Gerber Scientific
At the time of the transaction Gerber Scientific Inc. (formerly NYSE: GRB) served two markets. The company provided printing equipment, software and related supplies to customers in the sign making and specialty graphics industry as well as design and cutting equipment and software to customers in the apparel and industrial markets. Vector Capital, a San Francisco-based, technology focused private equity fund, approached Gerber Scientific and the Company was taken private in a negotiated transaction.
Having already represented Gerber for the past three years as a trusted advisor completing six transactions, RA Capital was the logical advisor to assist Gerber in this transaction. RA Capital quickly mobilized to assist with preliminary due diligence and all aspects of negotiations, including providing for Gerber shareholders the ability to solicit additional bids under a “go-shop” provision once the definitive agreements were signed. RA Capital also helped to facilitate Vector’s simultaneous sale of Spandex, which represented nearly one half of Gerber’s revenue, to Gilde Buy Out Partners in Switzerland at closing.
Vector Capital ultimately acquired Gerber in a transaction valued at $283.0 million ($11 per share). This represented a 34% premium prior to announcement.
