Neogen to combine 3M’s food safety biz with existing operations

3M to receive consideration valued at approximately $1 billion

US-based Neogen Corporation and 3M have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which 3M will separate its Food Safety business and simultaneously combine it with Neogen in a transaction that is intended to be tax-efficient to 3M and its shareholders for US federal income tax purposes.

The combination will create an innovative leader in the food safety sector with a comprehensive product range and a strategic focus on the category’s long-term growth opportunities.

The transaction implies an enterprise value for 3M’s Food Safety business of approximately $5.3 billion, including $1 billion in new debt to be incurred by 3M’s Food Safety business.

3M’s Food Safety business will fund to 3M consideration valued at approximately $1 billion, subject to closing and other adjustments. The combined company is expected to have an enterprise value of approximately $9.3 billion.

Under the terms of the definitive agreements, which involve a tax-free “Reverse Morris Trust” structure, existing Neogen shareholders will continue to own approximately 49.9% of the combined company, and 3M shareholders will receive approximately 50.1% of the combined company.