Nordson Corporation Announces Agreement to Acquire Atrion Corporation, a Market Leader in Medical Infusion and Cardiovascular Technologies

Rhea-AI Summary

Nordson (Nasdaq: NDSN) announced its agreement to acquire Atrion (Nasdaq: ATRI), a leader in medical infusion and cardiovascular technologies, for $460.00 per share in cash. This acquisition values Atrion at approximately $800 million and expands Nordson’s medical portfolio into new markets and therapies. Atrion generated about $169 million in revenue in 2023 and operates three FDA registered manufacturing facilities in the U.S.

The acquisition will be funded through cash on hand and newly issued financial debt and is expected to close before Nordson’s fiscal year-end in 2024, pending regulatory and stockholder approvals. The transaction is expected to generate significant synergies within the first two years of ownership.

The acquisition aligns with Nordson's strategy to leverage long-term growth drivers in the medical sector, including an aging population, increased healthcare spending, and the adoption of minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Positive

• Acquisition expands Nordson’s total addressable market in medical infusion and cardiovascular technologies.
• Atrion generated approximately $169 million in annual revenue in 2023.
• Transaction valuation expected to generate significant synergies within the first two years of ownership.
• Atrion's three FDA registered manufacturing facilities in the U.S. add valuable assets to Nordson.
• The acquisition is aligned with long-term secular growth drivers in the medical sector, such as an aging population and increased healthcare spending.

Negative

• The acquisition will be funded through newly issued financial debt, which could affect Nordson's financials negatively.
• The total transaction value of $800 million represents a significant financial commitment.
• The closing of the acquisition is subject to regulatory and stockholder approvals, which introduces potential risks and uncertainties.

Financial Analyst

The acquisition of Atrion Corporation by Nordson Corporation for $460.00 per share, totaling approximately $800 million, represents a strategic move for Nordson to expand its medical portfolio. Evaluating the deal at 15X Atrion’s 2024 estimated EBITDA suggests that Nordson sees significant value and growth potential in Atrion’s business. This price-to-earnings multiple is on the higher end of typical industry valuations, often ranging from 8-12X EBITDA, which indicates Nordson’s confidence in the synergies and long-term growth prospects.

In the short term, the acquisition may pressure Nordson’s balance sheet due to the new financial debt issuance required to fund the deal. However, the deal's strategic alignment with secular growth drivers in the medical sector, such as an aging population and increasing healthcare expenditure, is a positive indicator for long-term benefits. Investors should monitor how effectively Nordson integrates Atrion’s operations and capitalizes on the expected operational synergies.

Medical Research Analyst

This acquisition significantly diversifies Nordson’s medical product offerings, specifically in the higher-growth areas of infusion fluid delivery and cardiovascular technologies. Atrion’s portfolio, including Halkey Roberts’ OEM medical components, Atrion Medical’s interventional inflation devices and Quest Medical’s myocardial protection devices, aligns well with current trends towards minimally-invasive surgical techniques and increased procedural healthcare.

From a long-term perspective, the acquisition positions Nordson to benefit from continued innovation and medical OEM outsourcing. The three FDA-registered manufacturing facilities enhance Nordson’s production capabilities and regulatory compliance strength, which is important in the highly regulated medical industry.

Investors should consider the potential for Nordson to leverage Atrion’s existing patents and strong product portfolio to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

Market Research Analyst

The transaction expands Nordson’s exposure to stable and high-growth medical end markets, which could lead to more predictable revenue streams. Atrion’s revenue of approximately $169 million in 2023, combined with Nordson’s existing customer base and core competencies, suggests a robust opportunity for cross-selling and expanding market reach.

This strategic acquisition also appears designed to capitalize on the long-term secular growth drivers mentioned by Nordson’s CEO. It suggests a thoughtful, forward-looking approach to market expansion, aligning with rising trends in healthcare spending and procedural volume.

Retail investors should find this acquisition appealing for its potential to enhance Nordson’s growth trajectory and diversify its business portfolio, reducing dependency on cyclical industries.

