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WD-40 Company Acquires Current Brazilian Marketing Distributor

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Rhea-AI Summary
WD-40 Company (WDFC) acquires Theron Marketing Ltda. in Brazil to establish direct distribution market, enhancing brand presence and market reach. The transaction aims to drive faster topline growth and a smoother market transition, aligning with the company's strategic expansion plans.
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Insights

The acquisition of Theron Marketing Ltda. by WD-40 Company signifies a strategic move to consolidate its distribution channels and enhance market penetration in Brazil. By transitioning to direct distribution, WD-40 is positioned to streamline its supply chain and potentially improve gross margins through reduced reliance on intermediaries. Furthermore, this could lead to increased brand control and customer relationship management, which are critical for long-term market success.

Direct distribution models often enable companies to collect better market data and respond more quickly to consumer demands, which can be translated into more effective marketing strategies. For WD-40, a brand with a specific product niche, this could mean tailored marketing efforts that resonate more deeply with the Brazilian consumer base. The integration of Theron Marketing's workforce and customer insights into WD-40's operations may also lead to enhanced product innovation and service delivery.

The all-cash acquisition deal may have implications for WD-40 Company's liquidity and capital allocation strategy. Investors will be interested in how this transaction was financed and its impact on the company's debt levels. The fact that this acquisition was included in the fiscal year 2024 outlook suggests that WD-40 Company has been planning for this expense and that it may not come as a surprise to investors who follow the company closely.

From a financial perspective, the deal's success will be measured by its ability to contribute to topline growth and whether it can do so without disproportionately increasing costs. The seamless integration, as suggested by the company, should mitigate integration risks and expenses. Additionally, maintaining M12 Participações Empresarias S.A. as a logistics operator could provide cost efficiencies and stability in the supply chain during the transition period.

Brazil represents a significant emerging market with a growing middle class and increasing industrialization, which could provide a fertile ground for WD-40's expansion. The direct distribution approach in such a market can be advantageous as it allows for better adaptation to local economic conditions and consumer preferences. Moreover, given Brazil's size and regional diversity, local market knowledge becomes a valuable asset for navigating economic complexities.

However, Brazil's economic volatility, including currency fluctuations and regulatory changes, could pose challenges. WD-40 Company's ability to manage these risks effectively will be crucial to realizing the full potential of this strategic move. The long-term benefits of this acquisition will depend on the company's integration capabilities and the broader economic environment in Brazil.

~ New WD-40 Company direct distribution market to be headquartered in Curitiba, Brazil ~

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- WD-40 Company (NASDAQ:WDFC) announced today that a definitive agreement has been entered into acquiring the company’s current Brazilian marketing distributor and long-time business partner, Theron Marketing Ltda.

WD-40 Company and Theron Marketing have worked closely together to market and sell WD-40® Brand products in Brazil. Theron Marketing was established in 1997 to focus solely on the distribution and sales of WD-40 Company products in Brazil and does not market or sell any other products. The transaction will bring together Theron Marketing’s established workforce, customer base, and distribution logistics with WD-40 Company’s best-in-class marketing and brand building capabilities. As a result of their highly integrated and close historical working relationship, the companies expect a seamless integration.

Pursuant to the terms of the transaction, WD-40 Holding Company Brasil Ltda., a wholly owned subsidiary of WD-40 Company, acquires all outstanding shares of common stock of Theron Marketing Ltda., a wholly owned subsidiary of M12 Participações Empresarias S.A., in an all-cash offer. With this transaction, WD-40 Company will begin direct distribution within the country of Brazil immediately. M12 Participações Empresarias S.A will continue to act as WD-40 Holding Company Brasil’s logistics operator.

“This transaction directly supports our first Must-Win Battle which is to lead geographic expansion of WD-40 Multi-Use Product,” said Steve Brass, president and chief executive officer of WD-40 Company. “This acquisition will enable us to drive faster topline growth, a smoother market transition, and a shortened learning curve compared to building a direct market from the ground up.

