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US' Ashland signs agreement to sell adhesives business to Arkema

06 Sep '21

3 min read

Pic: Ashland

US-based Ashland LLC has signed a definitive agreement to sell its performance adhesives business to Arkema in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1.65 billion or 20 times LTM EBITDA. The transaction is expected to be closed by the end of 2021, subject to receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

Ashland’s performance adhesives business has a portfolio of products that are well positioned in the market and valuable technologies with differentiating performance for customers across a variety of applications and markets, the company said in a press release.

The company expects net proceeds from the sale to total approximately $1.2 to $1.3 billion and it will maintain strong capital allocation discipline using the proceeds to invest in the growth of core businesses as well as optimise its balance sheet and reward shareholders. The company plans to hold an Investor Day later this year in which Novo and members of the executive team will present key business strategies and growth initiatives and outline expectations for Ashland’s longer-term performance.

The transaction is driven by Ashland’s strategy to focus its resources on expanding its additive and ingredients portfolio which will be strongly aligned with long term environment, social and governance (ESG) drivers and with resilient high-quality consumer markets that value innovation.

Citi is acting as financial advisor to Ashland. Cravath, Swaine & Moore and Squire Patton Boggs are acting as legal advisors to Ashland.

“Performance Adhesives is a high-quality business with a strong and dedicated team that has demonstrated consistent and exceptional financial performance over the years. I want to thank the leadership team and global employees for their dedication and commitment to Ashland and to our customers. I believe that Arkema will be a great owner of the business, creating value for customers and employees,” Guillermo Novo, chairman and chief executive officer at Ashland said in a statement.

“As we look to the future, we are excited about the quality of our additive and ingredients portfolio and our leadership position in the core markets we serve. Our experience and innovation capabilities, together with a more ESG-aligned portfolio will provide exciting opportunities to create value for all of our stakeholders, especially our customers, employees and shareholders. As we execute our strategy to expand Ashland’s additive and ingredients leadership position, we will maintain capital allocation discipline and focus on our goals of driving profitable growth, margin expansion and improved free cash flow conversion,” Novo added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)

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