Univar Acquires Nexeo Solutions

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Univar Inc. will acquire Nexeo Solutions, Inc., in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $2 billion, the companies announced.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, and is slated to close in the first half of 2019. It is expected to deliver $100 million, or approximately $0.43 per share (after tax), in annual run-rate cost savings by the third year following close, and immediately reduce ongoing annual capital expenditures by $15 million.

Additionally, Univar has hired an external advisor to evaluate alternatives for Nexeo’s plastics business, which might include a potential divestiture. Nexeo Plastics, which will represent less than 10% of the combined companies’ earnings, will continue to be led by Shawn Williams, executive vice president of Nexeo Plastics. The review is expected to be completed concurrent with the close of the transaction.

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“This transformational combination is designed to create the premier global chemical and ingredients distributor, with exciting opportunities for our customers, suppliers, employees and investors,” said CEO David Jukes. “Together, we will drive growth and shareholder value with the largest North American sales force in chemical and ingredients distribution, the broadest product offering, and most efficient supply chain network in the industry. We expect the transaction to be accretive to earnings and cash flow beginning in the first full year post closing and to generate $100 million of annual run rate cost savings by the third year following close and reduce annual capital expenditures by $15 million immediately.”

He added: “By combining the best capabilities, talent, and resources from our two companies we will be even better equipped to deliver superior service and expanded value to our customers and supplier partners. We expect to leverage Univar's leading e-commerce and digital capabilities across Nexeo's financial systems and centralized ERP platform to accelerate the digital transformation already underway at Univar and reduce costs, while enhancing the ease of doing business. Our shared commitment to safety and innovation and our common organization structures provide a strong foundation for a smooth and successful integration.”

“We share Univar’s confidence in the future of our combined enterprise, given the strong strategic alignment across our business models, go-to-market strategies, superior product offerings, and digital capabilities,” said Nexeo CEO David Bradley. “This combination represents a logical and compelling step forward, consistent with our focus on accelerating growth for the benefit of our customers, employees and suppliers. We are especially pleased that Nexeo's employees are highly valued by Univar, and that our shareholders will be able to participate in the company's future success through ongoing equity ownership.”

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