC in relation to the offer of Zip ordinary shares. The registration statement will include a document that serves as a prospectus of Zip and a proxy statement of Sezzle (the "proxy statement/prospectus"), and each party will file other documents regarding the Proposed Transaction with the SEC, ASIC and the ASX.
INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THE ENTIRE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROXY STATEMENT / PROSPECTUS, NOTICE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING, AUSTRALIAN PROSPECTUS (IF ANY), INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC, ASIC AND THE ASX IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY DO AND THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. A definitive proxy statement / prospectus and Australian prospectus (if any) will be mailed to the Sezzle stockholders when it becomes available. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus, the Australian prospectus (if any) and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed free of charge from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or the ASX's website at www.asx.com.au.
The documents filed by Zip or Sezzle with the SEC, ASIC and the ASX also may be obtained free of charge at Zip's or Sezzle's website at http://investors.sezzle.com/ and https://zip.co/investors/.
No Offer or Solicitation
Neither this announcement nor the Investor Presentation constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in any jurisdiction, or a solicitation of any vote or approval of the Proposed Transaction. Nor may there be any offer, solicitation, or sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
No securities described in this announcement may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and applicable U.S. state securities laws, or pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, such registration requirements. Any securities offered in the Proposed Transaction will be registered under the Securities Act. This announcement should not be construed in any manner as a solicitation or recommendation to any reader of this announcement.
Participants in the Proposed Transaction
Zip, Sezzle and their respective directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders of Sezzle in connection with the Proposed Transaction. Information about Zip's directors and executive officers is available in Zip's Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2021 filed with the ASX on 28 September 2021. Information concerning the ownership of Sezzle's securities by Sezzle's directors and executive officers is included in the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10, filed with the SEC on 25 October 2021.
Other information regarding persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed the participants in the proxy solicitation of Sezzle's stockholders in connection with the Proposed Transaction and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in the proxy statement / prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the Proposed Transaction (if and when they become available). Securityholders, potential investors and other readers should read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from Zip or Sezzle as indicated above.
Financial and Other Information
The financial information contained in this announcement has been taken from or prepared based on the historical financial statements of Zip and Sezzle for the periods presented. An audit of certain of these financial statements has not been completed, and the financial statements do not conform to Regulation S–X promulgated under the Securities Act. Accordingly, such financial information and data may not be included in, may be adjusted in or may be presented differently in any registration statement to be filed with the SEC by Zip in connection with the Proposed Transaction.
This announcement includes certain pro forma financial information. Any such pro forma historical financial information provided in this announcement is for illustrative purposes only and is not represented as being indicative of Zip's and Sezzle's views on its, nor anyone else's, future financial position and/or performance. Any pro forma historical financial information has been prepared by Zip and Sezzle in accordance with the measurement and recognition principles, but not the disclosure requirements, prescribed by the Australian Accounting Standards. In addition, the pro forma financial information in this announcement does not purport to be in compliance with Article 11 of Regulation S–X of the rules and regulations of the SEC.
This announcement includes certain financial measures that have not been prepared in accordance with IFRS or with GAAP (including on a forward-looking basis) such as EBTDA. These non-IFRS and non-GAAP measures are an addition to, and not a substitute for or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with IFRS and GAAP, as applicable, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with IFRS or GAAP. Zip and Sezzle believe that these non-IFRS and non-GAAP measures of financial results (including on a forward-looking basis) provide useful supplemental information to investors about Zip and Sezzle. Zip's and Sezzle's management teams use forward-looking non-IFRS or non-GAAP measures to evaluate their projected financials and operating performance. However, there are a number of limitations related to the use of these non-IFRS or non-GAAP measures and their nearest IFRS or GAAP equivalents, as applicable, including that they exclude significant expenses that are required by IFRS or GAAP to be recorded in Zip's and Sezzle's financial measures. In addition, other companies may calculate non-IFRS or non-GAAP measures differently or may use other measures to calculate their financial performance, and therefore, Zip's and Sezzle's non-IFRS and non-GAAP measures may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
Zip and Sezzle are not providing forward–looking IFRS net income or GAAP net income or a reconciliation of expected EBTDA to expected IFRS net income or GAAP net income because, without unreasonable efforts, they are unable to predict with reasonable certainty the non–IFRS and non–GAAP adjustments used to calculate EBTDA. These adjustments are uncertain, depend on various factors and could have a material impact on IFRS or GAAP net income for the future period.