• Expands Nordson MEDICAL’s total addressable market
• Highly complementary with Nordson’s customer base and core competencies
• Broadens Nordson’s exposure to higher-growth and stable medical end markets
• Nordson to host investor call at 8:30 a.m. ET today

WESTLAKE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nordson Corporation (Nasdaq: NDSN) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Atrion Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRI), a leader in proprietary medical infusion fluid delivery and niche cardiovascular solutions, for $460.00 per share in cash. This reflects a valuation of 15X Atrion’s 2024 full-year estimated EBITDA, inclusive of synergies Nordson expects to generate in the first two years of its ownership. The acquisition expands Nordson’s medical portfolio into new markets and therapies, supported by long-term secular growth trends.

Sundaram Nagarajan, president and chief executive officer of Nordson Corporation, said, “Over nearly 15 years, Nordson has built a strong medical portfolio through organic and acquisitive growth. This attractive end market has several long-term secular growth drivers, including aging of the population, increasing healthcare spending and procedures, adopting of minimally-invasive surgical techniques, continuing innovation and medical OEM outsourcing. We have long admired Atrion’s technology portfolio, and today’s announcement represents a step forward in expanding our medical offerings for our customers. Leveraging our NBS Next growth framework and medical business expertise, we see significant operational synergies, while supporting the long-term growth of the business.”

Headquartered in Allen, Texas, Atrion is a manufacturer of proprietary medical products, generating approximately $169 million in annual revenue in 2023. Established in 1944, Atrion supports customers globally through three specialized FDA registered manufacturing facilities located in the United States. Atrion's portfolio consists of three key businesses that will significantly expand Nordson’s addressable market in infusion and cardiovascular therapies:

• Halkey Roberts is a leader in infusion fluid delivery solutions, including single-use OEM medical components such as swabable and pressure relief valves.
• Atrion Medical is a leading provider of OEM interventional inflation devices for balloon catheterization, stent deployment and fluid delivery in structural heart, ENT and GI procedures.
• Quest Medical’s highly differentiated myocardial protection devices and single-use consumables deliver real-time precise drug administration during cardiovascular surgery.

Stephen Lovass, executive vice president, Nordson Medical and Fluid Solutions segment, added, “In addition to its strong product and patent portfolios, Atrion’s highly talented organization, as well as its three FDA registered design and manufacturing facilities, will be important additions to Nordson MEDICAL. We look forward to being able to offer our medical customers a more comprehensive offering of solutions.”

The $460.00 per share in cash price for Atrion represents a total transaction enterprise value of approximately $800 million. The transaction is expected to close prior to Nordson’s fiscal year-end 2024, pending applicable regulatory and stockholder approvals and will be funded through a combination of cash on hand and newly issued financial debt.

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP acted as legal advisor to Nordson Corporation.

Conference Call / Webcast

Nordson will host a conference call to discuss the acquisition at 8:30 am ET today.

Date: May 28, 2024
Time: 8:30 AM ET
Link to listen: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/535176409

Investors who are interested in listening to the webcast, but are not able to participate during the scheduled time, can access the replay by visiting Nordson’s investor website.

About Nordson

Nordson Corporation is an innovative precision technology company that leverages a scalable growth framework through an entrepreneurial, division-led organization to deliver top tier growth with leading margins and returns. The Company’s direct sales model and applications expertise serves global customers through a wide variety of critical applications. Its diverse end market exposure includes consumer non-durable, medical, electronics and industrial end markets. Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, the Company has operations and support offices in over 35 countries. Visit Nordson on the web at www.nordson.com, www.twitter.com/Nordson_Corp or www.facebook.com/nordson.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

Atrion Corporation (“Atrion”) expects to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and furnish to its stockholders a proxy statement on Schedule 14A (the “Proxy Statement”), as well as other relevant documents regarding the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Agreement”), dated as of May 28, 2024, by and among Atrion, Nordson Corporation (“Nordson”), and Alpha Medical Merger Sub, Inc. (the “Transaction”). The information to be included in the preliminary Proxy Statement will not be complete and may be changed. After filing its definitive Proxy Statement with the SEC, Atrion will mail its definitive Proxy Statement and a proxy card to Atrion’s stockholders entitled to vote at a special meeting relating to the Transaction, seeking their approval of the applicable Transaction-related proposals. The Proxy Statement will contain important information about the Transaction and related matters. This communication is not a substitute for the Proxy Statement Atrion plans to file with the SEC in connection with the Transaction.

INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF ATRION ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY THE PROXY STATEMENT WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE, AS WELL AS OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTION OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THE PROXY STATEMENT, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO SUCH DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ATRION, NORDSON, THE TRANSACTION AND THE OTHER TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THE AGREEMENT THAT HOLDERS OF ATRION’S SECURITIES SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING VOTING.

Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement and other documents filed with the SEC when available without charge through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov or, in the case of documents filed by Atrion, from Atrion’s website https://atrioncorp.com/investor-relations/ or, in the case of documents filed by Nordson, by directing a request to Lara Mahoney, Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications at lara.mahoney@nordson.com, or by calling (440) 204-9985, or from Nordson’s website https://investors.nordson.com/overview/default.aspx.

Participants in the Solicitation

Atrion, Nordson and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Atrions stockholders in connection with the Transaction.

Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the Transaction, including a description of their direct or indirect interests in the Transaction, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the Proxy Statement(s) and other relevant materials related to the Transaction when they are filed with the SEC.

Information regarding Atrion’s directors and executive officers is contained in the sections entitled “Election of Directors” and “Securities Ownership” included in Atrion’s proxy statement for the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 9, 2024 (and which is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/701288/000110465924044922/tm242747d4_def14a.htm) and in the section entitled “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance” included in Atrion’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on February 29, 2024 (and which is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/701288/000165495424002411/atri_10k.htm).

