ON Semiconductor has announced its decision to acquire leading Wi-Fi solutions expert, Quantenna Communications for over $1 Billion. The acquisition will significantly enhance ON Semiconductor’s connectivity portfolio with the addition of Quantenna’s industry leading Wi-Fi technology and software capabilities.
According to Keith Jackson, president and chief executive officer of ON Semiconductor, the acquisition of Quantenna is another step towards strengthening ON Semi’s presence in industrial and automotive markets. The combination of ON Semi’s expertise in highly efficient power management and broad sales and distribution reach, and Quantenna’s industry leading Wi-Fi technologies and software expertise creates a formidable platform for addressing fast growing markets for low-power connectivity in industrial and automotive applications.
Dr. Sam Heidari, chairman and chief executive officer of Quantenna believes the announcement is a great news Quantenna employees and customers worldwide. According to him, as part of ON Semiconductor, Quantenna will benefit from a world-class organization in its commitment to providing the best end user experience for customers. He now looks forward to a smooth transition with the ON Semiconductor team to pursue exciting new opportunities for Quantenna’s talented employees and reinforce its longstanding position as a leading Wi-Fi technology innovator.
The companies have entered into a definitive agreement on a purchase price of $24.50 per share in an all cash transaction. The acquisition consideration represents equity value of approximately $1.07 billion and enterprise value of approximately $936 million, after accounting for Quantenna’s net cash of approximately $136 million at the end of fourth quarter of 2018.
Following consummation, the transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to ON Semiconductor’s non-GAAP earnings per share and free cash flow; excluding any non-recurring acquisition related charges, the fair value step-up inventory amortization, and amortization of acquired intangibles. The transaction is not subject to a financing condition. ON Semiconductor intends to fund the transaction through cash on hand and available capacity under its existing revolving credit facility.
Completion of the transaction is subject to approval by Quantenna’s stockholders, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The transaction has been approved by ON Semiconductor’s and Quantenna’s boards of directors and is expected to close in the second half of 2019. No approval of the stockholders of ON Semiconductor is required in connection with the proposed transaction. Morrison & Foerster LLP served as legal advisor to ON Semiconductor. Qatalyst Partners acted as exclusive financial advisor to Quantenna, along with O’Melveny & Myers LLP, who served as legal advisor.
