Fiserv, Inc. (NASDAQ:FISV), a leading provider of information technology services to the financial and insurance industries, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement with Trident IV, a private equity fund managed by Stone Point Capital LLC, in which Trident will invest approximately $205 million in equity and $335 million in debt to acquire a 51 percent majority interest in Fiserv's insurance businesses.
Fiserv expects to receive approximately $510 million in net after-tax proceeds and to retain a 49 percent equity interest in Fiserv Insurance Solutions. The transaction is anticipated to close in July 2008, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. The transaction will include nearly all aspects of Fiserv's insurance segment. The current management team and employee base will continue with the company, which will be known as Fiserv Insurance Solutions, Inc.
"Stone Point Capital brings a proven track record of insurance industry success that we believe will accelerate the growth opportunities for Fiserv Insurance Solutions and its clients," said Jeffery Yabuki, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fiserv. "Within Fiserv, we are able to free up capital, maintain an interest in Fiserv Insurance Solutions that should increase in value, and intensify our focus on delivering products and services within the broad financial services and payments landscape."
"We are delighted to partner with Fiserv and the management team of Fiserv Insurance Solutions," said Chuck Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Stone Point Capital. "Fiserv Insurance Solutions is a leading player in the insurance technology and outsourcing space. We believe there are a number of exciting growth opportunities for the business, and we look forward to working with the Fiserv Insurance Solutions management team to pursue these growth initiatives as an independent company focused on serving the insurance marketplace. We are also pleased that Fiserv will be continuing its involvement, through a significant minority ownership position, which we believe will further enhance the company's prospects for success."
Stone Point Capital and its predecessor operations have a 20-year history of successful investing in the global insurance and financial services industries. Stone Point Capital primarily targets investments in the insurance and financial services industries, including insurance underwriting, distribution and services, benefits and healthcare, asset management and retirement savings, and banking and depository institutions.
"Stone Point Capital's business philosophy and culture match our own," said Mark Damico, president and CEO of Fiserv Insurance Solutions. "The entire Fiserv Insurance Solutions management team is excited to go to market with a partner with deep insurance sector expertise. Stone Point Capital recognizes our commitment to employees as well as clients and, through our partnership, we will continue to provide innovative solutions for years to come."
"Over the last year, Fiserv has assembled a powerful combination of products and services to better serve our clients," added Yabuki. "Going forward, we are focused on delivering unique value through innovative technology solutions and product integration. Additionally, we will seek opportunities to bolster our payments and transaction processing capabilities - organically and through acquisition - which enhance our overall market position."
Fiserv expects to receive approximately $510 million of net transaction proceeds and expects slight 2008 earnings dilution of less than 1 percent, or $0.02 to $0.03 per share depending upon reinvestment of the net proceeds. In connection with the sale, Fiserv also affirmed its 2008 adjusted earnings per share guidance range of $3.28 to $3.40 from continuing operations. Fiserv expects the transaction to be accretive to its long-term revenue, earnings and margin growth rates.
Upon closing the transaction, Fiserv will no longer consolidate revenue and expenses from Fiserv Insurance Solutions. Due to the sale of its majority interest, the company will report its 49 percent share of net earnings in Fiserv Insurance Solutions on a single income statement line item, which is anticipated to begin in Fiserv's third quarter earnings announcement.
Separately, Fiserv, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISV), a leading provider of information technology services for the financial and insurance industries, today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized it to repurchase up to 10 million shares of the company's common stock, approximately 6 percent of its outstanding shares. The company has completed its previous repurchase authorization.
The new authorization was announced in conjunction with the company's agreement to sell a majority stake in its Insurance businesses to Stone Point Capital [see related announcement, "Fiserv Agrees to Sell Majority Interest in its Insurance Business"]. The company expects to receive approximately $510 million in net after-tax proceeds from that sale.
"We continue to view share repurchase as an important element in building shareholder value through capital allocation," said Jeffery Yabuki, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fiserv. "Our strong free cash flow combined with significant proceeds from dispositions in 2008 allows us to meet our debt commitments and to repurchase shares under this new authorization."
Under the new authorization, which does not expire, Fiserv may repurchase shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at the discretion of management, subject to its assessment of market conditions and other factors.