Online jeweler Blue Nile Inc (NILE.O) said it agreed to be taken private by an investor group that includes Bain Capital Private Equity and Bow Street LLC for about $500 million in cash.
The $40.75 per share offer represents a nearly 34 percent premium over Blue Nile’s closing price on Friday.
Blue Nile’s shares, which have lost 16 percent of their value this year, were up 31.5 percent at $40.04 in premarket trading on Monday.
The Blue Nile has a 30-day “go-shop” period, during which it can solicit alternate proposals, the company said.
The deal, which has no financial condition, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2017.
The Blue Nile, founded in 1999, is an online diamond and fine jewelry retailer known for its engagement rings. The company, which operates its website in more than 40 countries, also sells diamond wedding bands and provides custom jewelry design services.
The company’s top two shareholders are T. Rowe Price Associates Inc and Wasatch Advisors, which collectively own more than 30 percent of the company.
The Blue Nile said it will continue to be headquartered in Seattle, Washington after the deal closes.
BofA Merrill Lynch advised Blue Nile while Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati was its legal adviser.
Goldman Sachs & Co will provide debt for the deal and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is the investor group’s legal adviser.
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Source: Reuters.com
