ATLANTA — Vestis, a provider of uniforms and workplace supplies, reports it has agreed to sell its 39% equity stake in Aramark Uniform Services Japan Corporation (AUSJ) to majority owner Mitsui & Co. Ltd. for approximately $37 million.
The company says it will use the proceeds from the transaction toward debt repayment.
AUSJ, a uniform rental services provider in Japan, was established in 1988 as a joint venture between companies including Vestis’s former parent company Aramark.
Vestis does not expect to record a material gain or loss because of the sale of its minority stake. It was accounted for as a non-operating equity investment and therefore not included in operating income or adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization).
The company believes monetizing this non-operating asset will further enhance its strategic focus, strengthen its balance sheet and provide additional financial flexibility.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of October 2024, subject to customary closing conditions and approvals.
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