TD Bank Financial Group declared victory today in its $326 million takeover of VFC Inc. after about 90% of the used-car loan company’s shareholders tendered into its bid.
The Toronto-based bank said VFC (TSX:VFC) stockholders holding about 15 million common shares have accepted its offer. Following compulsory-acquisition rules, it now will take up the remaining shares and take the company private by delisting VFC’s stock from the Toronto Stock Exchange.
“TD expects to complete that compulsory acquisition as soon as reasonably practicable,” the bank said in a news release
In February, TD Bank offered $19.50 a share for VFC. Stockholders had the option of taking $19.50 a share in cash or $19.45 per share in TD common stock plus a nickel per share in cash.
VFC is one of the largest Canadian-owned indirect consumer finance companies, with offices in Toronto, Montreal and Nanaimo, B.C. Its loans originate through its network of more than 2,000 pre-qualified automobile dealers connected by web-based technology.