Investing

That Was Fast: Gymboree Bought by Bain (GYMB)

The Gymboree Corporation (NASDAQ: GYMB) has hardly been on the market for much time after shares had a great ten days or so on word that it was reviewing alternatives in hope of getting a private equity buyout.  It already came.  Bain Capital Partners has entered into a definitive agreement for affiliates of Bain Capital to acquire all the outstanding stock of Gymboree for $65.40 per share, or $1.8 billion.

The merger has been unanimously approved by Gymboree’s board of directors.  The price represents a 57.4% premium to the ‘unaffected share price’ on September 30, 2010 before market rumors of a transaction.  Furthermore, this represents a 23.5% premium to Friday’s closing price.

Under the terms of the agreement, it is anticipated that affiliates of Bain Capital will commence a tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of Gymboree shortly following the execution of the agreement.  Gymboree has a 40-day go-shop provision in the deal.

Some deals happen fast, others happen faster than fast.  The 52-week trading range is $37.26 to $55.27, or at least it was before the deal reaction this morning.  Shares are indicated up about 30% around $69.00 as some hope a higher buyout price will be offered.  Keep in mind, this is an all-time high for Gymboree and that goes back to the mid-1990’s.

JON C. OGG

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