SAP Agrees to Sell its Stake in Qualtrics as part of Qualtrics Acquisition by Silver Lake and CPP Investments

Rhea-AI Summary

SAP SE has agreed to sell its 423 million shares of Qualtrics International Inc. to Silver Lake and CPP Investments for US$18.15 per share, valuing Qualtrics at approximately US$12.5 billion. This sale represents a 73% premium over Qualtrics' 30-day average trading price prior to the announcement. The deal, which will net SAP around US$7.7 billion, is expected to close in the second half of 2023, pending regulatory approvals. Since SAP acquired Qualtrics in 2019, the company has tripled its revenue, now servicing over 18,000 brands. SAP intends to remain a partner to Qualtrics post-sale.

Positive

• Transaction value of approximately US$12.5 billion boosts SAP's cash reserves.
• Qualtrics revenue tripled since SAP's acquisition in 2019, highlighting growth.
• SAP's continued partnership with Qualtrics may enhance customer service offerings.

Negative

• SAP's stake sale indicates a potential shift in focus away from Qualtrics.
• The sale will present Qualtrics as a discontinued operation in SAP's financial results.

WALLDORF, Germany, March 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SAP SE (NYSE: SAP), today announced it has agreed to sell all of its 423 million shares of Qualtrics International Inc. as part of the acquisition of Qualtrics by funds affiliated with Silver Lake (collectively, "Silver Lake") as well as Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments).

At a purchase price of US$18.15 in cash per share, the transaction corresponds to a Qualtrics equity value of approximately US$12.5 billion on a fully diluted basis, representing a 73% premium over the 30-day average trading price prior to SAP's announcement to explore a sale (approx. 62% premium relative to the unaffected closing price on January 25, 2023). SAP's stake will be acquired for approximately US$7.7 billion.

"Silver Lake has both the operational expertise and the track record with software companies to help Qualtrics extend its leadership in the XM category it pioneered," said Christian Klein, CEO and Member of the Executive Board of SAP SE. "Since we acquired Qualtrics in 2019 the company has more than tripled its revenue while delivering profitability. SAP intends to remain a close go-to-market and technology partner, servicing joint customers and continuing to contribute to Qualtrics' success." The number of companies and brands using Qualtrics software has risen from 10,000 at the time of SAP's purchase to over 18,000 today.

The agreement resulted from a robust process that was initiated on January 26 and identified the joint proposal by Silver Lake and CPP Investments as most attractive. The transaction has been approved by the Qualtrics board, including a committee of independent directors, as well as the SAP Executive and Supervisory Boards.

While the transaction is subject to customary regulatory clearances and expected to close in the second half of 2023, SAP's financial results for the first quarter, due April 21, are expected to present Qualtrics as a discontinued operation.

Barclays acted as financial advisor to SAP on the transaction, Shearman & Sterling acted as SAP's legal advisor.

Visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter at @SAPNews.

About SAP

SAP's strategy is to help every business run as an intelligent, sustainable enterprise. As a market leader in enterprise application software, we help companies of all sizes and in all industries run at their best: SAP customers generate 87% of total global commerce. Our machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics technologies help turn customers' businesses into intelligent enterprises. SAP helps give people and organizations deep business insight and fosters collaboration that helps them stay ahead of their competition. We simplify technology for companies so they can consume our software the way they want – without disruption. Our end-to-end suite of applications and services enables business and public customers across 25 industries globally to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and make a difference. With a global network of customers, partners, employees, and thought leaders, SAP helps the world run better and improve people's lives. For more information, visit www.sap.com.  

This document contains forward-looking statements, which are predictions, projections, or other statements about future events. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and outcomes to materially differ. Additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties may be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the risk factors section of SAP's 2022 Annual Report on Form 20-F.

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SOURCE SAP SE

FAQ

What is the value of SAP's sale of its Qualtrics shares?

SAP's sale of its 423 million shares of Qualtrics is valued at approximately US$12.5 billion.

Who are the buyers of SAP's Qualtrics shares?

The buyers are funds affiliated with Silver Lake and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments).

What is the purchase price per share for Qualtrics?

The purchase price per share for Qualtrics is US$18.15 in cash.

How will this transaction affect SAP's financial results?

SAP will report Qualtrics as a discontinued operation in its financial results following the sale.

When is the transaction expected to close?

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2023, pending regulatory approvals.