Xerox to Acquire Lexmark

 Xerox Holdings Corporation today announced it has agreed to acquire Lexmark International, Inc., from Ninestar Corporation, PAG Asia Capital, and Shanghai Shouda Investment Centre in a deal valued at $1.5 billion, inclusive of assumed liabilities. This acquisition will strengthen the Xerox core print portfolio and build a broader global print and managed print services business better suited to meet the evolving needs of clients in the hybrid workplace.

“Our acquisition of Lexmark will bring together two industry-leading companies with shared values, complementary strengths, and a deep commitment to advancing the print industry to create one stronger organization,” said Steve Bandrowczak, chief executive officer at Xerox. “By combining our capabilities, we will be better positioned to drive long-term profitable growth and serve our clients, furthering our Reinvention.”  

Lexington, Ky.-based Lexmark, a valuable partner and supplier to Xerox, is a leading provider of innovative imaging solutions and technologies including a best-in-class line of printers and multifunction printers. By combining Lexmark’s solutions with Xerox® ConnectKey® technology and advanced Print and Digital Services, the acquisition will create a superior offering portfolio and underscores Xerox commitment to increasing value for clients and partners.  

The transaction will also strengthen the ability of Xerox to serve clients in the large, growing A4 color market and diversify its distribution and geographic presence, including the APAC region. The new organization will serve more than 200,000 clients in 170 countries with 125 manufacturing and distribution facilities in 16 countries. Combined, Lexmark and Xerox have a top five global share in each of the entry, mid and production print markets and are key players in the large, stable managed print services market.

“Lexmark has a proud history of serving our customers with world-class technology, solutions and services, and we are excited to join Xerox and expand our reach with shared talent and a stronger portfolio of offerings,” said Allen Waugerman, Lexmark president and chief executive officer. “Lexmark and Xerox are two great companies that together will be even greater.” 

“Our shared values and vision are expected to streamline operations and drive efficiencies, taking the best of both companies to make it easier to do business with Xerox,” added Bandrowczak.    

Transaction Rationale   

• Strategic fit: Xerox and Lexmark have complementary sets of operations, offering strengths and end-market exposures. Combined, the companies form a vertically integrated manufacturer, distributor and provider of print equipment and MPS, covering all geographies and client types with a well-rounded portfolio of print and print services offerings. 

• Growth opportunities: Lexmark is a leader in the large, growing A4 color print and supplies market and has an opportunity to expand its OEM platform within the A3 equipment category. Once combined, Xerox expects to have a more comprehensive portfolio of products to enhance its offerings and reinforce its value proposition to clients, enabling growth across the portfolio of equipment and MPS, as well as incremental opportunities to increase penetration of its advanced Digital Services and IT Solutions. 

• Financial benefits: The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings per share and free cash flow. Xerox expects this transaction to accelerate the realization of its Reinvention financial targets of revenue stabilization and double-digit adjusted operating income through an improved competitive position and exposure to faster-growing segments within print, as well as more than $200 million of identified cost synergies to be realized within two years of transaction close.  

• Improved balance sheet: The transaction will immediately reduce Xerox pro forma gross debt leverage ratio, from 6.0x as of Sept. 30, 2024, to approximately 5.4x before synergies. Pro forma gross debt leverage will be reduced to approximately 4.4x with the benefit of $200 million of cost synergies. With improved free cash flow and a priority of repaying debt, Xerox expects to reduce its gross debt leverage ratio to below 3.0x over the medium term. 

Transaction Detail 

Under the terms of the agreement, Xerox will acquire Lexmark for total consideration of $1.5 billion, inclusive of net debt and other assumed liabilities. Xerox expects to finance the acquisition with a combination of cash on hand and committed debt financing.

In conjunction with this financing, the Xerox Board of Directors approved a change in the dividend policy to reduce the Xerox annual dividend from $1 per share to 50 cents per share starting with the dividend expected to be declared in the first quarter of 2025. This lowered dividend payment provides incremental capacity to reduce debt while continuing to reward shareholders with an above-market yield.

The Xerox Board of Directors has unanimously approved the transaction. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, approval of Ninestar’s shareholders, and other customary closing conditions. It is expected to close in the second half of 2025. Until then, both Xerox and Lexmark will maintain their current operations and operate independently. 

Advisors 

Jefferies LLC is serving as the financial advisor to Xerox and Citi is also providing financial advice. Ropes & Gray LLP and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP are serving as legal advisors to Xerox. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor to Lexmark and Strait Capital Management is serving as financial advisor to Ninestar Corporation. Dechert LLP is serving as legal advisor to Lexmark, as well as Ninestar Corporation, PAG Asia Capital and Shanghai Shouda Investment Centre and King & Wood Mallesons is serving as PRC counsel to Ninestar Corporation.