LyondellBasell to acquire A Schulman in $2.25 billion deal

LyondellBasell, a global leader in plastics, chemicals and refining business has signed a definitive agreement to acquire A Schulman Inc, a leading global supplier of high-performance plastic compounds, composites and powders, under which LyondellBasell will acquire A Schulman for a total consideration of $2.25 billion.

The acquisition builds upon LyondellBasell's existing platform in this space to create a premier Advanced Polymer Solutions business with broad geographic reach, leading technologies and a diverse product portfolio, LyondellBasell stated in a release.

The combination creates an industry-leading compounding business with combined revenue of $4.6 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $446 million in 2017, the release stated.

LyondellBasell expects the combination to ''result in cost savings of $150 million in run-rate cost synergies within two years, while being accretive to earnings within the first full year following the close, creating significant value for shareholders.

The combination doubles the size of LyondellBasell's existing compounding business and establishes a platform for future growth with reach into additional high-growth markets.

Complementary strengths and capabilities will provide customers with a full range of innovative products and end-to-end solutions, the release added.

"The acquisition of A Schulman is a natural extension of our current platform. This combination will allow us to provide our customers with a wider range of innovative solutions while adding the ability to serve high-growth end markets beyond the automotive sector, such as packaging and consumer products, electronics and appliances, building and construction, and agriculture," said Bob Patel, chief executive officer of LyondellBasell. "By leveraging our proven approach to operational, commercial and business excellence, the combined business will create significant value for our shareholders and customers."

"This transaction, which provides our shareholders with a compelling, immediate cash premium, represents the culmination of a robust assessment of strategic alternatives undertaken by our board of directors," said Joseph M Gingo, chairman, president and chief executive officer of A. Schulman, Inc. "We are delighted to join forces with LyondellBasell, an industry leader we have admired for many years.

LyondellBasell not only shares our commitment to meeting customers' demanding requirements, but with its scale and resources, the combined business will be better positioned to address a broader range of customer needs by integrating across applications and offering customers a wider range of solutions in attractive and growing markets. We also expect this combination to create significant opportunities for A. Schulman employees, whose professionalism and expertise will be integral to advancing LyondellBasell's vision, values and commitment to making a positive global impact," he added.

Under the terms of the agreement, LyondellBasell will purchase 100 per cent of A Schulman common stock for $42 per share in cash and one contingent value right per share and assume outstanding debt and certain other obligations. In addition, the contingent value rights generally will provide a holder with an opportunity to receive certain net proceeds, if any are recovered, from certain ongoing litigation and government investigations relating to A. Schulman's Citadel and Lucent acquisitions.

LyondellBasell is using cash-on-hand to finance the acquisition, the company said, adding that the cmppany will realise synergies within two years, primarily by leveraging its well-established approach to cost discipline and productivity, as well as its culture of operational, business and commercial excellence. Further, the acquisition is expected to be accretive to earnings within the first full year following close.

The combined businesses had revenues of $4.6 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $446 million over the last 12 months.

The acquisition, however, is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and approval by A Schulman shareholders. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2018.