Solvay has entered into a binding agreement with German chemical company BASF for the sale of its Polyamides business, a crucial step in Solvay’s transformation towards a multi-speciality chemicals company.
“Solvay’s planned divestment of Polyamides marks a tipping point in the profound transformation journey we began four years ago. Successful completion of this transaction will further reinforce Solvay as a multi-speciality chemical group, delivering superior growth and sustainable value,” said Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, CEO of Solvay.
Go deeper with GlobalData
BASF is a strategic investor for Polyamides which complements both its business as well as its global presence. Solvay and BASF share the same commitment to best-in- class health, safety and environment standards on their sites.
Polyamides has grown profitability over the past years. As an integrated player, its activities range from upstream intermediates and polymers, to downstream with the development of high value-added engineering plastics. The transaction covers Solvay’s upstream and downstream polyamides business in Europe, North America and Asia, as well as the downstream engineering plastics business in Latin America and involves around 2,400 Solvay employees. Solvay will retain its upstream intermediates and downstream textile polyamide business in Latin America.
Under the proposed terms of the agreement, the transaction is based on an enterprise value of EUR1.6bn (US$1.9bn), which represents ~8 EBITDA of 2016 and ~7 EBITDA in the last twelve months. The expected net cash proceeds are estimated to be around EUR1.1bn. Taking into account the financial liabilities of about EUR0.2bn to be transferred to the acquirer, the net financial position of the Group will improve by about EUR1.3bn.
The polyamide business planned to be divested will be reclassified to assets and liabilities held for sale and discontinued operations at the end of September. As a result of the discontinuation, the retained Latin American polyamide business will incur an impairment of close to EUR(100) million to be booked at the end of September. This impairment is expected to be more than compensated by the capital gain on the transaction at the closing.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataThe execution of definitive agreements is expected in the coming months following consultation with the relevant social bodies. Solvay and BASF aim to close the transaction in the third quarter of 2018, after customary regulatory approvals have been obtained and the formal consent of a Joint Venture partner has been received. The partner has already committed to grant its consent subject to the delivery of definitive documents with BASF.
