H.B. Fuller Announces Agreement to Acquire Forbo's Industrial Adhesives Business

23-Dec-2011 - USA

H.B. Fuller Company announced that it has signed an agreement to purchase the global industrial adhesives business of Forbo Group. The acquisition will enhance H.B. Fuller's position as a global leader in the adhesives industry. The business to be acquired represents about 80 percent (by revenue) of the Forbo Bonding Systems division of Forbo Group. This business will generate approximately $580 million in revenue for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011, operates 17 manufacturing facilities in 10 countries, and employs more than 1,100 people globally. Projected EBITDA for the business for the 2011 fiscal year is CHF 31 million, or about $35 million at 2011 actual exchange rates.

The purchase price for the transaction is CHF 370 million on a debt-free and cash-free basis, or about $394 million at current exchange rates. The consideration will be paid in cash at the time of closing. H.B. Fuller has committed financing from Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. to support the completion of this transaction. Prior to closing the acquisition transaction, H.B. Fuller intends to raise permanent financing through the private placement and syndicated bank loan markets.

H.B. Fuller has previously announced specific financial goals for organic growth and EBITDA margin improvement and believes this acquisition will support delivery of both objectives. Forbo is a highly respected supplier of industrial adhesives, known for the breadth of its product line in all of H.B. Fuller's core market segments, particularly packaging and durable assembly. With this acquisition, H.B. Fuller will gain product technology and add people and skills that will make the company stronger.

In addition, there will be sizable opportunities to capitalize on synergies and eliminate duplication in a number of areas, including raw material procurement, manufacturing and redundant services. Annual pre-tax synergies of approximately $50 million are anticipated once the integration is complete in 2013. Cost in relation to achieving such synergies is expected to be approximately $60 million, incurred over the next two years.

The acquisition of the Forbo industrial adhesives business by H.B. Fuller has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies. Subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close as soon as March 2012.

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/135768/h-b-fuller-announces-agreement-to-acquire-forbo-s-industrial-adhesives-business.html