International offer restrictions
This announcement is not a proxy statement or solicitation or a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the Proposed Transaction and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of Zip, Sezzle or the combined company, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
Please refer to the international offer restrictions set out in the Investor Presentation for further information.
BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THE ENTIRE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND PROXY STATEMENT / PROSPECTUS, NOTICE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING, AUSTRALIAN PROSPECTUS (IF ANY), (INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, ASIC AND THE ASX AND THE DEFINITIVE VERSIONS THEREOF (WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE), AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.
Investors and securityholders may obtain free copies of the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by Zip or Sezzle through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov and otherwise.
The documents filed by Zip or Sezzle with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge at Zip's or Sezzle's website at http://investors.sezzle.com/ and https://zip.co/investors/.
Appendix D: Merger Agreement
1 Equity capital raise comprises the fully underwritten Placement for A$148.7 million and a non-underwritten SPP for up to A$50 million (subject to Zip's right to increase or decrease the size of the SPP).
2 As part of the Proposed Transaction, Zip is also establishing an American Depository Receipts program (with the Zip ADRs required to be listed on a U.S. exchange as a condition to closing of the Proposed Transaction), and Sezzle stockholders outside of Australia may elect under the definitive merger agreement to receive 0.98 Zip ADRs for every share of Sezzle common stock owned in lieu of receiving Zip ordinary shares. To the extent that eligible Sezzle stockholders do not elect to receive Zip ADRs by a prescribed election date before closing of the Proposed Transaction, they will receive Zip ordinary shares.
3 Implied value calculated on a fully diluted basis and excludes the impact of any permitted equity financing that may be undertaken by Sezzle before closing of the Proposed Transaction in accordance with the merger agreement (which is capped at a maximum amount of 24.7m Sezzle shares at a minimum price of A$1.53).
4 Based on Zip's spot price of A$2.21 per share and 30-day VWAP of A$2.95 per share, and Sezzle's spot price of A$1.78 per share and 30-day VWAP of A$2.19 per share, in each case as of 25 February 2022.
5 Estimated ownership percentage calculated on a fully diluted basis and assumes the inclusion of 78.3m shares issued under the Placement, and excludes the impact of any permitted equity financing that may be undertaken by Sezzle before closing of the Proposed Transaction in accordance with the merger agreement (which is capped at a maximum amount of 24.7m Sezzle shares at a minimum price of A$1.53).
6 Zip reserves the right to increase or decrease the size of the SPP at its discretion.
7 Eligible shareholders are those registered in Australia and New Zealand subject to exceptions noted in the SPP offer booklet.
8 If the Proposed Transaction does not complete after settlement of the Placement and/or SPP, Zip will use the proceeds from the Placement and/or SPP to improve its balance sheet strength to support growth and for general working capital purposes.
9 Zip has recorded A$4.5bn TTV in the half yearly period to 31 December 2021, representing a 93% growth vs the prior year period.
10 Zip and Sezzle pro forma metrics exclude potential synergies and any customer or merchant overlap. Customer and merchant numbers are based on Zip and Sezzle's definition of customers and merchants: Zip (number of active customer accounts and accredited merchants) and Sezzle (number of active customer and merchant accounts transacting within the last 12 months).
11 WorldPay Global Payments Report, 2021 and eMarketer Global Ecommerce Forecast, 2021.
12 See footnote 10.
13 Refer to page 16 of the Investor Presentation lodged with the ASX together with this announcement for more details on the composition of the potential synergies, including the material assumptions. Investors are also referred to the 'Key Risks' in Appendix B of that presentation (including, without limitation, the risks in section 1.6 (Integration risk and realisation of synergies) and section 1.7 (Future earnings risk) and the 'Important Notices' section of this announcement, and in particular to the paragraph titled 'Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements' in relation to the risks and uncertainties associated with the targeted potential synergies and other forward-looking statements in connection with the Proposed Transaction.
14 EBTDA is a non-international financial reporting standards term ("IFRS") and non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") financial measure. This measure is only used by Zip management to assess performance of the business. Investors should consider these non-IFRS and non-GAAP measures only as a supplement to, not as a substitute for or as superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with IFRS or GAAP, as applicable. In addition, these non-IFRS and non-GAAP measures are unlikely to be comparable with non-IFRS and non-GAAP information provided by other companies. For additional information, please refer to 'Financial and Other Information' in the 'Important Notices' section of this announcement.
