VF to Acquire The Timberland Company for $43 Per Share

VF Corporation VFC and The Timberland Company TBL today jointly announced that they have signed a definitive merger agreement. VF will pay Timberland shareholders $43 per share, representing a total enterprise value of approximately $2 billion net of cash acquired. The merger agreement was unanimously approved by both companies' Boards of Directors. Timberland is a global footwear and apparel company with expected 2011 revenues of $1.6 billion, over half of which are generated internationally. “The Timberland® brand is synonymous with high quality outdoor footwear and apparel," said Eric Wiseman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VF Corporation. "We believe the unique rugged outdoor positioning of the Timberland® brand will perfectly complement the premium, technical positioning of The North Face® brand, while the Smartwool® brand will provide us with a leadership position in a new category. This acquisition will continue the transformation of VF's portfolio, propelling VF's Outdoor & Action Sports businesses to 50% of total revenues." He continued, "This will be a winning combination, leveraging VF's international and direct-to-consumer platforms to drive growth in the Timberland® and Smartwool® brands globally. At the same time, VF will benefit from Timberland's rugged outdoor footwear expertise, international penetration in markets such as Japan, and leadership position in sustainability."