Market turmoil sinks sale of Loring Ward International
Three-month TSX trading for Loring Ward
The takeover of Loring Ward International Ltd. by Werba Reinhard Inc. has fallen through after chaotic financial markets drove the value of assets managed by Loring Ward below a level set out in the deal.
Loring Ward, a New York financial advisory firm listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, issued a news release Friday saying the agreement to buy the company, valued at $139 million, has been terminated.
The firm was formerly part of the Winnipeg-based Assante group, which is now owned by Toronto-based CI Financial.
"Despite Loring Ward's efforts to renegotiate the agreement, the parties were unable to achieve mutually agreeable terms," the company said.
Loring Ward had said Tuesday that the takeover, agreed to in July, was in doubt because it was conditional on the firm's assets under management and administration declining no more than 20 per cent between June 30 and the deal's close.
As of Monday, the assets were down by "approximately 30 per cent, due to the extraordinary global equity market declines of the past two months," the company said.
Both sides indicated they're looking for compensation, raising the prospect that the failed transaction could end up in court.
"WRI has expressed its belief that it is entitled to reimbursement of its expenses under the agreement's termination provisions; however, the company disagrees with this position," Loring Ward said.
"Further, Loring Ward believes that it has claims against WRI," it added.
Werba Reinhard, Loring Ward's biggest shareholder, topped a competing bid during the summer for the 80-employee firm.
"While termination of the arrangement agreement is unfortunate, the company continues to experience positive operating cash flow, remains debt-free, is in strong financial condition and will continue to seek to enhance shareholder value," Loring Ward chairman David Rattee said.
"Accordingly, while we see no strategic reason to do a transaction at this time, Loring Ward will continue to meet its responsibilities to shareholders by reviewing any offers."
After the announcement, shares of Loring Ward slid by 81 cents, closing down more than nine per cent at $7.99 on the TSX. They had traded as high as $18.69 in early September.
With files from the Canadian Press
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