Fox Corp to take over lender Credible Labs for $397 million
U.S.-based consumer lender Credible Labs Inc (CRD.AX) said on Monday it had agreed to be bought out by broadcaster Fox Corp (FOXA.O) for about A$585 million ($397 million).
Under the terms of the deal, Credible Labs, listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, said its shareholders will receive A$2.21 in cash per CHESS depository interest (CDI), which represents A$55.25 per share of common stock in Credible.
The offer of A$2.21 per CDI represents a premium of 7% to its last close of A$2.06 on August 2.
Credible provides and refinances student and personal loans, supplying information that allows individuals to compare and choose between different pre-qualified rates and options.
Fox CEO and Executive Chairman Lachlan Murdoch said in a separate announcement that the acquisition has “tremendous synergy” with FOX Business and FOX Television Stations, as Credible would benefit from access to the broadcast and entertainment giant’s huge audience.
As part of the agreement, Credible founder and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Dash will exchange shares equal to one-third of Credible’s outstanding common stock into units of a newly created Fox subsidiary, Credible said.
Credible’s board said it unanimously backs the proposal to shareholders, which is subject to certain approvals from the ASX.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-credible-labs-m-a-fox-c/fox-corp-to-take-over-lender-credible-labs-for-397-million-idUSKCN1UU0Q7
Credible Labs
The company was founded in 2012 by Stephen Dash. Credible originally began as a platform for refinancing student loans. It has since expanded its loan offerings to direct origination of student loans, personal loans and mortgages.
In December 2017, Credible Labs listed on the ASX, raising US$50 million in what was the largest technology IPO of 2017. The ASX was chosen due to early investors being located predominantly in Australia and Asia, and scarcity of similar exposure to other financial technology companies.
In April 2019, Credible Labs announced that it had signed a trial mortgage partnership with Realtor.com, the second largest digital real estate platform in the United States.
In August 2019, the company entered into a merger agreement with Fox Corporation, valuing Credible Labs at AU$585 million. This offer was unanimously recommended by Stephen Dash and the board to shareholders.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credible_Labs