Ebos Limited EBO

**macduffy** · 24-05-2013, 02:02 PM

If it's for the right company at the right price I won't be averse to putting a few more $$$$'s to the cause. EBO management have proven to be among the more astute in NZ listed ranks in recent years - and one of my best investments for a long time.

(Hope that's not putting the mockers on them.)

**steve fleming** · 28-05-2013, 06:50 PM

Is Symbion looking to merge with Ebos?

| UPDATE: 2 hours 38 MINUTES AGO PRINT EDITION: 28 May 2013 Edited by Sarah Thompson, Anthony Macdonald and Gretchen Friemann

Speculation is mounting that Melbourne-based pharmaceutical wholesaler Symbion is considering a merger with New Zealand-listed Ebos Group that could see a combined business pursue an Australian listing.
It’s understood Australian investors have been sounded out about the opportunity to invest in the entity, with sources suggesting it could raise about $300 million in an Australian IPO.
Symbion is owned by Zuellig Group, a family-owned Swiss investment company that is believed to have about $500

million in assets.
Ebos is a listed medical device company. It had $27.2

million in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation for the six months to December 31, 2012.

Zuellig bought Symbion Pharmacy Services for $505

million in 2008 after Primary Health Care’s $2.65 billion acquisition of Symbion Health. Primary boss Ed Bateman sold the pharmacy distribution business – whose name Zuellig later changed to Symbion – to pay down debt.
If a deal was successful it would have to be a related party transaction as Zuellig holds a small stake in Ebos. It’s also likely that a merged entity would be run by Symbion CEO Patrick Davies.

**Snow Leopard** · 28-05-2013, 07:01 PM

Interesting, need to wait for the official denials next.

Best Wishes
Paper Tiger

**steve fleming** · 28-05-2013, 07:05 PM

Updated story:

Investors queried over Symbion-Ebos merger
PUBLISHED: 0 hour 20 MINUTES AGO | UPDATE: 0 hour 15 MINUTES AGO

Sarah Thompson and Carrie LaFrenz Speculation is mounting that Melbourne-based pharmaceutical wholesaler Symbion is considering a merger with New Zealand-listed Ebos Group that could see a combined business pursue an Australian listing.It’s understood Australian investors have been sounded out about the opportunity to invest in the entity, with sources suggesting it could raise about $300 million in an Australian initial public offering.Ebos is a medical device company which has an animal care business called Masterpet Group. Ebos posted $46.9 million in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation for the 2011-12 fiscal year, revenue was $NZ1.42 billion and net profit was $NZ27.9 million.The local arm of Hong Kong-based conglomerate Zuellig Group bought Symbion Pharmacy Services for $505 million in 2008, after Primary Health Care’s $2.65 billion acquisition of Symbion Health. This was Zuellig’s first foray into the Australian healthcare market.At the annual meeting last year, Ebos chairman Rick Christie said the company planned to further grow by acquisition.An industry source said it made sense for the two companies to get together, although he was not convinced about Zuellig’s gain."Ebos I know want a broader Aussie footprint but I can’t see them doing this unless they can control the new company. Symbion would effectively become Ebos Australia."The two businesses from an overlap perspective makes sense, but not sure the play for Zuellig as it gives them a smaller potion of a bigger business."The Zuellig is a major shareholder of Kiwi retail pharmacy group PharmacyBrands.It is a NZ-only listed retail pharmacy group and incorporates the Life, Unichem, Amcal, Care and Radius brands.The industry source said if a merger were to move ahead he did not believe there would be a dramatic impact on Australia’s pharmaceutical landscape.If a deal was successful it would have to be a related party transaction as Zuellig holds a small stake in Ebos. It’s also likely that a merged entity would be run by Symbion chief executive Patrick Davies.Mr Davies was unavailable for comment on Tuesday, while a spokesperson "declined to comment on speculation".Ebos chief executive Mark Waller and chairman Rick Christie both were unavailable for comment. Zuellig did not respond to calls.

**percy** · 28-05-2013, 07:09 PM

Ebos did buy PRNZ off Zuellig in 2007,so they know each other.
Sounds as though it would be a good fit.
Maybe Mark Waller is looking to step down.He must be retirement age.

**winner69** · 29-05-2013, 08:55 AM

awesome stuff ... ebo a 6 billion dollar company now percy ... would you have ever believed it?

**Balance** · 29-05-2013, 09:06 AM

Originally Posted by winner69

awesome stuff ... ebo a 6 billion dollar company now percy ... would you have ever believed it?

What NZ needs - another company which shows that steady wins the race and that New Zealanders can do it overseas.

No flash harry with Mark Waller - he likes his flash cars but delivers. Contrast that with Rakon - sigh.