WOBURN, Mass. & PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Monotype Imaging Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: TYPE) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement under which HGGC, a leading middle market private equity firm, will acquire all outstanding shares of Monotype common stock for $19.85 per share in cash, representing an aggregate equity value of approximately $825 million.

The $19.85 per share cash consideration represents a premium of approximately 23% to Monotype’s closing share price on July 25, 2019, the last full trading day before today’s announcement. The transaction, which was unanimously approved by Monotype’s Board of Directors, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019. Following completion of the transaction, Monotype expects it will remain headquartered in Woburn, MA.

Pamela Lenehan, Chair of the Monotype Board of Directors, said, “We are pleased to reach this agreement with HGGC, which enables our shareholders to realize immediate value at a significant premium for their shares. This transaction is clear recognition of the tremendous value and reputation that Monotype has built.”

Scott Landers, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Over the last several years, Monotype has strategically shifted its business from primarily serving a small group of OEM manufacturers to one that addresses the needs of thousands of brands and millions of creative professionals worldwide. As a private company, we will have the financial support and added flexibility to invest in ways that deliver more value and improve the overall experience for our customers. This transaction is a testament to our talented employees and their dedication to serving our customers, and we look forward to partnering with HGGC as we continue helping customers maximize their customer engagement in today’s digital, mobile and global landscape.”

Rich Lawson, CEO and Co-Founder at HGGC, commented, “We have been impressed with the quality and expertise of the Monotype team led by Scott, whose relentless commitment to customers has helped brands realize their full identity and express it to the world. We look forward to working together to help advance Monotype’s strategy and continue delivering the products and services that allow for brand expression and differentiation.”

“We are honored to partner with Monotype, a proven innovator that is continually pushing the boundaries with next-generation font technology and creative customer-centric solutions,” said David Chung, Executive Director at HGGC. “As a private company, Monotype will be well positioned to fully leverage its world-class intellectual property and design capabilities to generate growth and become a greater resource to thousands of customers around the world,” added Bill Conrad, Principal at HGGC.

Transaction Details

Under the terms of the merger agreement, Monotype’s Board of Directors, with the assistance of its financial advisor, will conduct a 30-day “go-shop” process following the date of the announcement of the merger agreement, during which it will actively initiate, solicit, encourage and evaluate alternative acquisition proposals, and potentially enter into negotiations with any parties that offer alternative acquisition proposals. Monotype will have the right to terminate the merger agreement to accept a superior proposal, subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement. There can be no assurance that this “go-shop” process will result in a superior proposal or that any other transaction will be approved or completed, and Monotype does not intend to disclose developments with respect to the solicitation process unless and until its Board of Directors makes a determination requiring further disclosure.

The proposed transaction is subject to, among other customary closing conditions, approval by the holders of a majority of the shares of Monotype common stock, the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and the receipt of all clearances, approvals and/or authorizations required by German antitrust laws. There are no financing contingencies contemplated under the terms of the merger agreement. Following completion of the transaction, Monotype will become a privately-held company and shares of Monotype’s common stock will no longer be listed on any public market. Monotype will not continue paying its quarterly dividend through transaction close.

Advisors

J.P. Morgan is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Monotype, and Goodwin Procter LLP is serving as legal counsel. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. is serving as exclusive financial advisor to HGGC and will also be the left lead arranger on the debt financing for the transaction. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel to HGGC.

About Monotype

Monotype empowers creative minds to build and express authentic brands through design, technology and expertise. Further information is available at www.monotype.com. Follow Monotype on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About HGGC

HGGC is a leading middle-market private equity firm with $4.3 billion in cumulative capital commitments. Based in Palo Alto, Calif., HGGC is distinguished by its Advantaged Investing approach that enables the firm to source and acquire scalable businesses through partnerships with management teams, founders and sponsors who reinvest alongside HGGC, creating a strong alignment of interests. Over its history, HGGC has completed more than 130 platform investments, add-on acquisitions, recapitalizations and liquidity events with an aggregate transaction value of over $20 billion. More information, including a complete list of current and former portfolio companies is available at www.hggc.com.