First National Financial (TSE:FN) announced that it has agreed to be acquired by a consortium led by Birch Hill Equity Partners and Brookfield Asset Management (TSX:BAM, NYSE:BAM) in a transaction valued at C$2.9 billion (US$2.1 billion).
Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders will receive $C48 in cash per common share, representing a premium of approximately 15.2% over its 30-day volume-weighted average trading price.
The deal implies a 16.5x price-to-earnings multiple based on trailing 12-month earnings and a total shareholder return of around 2,149% since the company’s IPO, including dividends.
Following the closing of the transaction, First National’s common shares will be delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange. The company's preferred shares (TSX: FN.PR.A and FN.PR.B) will remain listed.
Jason Ellis will continue as CEO of First National, and the existing executive team is expected to remain in place.
“This transaction represents the start of an exciting new chapter for First National,” Ellis said. “Birch Hill and Brookfield bring significant expertise in the Canadian financial services industry, and we are excited to partner with them to grow our platform, drive innovation, and deliver for our customers, employees and institutional partners.”
Shares of First Financial surged on the news, up 13.2% at about $48.