Information regarding Nordson’s directors and executive officers is contained in the sections entitled “Election of Directors” and “Security Ownership of Nordson Common Shares by Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” included in Nordson’s proxy statement for its 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, filed with the SEC on January 19, 2024 (and which is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/72331/000119312524010767/d482491ddef14a.htm), in the section entitled “Information About Our Executive Officers” included in Nordson’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on December 20, 2023 (and which is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/72331/000007233123000242/ndsn-20231031.htm), in Nordson’s Form 8-K filed on August 24, 2023 (and which is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000072331/000007233123000150/ndsn-20230823.htm), in Nordson’s Form 8-K filed on January 16, 2024 (and which is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000072331/000007233124000019/ndsn-20240116.htm), in Nordson’s Form 8-K filed on February 14, 2024 (and which is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000072331/000007233124000030/ndsn-20240214.htm), and in Nordson’s Form 8-K filed on April 23, 2024 (and which is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000072331/000007233124000057/ndsn-20240423.htm). To the extent holdings of Nordson securities by the directors and executive officers of Nordson have changed from the amounts of securities of Nordson held by such persons as reflected therein, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements present current forecasts and estimates of future events. These statements do not strictly relate to historical or current results and can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “appear,” “assume,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “will,” “can,” “could,” “predict,” “future,” “potential,” “look,” “build,” “focus,” “create,” “work,” “continue,” “target,” “poised,” “advance,” “drive,” “aim,” “approach,” “seek,” “schedule,” “position,” “pursue,” “progress,” “budget,” “outlook,” “trend,” “guidance,” “commit,” “on track,” “objective,” “goal,” “opportunity,” “ambitions,” “aspire” and variations of negatives of such terms or variations thereof. Other words and terms of similar meaning or import in connection with any discussion of future plans, actions, events or operating, financial or other performance identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements regarding the Agreement and the Transaction, including the expected time period to consummate the Transaction, the anticipated benefits (including synergies) of the Transaction and integration and transition plans, opportunities, anticipated future performance, expected share buyback programs and expected dividends. All such forward-looking statements are based upon current plans, estimates, expectations and ambitions that are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Atrion and Nordson, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected in such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors include, without limitation: statements regarding the expected timing and structure of the Transaction; the ability of the parties to complete the Transaction; the expected benefits of the Transaction, such as improved operations, enhanced revenues and cash flow, synergies, growth potential, market profile, business plans, expanded portfolio and financial strength; the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any required governmental and regulatory approvals of the Transaction; the ability of Nordson to successfully integrate the operations of Atrion and to achieve expected synergies, cost reductions and/or productivity improvements, including the risk that problems may arise which may result in the combined company not operating as effectively and efficiently as expected; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Agreement; the possibility that Atrion’s shareholders may not approve the Transaction; the risk that the anticipated tax treatment of the Transaction is not obtained; the risk that the parties may not be able to satisfy the conditions to the Transaction in a timely manner or at all; risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the Transaction; the risk that any announcements relating to the Transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of Atrion’s or Nordson’s common shares; the risk that the Transaction and its announcement could have an adverse effect on the parties’ business relationships and businesses generally, including the ability of Atrion and Nordson to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers and customers, and on their operating results and businesses generally; unexpected future capital expenditures; potential litigation relating to the Transaction that could be instituted against Atrion and/or Nordson or their respective directors and/or officers; third party contracts containing material consent, anti-assignment, transfer or other provisions that may be related to the Transaction which are not waived or otherwise satisfactorily resolved; the competitive ability and position of Nordson following completion of the Transaction; legal, economic and regulatory conditions; and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing; demand for Atrion and Nordson products; industry and economic conditions including, but not limited to, supply chain disruptions, recessionary conditions, inflationary pressures, interest rate and financial market volatility and the viability of banks and other financial institutions; availability and cost of energy and raw materials; levels of global industrial production; competitive and pricing factors; relationships with key customers and customer concentration in certain areas; issues related to acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures or expansions; various events that could disrupt operations, including climate change, weather conditions and storm activity such as droughts, floods, avalanches and earthquakes, cybersecurity attacks, security threats and governmental response to them, and technological changes; legislation and related regulations or interpretations, in the United States or elsewhere; domestic and international economic and political conditions, policies or other governmental actions, as well as war, political unrest, civil disturbance and acts of terror; changes to tariff, trade or investment policies or laws or trade agreements; changes in tax law; uninsured losses, including those from natural disasters, catastrophes, pandemics, theft or sabotage; environmental, product-related or other legal and regulatory unforeseen or unknown liabilities, proceedings or actions; research and development activities and intellectual property protection; issues involving implementation and protection of information technology systems; foreign exchange and commodity price fluctuations; levels of indebtedness; liquidity and the availability and cost of credit; rating agency actions and Atrion’s and Nordson’s ability to access short- and long-term debt markets on a timely and affordable basis; the level of fixed costs required to run Atrion’s and Nordson’s businesses; levels of goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets; labor disputes or shortages, changes in labor costs and labor difficulties; effects of industry, market, economic, legal or legislative, political or regulatory conditions outside of Atrion’s or Nordson’s control; and other factors detailed from time to time in Atrion’s and Nordson’s SEC filings.

All forward-looking statements in this communication should be considered in the context of the risks and other factors described above and in the specific factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in both Atrion’s and Nordson’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, in each case as these risk factors are amended or supplemented by subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, which will be incorporated by reference into the Proxy Statement. Atrion’s reports that are filed with the SEC are available on Atrion’s website at https://atrioncorp.com/investor-relations/ and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, and Nordson’s reports that are filed with the SEC are available on Nordson’s website at https://investors.nordson.com/overview/default.aspx and on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statement is made and neither Atrion nor Nordson undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. It is not possible to identify all of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect future results. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed herein may not occur and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240527809373/en/

Lara Mahoney

Vice President,

Investor Relations & Corporate Communications

440.204.9985

Lara.Mahoney@nordson.com

Source: Nordson Corporation

FAQ

What did Nordson announce on May 28, 2024?

Nordson announced an agreement to acquire Atrion for $460.00 per share in cash.

What is the value of the Nordson and Atrion acquisition?

The acquisition values Atrion at approximately $800 million.

How does the acquisition of Atrion benefit Nordson?

The acquisition expands Nordson's addressable market in medical infusion and cardiovascular technologies and is expected to generate significant synergies.

When is the Nordson and Atrion acquisition expected to close?

The acquisition is expected to close before Nordson’s fiscal year-end in 2024, pending regulatory and stockholder approvals.

How will Nordson fund the acquisition of Atrion?

The acquisition will be funded through a combination of cash on hand and newly issued financial debt.