Nikon Launches Friendly Takeover for SLM Solutions

SLM Solutions and Nikon Corp. have entered into an investment agreement in relation to a voluntary public takeover offer that Nikon intends to launch for all outstanding shares of SLM. Nikon has obtained binding commitments from SLM’s key shareholders Elliott Advisors UK Ltd. (Cornwall), ENA Investment Capital and SLM’s founder Hans J. Ihde to support the transaction by way of irrevocable tender commitments comprising shares and all SLM convertibles bond securities to held.

The SLM management and supervisory boards welcome and, subject to a review of the offer document, fully support the transaction and the takeover offer. Also, the members of the SLM management and supervisory boards have committed to tender their shares into the takeover offer. SLM expects the takeover offer to commence at the end of September or early October 2022.

With SLM becoming part of Nikon’s digital manufacturing strategy, SLM management says it is convinced this transaction will further enhance SLM’s ability to stay at the forefront of metal additive manufacturing (AM) and enhance its leadership position in delivering superior products and solutions to its customers.

“Nikon has more than a century of history in developing cutting-edge opto-electronic technology and precision equipment,” says Sam O’Leary, SLM CEO. “I am excited for SLM to partner with Nikon to further extend our technology leadership position. We believe this transaction and partnership is very beneficial for all our stakeholders — shareholders, employees and customers alike.”

While SLM will play an integral role in Nikon’s digital manufacturing strategy, Nikon committed not to initiate the conclusion of a domination agreement for at least three years. The company will continue to be led by its current senior management team.

“We are focused on digital manufacturing as a growth driver and will create value through the promising market of metal additive manufacturing for our stakeholders,” says Toshikazu Umatate, Nikon CEO. “Nikon and SLM Solutions share the vision that our technology-driven innovation will transform the future of manufacturing. This acquisition will be key to growing our digital manufacturing business.”