Velan (VLN.TO), up 2.6% on last look, on Monday said it closed the sale by its controlling shareholder, Velan Holding, of its stake in the company to Birch Hill Equity Partners Management.
Velan Holding sold its interest to Birch Hill at $13.10 per share, totalling $203.9 million, a statement said. With the acquisition, Birch Hill has a 72.1% stake in Velan shares and a 92.8% voting interest.
The sale coincides with planned board and management changes at Velan. Former chief financial officer Rishi Sharma has been promoted to chief executive officer. Imran Gibbons, previously vice president, global financial planning and analysis, has been appointed chief financial officer.
Ivan Velan, Peter Velan, Rob Velan, and Tom Velan, have resigned from Velan's Board.
Patrick Duncan, a partner at Birch Hill, has been appointed board chair. Joshua Lundy, Jim Mannebach, and Shauna Gamble have been appointed to the board as Birch Hill nominees, with Gamble serving as an independent director.
Jim Mannebach will be retiring as chief executive officer and stepping down as board chair.
Velan also intends to close on a five-year, US$80-million revolving credit facility. Funds are expected to be used to retire other debt in North America and for general corporate purposes going forward.
Velan shares were last seen up $0.40 to $15.91 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Price: $15.91, Change: $+0.40, Percent Change: +2.58%