15 See footnote 13 and 14.
16 See footnote 13 and 14.
17 See footnote 2.
18 Refer to Appendix C of the Investor Presentation lodged with ASX with this announcement for a summary of the key terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement.
19 Based on Zip's current ordinary shares on issue as at 25 February 2022.
20 See footnote 8.
21 See footnote 7.
22 Zip reserves the right to increase or decrease the size of the SPP at its discretion.
23 Zip reserves the right to scale back applications under the SPP at its discretion.
24 Sezzle stockholders located in Australia may only receive Zip ordinary shares, not Zip ADRs.
25 To the extent that eligible Sezzle stockholders do not elect to receive Zip ADRs by a prescribed election date before closing of the Proposed Transaction, they will only be entitled to receive Zip ordinary shares.
26 See footnote 3.
27 See footnote 5.
28 Under the Proposed Transaction it is proposed that certain existing vested options in Sezzle will be cancelled and exchanged for either Zip ordinary shares or Zip ADRs, and the existing vested employee incentive securities in Sezzle will be cancelled and exchanged for Zip ordinary shares or Zip ADRs. In addition, the existing unvested employee incentive securities will be cancelled and exchanged for Zip performance rights or options. To effect this, Sezzle will need to obtain either a waiver from ASX Listing Rule 6.23.2 or Sezzle stockholder approval for the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 6.23.2. To the extent Sezzle stockholder approval is required, an additional vote of Sezzle stockholders will be needed under ASX Listing Rule 6.23.2.
29 Zip has obtained confirmation from the ASX that Zip shareholder approval is not required under ASX Listing Rule 11.1.2 ('Proposed change to scale of activities') for the Proposed Transaction.
30 A "material adverse event" expressly excludes, among other things, (a) matters generally affecting the U.S. or foreign economies, financial or securities markets, or political, legislative, or regulatory conditions, or the industry in which such party operates, (b) the negotiation, execution, announcement or pendency of, or entry into the merger agreement or the Proposed Transaction (c) changes in law or regulation, (d) acts of war or terrorism, and (e) the COVID-19 virus or any other epidemic, pandemic or other outbreak of illness or public health event.
31 Under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, the waiting period for the Proposed Transaction is 30 days from the time both parties make their respective filings, unless the U.S. Department of Justice or Federal Trade Commission issues a request for additional information, in which case the waiting period would be extended until 30 days after substantial compliance with the request, unless otherwise agreed.
32 Subject to Zip's discretion to issue any Zip ordinary shares directly to any Sezzle stockholder to the extent the exchange agent receives the stockholder's relevant letters of transmittal prior to closing.
33 Each of Charlie Youakim, Paul Paradis, Larry Diamond and Peter Gray have made their respective voting commitments via their respective shareholding entities.
34 The above timetable is indicative only and subject to variation. Zip reserves the right to alter the timetable at its absolute discretion and without notice, subject to the ASX Listing Rules and applicable law. All dates and times are Australian Eastern Daylight Time unless otherwise stated.
35 See footnote 34.
36 The historical financial information disclosed does not include any adjustments to Sezzle's accounting policies that may be required to reconcile US GAAP with Zip's IFRS accounting practices. Sezzle financials converted to AUD using exchange rate of 1.3979. Goodwill calculation based on implied purchase price of A$491m and a maximum of 222.3m diluted shares outstanding for Sezzle. Financials are also subject to adjustment for actual purchase price adjustments and costs on the acquisition date of the Proposed Transaction. Refer to page 22 of the Investor Presentation lodged with ASX together with this announcement for more details on the pro forma balance sheet and the estimated impact of the Proposed Transaction (subject to the assumptions mentioned) on Consolidated Total Assets and Consolidated Total Equity. The proceeds from the issuance of capital has been shown net of estimated transaction costs.
37 Based on Sezzle's Preliminary Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2021. Actual results are subject to the completion of procedures by Sezzle's independent registered public accounting firm of such consolidated financial statements, which have not yet been completed.
38 Includes the impact of estimated transaction and integration costs.
39 See footnote 10.
40 See footnote 14.
SOURCE Sezzle
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