DOLLARAMA TO ACQUIRE AUSTRALIAN DISCOUNT RETAILER THE REJECT SHOP

Core Viewpoint - Dollarama Inc. has announced its acquisition of The Reject Shop Limited, Australia's largest discount retailer, for A$6.68 per share, valuing the transaction at approximately A$259 million (C$233 million) [1][5]. Company Overview - Dollarama is a Canadian value retailer founded in 1992, with a network of 1,601 locations across Canada, offering a wide range of consumable products and general merchandise at fixed price points up to C$5.00 [20]. - The Reject Shop, headquartered in Melbourne, operates over 390 stores across Australia and generated consolidated sales of A$866 million (C$779 million) for the last twelve months ending December 29, 2024 [4][20]. Transaction Details - The acquisition price of A$6.68 per share represents a 108$3.21 [5]. - The enterprise value of the transaction is approximately A$189 million (C$170 million) on a pre-AASB 16 basis and approximately A$421 million (C$379 million) on a post-AASB 16 basis, implying an 8.9x multiple on The Reject Shop's EBITDA (pre-AASB 16) [5]. - The Reject Shop may pay a fully franked special dividend of up to A$0.77 per share, which will be deducted from the cash consideration [6]. Strategic Intent - The acquisition aligns with Dollarama's strategy to expand into new geographies, leveraging its proven track record in Canada and Latin America [2]. - Dollarama aims to grow The Reject Shop's store network from over 390 locations to approximately 700 stores by 2034, indicating a clear path for future expansion [9]. Management and Integration - Dollarama plans to collaborate with The Reject Shop's local management team and its over 5,000 employees to execute its strategic vision, focusing on retail, merchandising, and operational expertise [3][8]. - The transaction is expected to have a minimal immediate impact on Dollarama's net earnings per share and a limited effect on its pro forma adjusted net debt-to-EBITDA ratio upon closing [7]. Approval Process - The transaction will be executed through an Australian scheme of arrangement and is subject to customary closing conditions, including shareholder approval and regulatory approvals, with closing anticipated in the second half of 2025 [10].