CRH, the Irish building materials major, has entered a binding agreement to acquire Adbri in Australia in partnership with the Barro Group.
The binding agreement, which follows due diligence over the past two months, will see CRH buy the remaining 57% of ordinary Adbri shares not owned by Barro Group for the previously agreed cash sum of A$3.20 per share. The Offer values Adbri at an equity valuation of A$2.1 billion (US$1.4 billion) on a 100% basis and values the approximately 53% of issued share capital that the Partners do not currently have an interest in and which CRH has agreed to acquire at A$1.1 billion (US$0.7 billion).
A committee comprised of the independent directors of the Adbri board has unanimously recommended that Adbri shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to an independent expert concluding that the Scheme is in the best interests of Adbri shareholders. The proposed transaction is subject to customary terms and conditions as outlined in the Scheme Implementation Deed, a copy of which was published by Adbri today. The proposed transaction is expected to be completed later this year.
Albert Manifold, chief executive of CRH, said: “We are pleased to reach this important milestone in the potential acquisition of Adbri in partnership with the Barro family. Adbri is an attractive business with high-quality assets and leading market positions that complement our core competencies in cement, concrete and aggregates while creating additional opportunities for growth and development for our existing Australian business. We look forward to working with the Barro family over the coming years to enhance the long-term growth and performance of Adbri.”