“We are fortunate to negotiate a path forward that is in the best interest of both organizations. M12 Participações Empresarias S.A. have been an outstanding partner to us, and I want to thank them for their ongoing support over the years. I also want to extend a special welcome to all the Theron Marketing employees who have done a marvelous job building the WD-40 Brand in Brazil over the last 27 years. We are thrilled to officially welcome you into our WD-40 Company family," concluded Brass.

“We view today’s announcement as the integration of two companies that have enjoyed a tremendously symbiotic relationship for nearly three decades,” said Milton Saling, Chairman of the Board of M12 Participações Empresarias S.A., parent company of Theron Marketing Ltda. “We are pleased that the execution of this transaction means our partnership with WD-40 Holding Company Brasil as a logistics provider can continue.”

The anticipated impact of this acquisition was included in WD-40 Company’s outlook for fiscal year 2024. The Company will provide additional details when it reports fiscal second quarter earnings which is tentatively scheduled for April 9, 2024.

About WD-40 Company

WD-40 Company is a global marketing organization dedicated to creating positive lasting memories by developing and selling products that solve problems in workshops, factories, and homes around the world. The Company owns a wide range of well-known brands that include maintenance products and homecare and cleaning products: WD-40® Multi-Use Product, WD-40 Specialist®, 3-IN-ONE®, GT85®, 2000 Flushes®, no vac®, 1001®, Spot Shot®, Lava®, Solvol®, X-14®, and Carpet Fresh®.

Headquartered in San Diego, California, USA, WD-40 Company recorded net sales of $537.3 million in fiscal year 2023 and its products are currently available in more than 176 countries and territories worldwide. WD-40 Company is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “WDFC.” For additional information about WD-40 Company please visit http://www.wd40company.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements reflect the Company’s current expectations with respect to currently available operating, financial and economic information. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in or implied by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are generally identified with words such as “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “could,” “may,” “aim,” “anticipate,” “target,” “estimate” and similar expressions.

Our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, discussions about future financial and operating results, including: expected benefits from the transaction; acquired business not performing as expected; assuming unexpected risks, liabilities and obligations of the acquired business; disruption to the parties’ business as a result of the announcement and transaction; integration of acquired business and operations into the company; growth expectations for maintenance products; expected levels of promotional and advertising spending; anticipated input costs for manufacturing and the costs associated with distribution of our products; plans for and success of product innovation; the impact of new product introductions on the growth of sales; anticipated results from product line extension sales; expected tax rates and the impact of tax legislation and regulatory action; changes in the political conditions or relations between the United States and other nations; the impacts from inflationary trends and supply chain constraints; changes in interest rates; and forecasted foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices.

The Company’s expectations, beliefs and forecasts are expressed in good faith and are believed by the Company to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the Company’s expectations, beliefs or forecasts will be achieved or accomplished. All forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s expectations as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements.

Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements due to various factors, including, but not limited to, those identified in Part I—Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 which the Company filed with the SEC on October 23, 2023, and in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended November 30, 2023, which the Company filed with the SEC on January 9, 2024.

Media and Investor Contact:

Wendy Kelley

Vice President, Stakeholder and Investor Engagement

investorrelations@wd40.com

+1-619-275-9304

Source: WD-40 Company

FAQ

What company has WD-40 Company acquired in Brazil?

WD-40 Company has acquired Theron Marketing Ltda. in Brazil.

What is the ticker symbol for WD-40 Company?

The ticker symbol for WD-40 Company is WDFC.

When will WD-40 Company begin direct distribution in Brazil?

WD-40 Company will begin direct distribution in Brazil immediately after the acquisition.

Who will continue to act as WD-40 Holding Company Brasil's logistics operator?

M12 Participações Empresarias S.A will continue to act as WD-40 Holding Company Brasil's logistics operator.

When is WD-40 Company expected to report fiscal second quarter earnings?

WD-40 Company is tentatively scheduled to report fiscal second quarter earnings on April 9, 2024.

Wd-40 Co

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