SEATTLE & BURLINGTON, Vt.–(TMRzoo.com)– Independent Brewers United, Inc., the parent of Magic Hat Brewing Company & Performing Arts Center, Inc. (“Magic Hat”), and Pyramid Breweries Inc. (NASDAQ:PMID) (“Pyramid”) today jointly announced the execution of a definitive merger agreement that contemplates, among other things, a tender offer to purchase all of Pyramid’s outstanding common stock for $2.75 per share in cash, or approximately $25.7 million in total purchase price.
The all-cash offer represents a premium of 56.3% over the closing price of Pyramid’s common stock on April 28, 2008, the trading day prior to the public announcement of the execution of a Letter of Intent between Pyramid and Magic Hat regarding the proposed merger. The transaction received approval by the respective boards of directors of the merger parties. A newly formed merger subsidiary of Independent Brewers United expects to commence the tender offer for all outstanding shares of Pyramid common stock on July 2, 2008 or promptly thereafter.
Completion of the tender offer will be subject to the receipt of valid tenders for at least 66 2/3% of Pyramid’s common stock on a fully diluted basis, subject to waiver by Independent Brewers United if valid tenders for at least 51% of Pyramid’s common stock on a fully diluted basis have been received, and the satisfaction of other customary conditions. It is contemplated that the tender offer will be followed by a merger in which all common shares not acquired in the offer will be converted into the right to receive the offer price.
Martin Kelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of International Brewers United and its subsidiary Magic Hat, said, “We believe the combination makes sense for both companies and positions Independent Brewers United to be competitive in a fast changing beer industry. We look forward to consummating this transaction, which provides both strategic and financial benefits to our stakeholders.”
“This agreement marks yet another major milestone in Pyramid’s long history and a significant development in the craft beer category in general. The combination of Pyramid and Magic Hat should allow both brands to continue to grow rapidly and better compete in an ever competitive and consolidating industry,” said Scott Barnum, Pyramid’s President and CEO. “The agreement is a very positive strategic development for both companies, and we believe it is in the best interests of our shareholders,” he added.
About Pyramid Breweries Inc.
Pyramid Breweries Inc. is a leading brewer of specialty, full-flavored beers produced mainly under the Pyramid and MacTarnahan’s brand names. Pyramid’s family of unfiltered wheat beers continue to be honored by beer drinkers and judges, earning the most craft beer medals in the last decade at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival (“GABF”). Pyramid owns two alehouse restaurants adjacent to its full production breweries under the Pyramid Alehouse and MacTarnahan’s brand names in Berkeley, California and Portland, Oregon, respectively, and three alehouse restaurants in Walnut Creek and Sacramento, California and Seattle, Washington. For more information, visit www.PyramidBrew.com.
About Magic Hat Brewing Company & Performing Arts Center, Inc.
Magic Hat Brewing Company & Performing Arts Center, Inc., headquartered in Burlington, VT, is one of the largest craft brewers on the east coast and ranks among the fastest growing companies in the category nationwide. For more information, visit www.magichat.net.
