AGC Networks to Acquire Black Box, Creating a Significant Global Technology Solutions Provider

AGC Networks and Black Box Corporation announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which AGC Singapore would acquire all the outstanding shares of Black Box for $1.08 per share in cash, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

The Black Box Board of Directors unanimously approved the merger agreement following a thorough review of the full range of available strategic, financial and capital structure alternatives, which Black Box commenced and announced on February 6, 2018. The transaction is expected to close prior to the end of the calendar year.

The combination with Black Box will provide a substantial increase in AGC’s presence and offerings in North America. In addition, AGC will enhance its footprint in providing technologies and services throughout six continents. The acquisition will be significant for AGC, expected to add over $600 million in annual revenue and approximately 3,000 team members serving clients worldwide.

“We have known Black Box for many years and believe that its skilled teams and strong client relations with world-class enterprises and partners will allow us to better serve our global clients,” said Sanjeev Verma, Executive Director and CEO of AGC Networks. “The merger of our two companies will create a unique organization that has the scale to deliver world-wide technical solutions to the largest organizations.”

“We were looking for a partner that could provide us with the resources to grow our services and products businesses in a way that benefitted clients and employees,” said Joel Trammell, CEO of Black Box. “As we visited in depth with the AGC team, it became obvious that the fit was very strong and that the combination would make our company more exceptional. I look forward to working with Sanjeev and his team to build a world class global technology services company.”

Under the terms of the merger agreement, an indirect wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of AGC Singapore will commence a tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding shares of Black Box common stock for $1.08 per share in cash. Upon the successful completion of the tender offer, the U.S. subsidiary of AGC Singapore would acquire all remaining shares of common stock not tendered in the offer for $1.08 per share through a second-step merger. The tender offer and the second-step merger are subject to customary conditions, including the tender of a majority of the outstanding shares of Black Box common stock. The U.S. subsidiary of AGC Singapore is financing the merger through a combination of equity and debt. Pathlight Capital will serve as administrative agent for the senior credit facilities.

Strategic Rationale

The transaction brings together two global IT solutions providers that share a “client focus” approach and are committed to accelerating their clients’ business. AGC brings its strong presence in India, the Middle East and Pacific Rim to complement Black Box’s services focus in the Americas and Europe, while also enhancing the presence in other global markets. Both companies provide full managed services capabilities in Unified Communications and Collaboration, Cloud, Data Center and Edge Technologies. AGC adds its expertise in digital applications and cybersecurity to Black Box’s strong infrastructure and mobility background. The transaction will enhance their technology vendor partners’ reach in global markets, verticals and clients. The Black Box products business will continue to offer its full portfolio of products directly and through channel partners.

Advisors

Raymond James & Associates is acting as financial adviser to Black Box and Jones Day is serving as legal counsel with Morris Nichols Arsht & Tunnell LLP as special Delaware counsel. SunTrust Robinson Humphrey is serving as financial adviser to AGC and Alston & Bird is serving as legal counsel. GLC Advisors and Rubin Capital are serving AGC as financial advisers in arranging capital.

About AGC Networks

AGC Networks is the client’s trusted global technology integrator to architect, deploy, manage and secure their IT environment through customized solutions and services that accelerate their business. AGC partners with the world’s best brands in Unified Communications, Data Center & Edge IT, Cyber Security (CYBER-i) and Digital Transformation & Applications. For more information log on to www.agcnetworks.com.

About Black Box

Black Box is a leading digital solutions provider dedicated to helping customers design, build, manage and secure their IT infrastructure. Black Box delivers high-value products and services through its global presence and approximately 3,000 team members. To learn more, visit the Black Box Web site at http://www.blackbox.com.