Berkshire Hathaway to Acquire Lubrizol for $135 per Share in an All-Cash Transaction
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and The Lubrizol Corporation today announced a definitive agreement for Berkshire Hathaway to acquire 100% of outstanding Lubrizol shares for $135 per share in an all-cash transaction. The transaction, which was unanimously approved by the board of directors of each company, is valued at approximately $9.7 billion, including approximately $0.7 billion in net debt, making it one of the largest acquisitions in Berkshire Hathaway history. This price represents a 28 percent premium over Lubrizol's closing price on Friday, March 11, 2011, and is also 18 percent higher than Lubrizol's all-time high share closing price.
"Lubrizol is exactly the sort of company with which we love to partner - the global leader in several market applications run by a talented CEO, James Hambrick," said Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway chief executive officer. "Our only instruction to James - just keep doing for us what you have done so successfully for your shareholders."
James Hambrick, Lubrizol chairman, president and chief executive officer, said, "This transaction provides compelling value to our shareholders and is a clear endorsement of the growth and diversification success Lubrizol has achieved. We are very excited to have the opportunity to become part of the Berkshire Hathaway family. We believe its philosophy of supporting long-term global investments in technology, assets and employees will enhance execution of our growth strategies. Such a long-term commitment is more important than ever in today's global economy to deliver true market-leading products and services for our customers."
The transaction is subject to the approval of Lubrizol's shareholders and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the expiration of waiting periods and the receipt of approvals under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and applicable non-U.S. merger control regulations. Berkshire Hathaway and Lubrizol expect the transaction to be completed during the third quarter of 2011.
After the close of the transaction, Lubrizol will operate as a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway and will continue to provide innovative technology, outstanding service and superior global supply chain support to its customers. Lubrizol will remain located at its Wickliffe, Ohio, headquarters and will continue to be led by its current management team.
Citi and Evercore Partners are acting as financial advisors to Lubrizol, and Lubrizol's legal counsel is Jones Day. Berkshire Hathaway's transaction counsel is Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP.
About Berkshire Hathaway
Berkshire Hathaway and its subsidiaries engage in diverse business activities including property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, utilities and energy, freight rail transportation, finance, manufacturing, retailing and services. Berkshire's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading symbols BRK.A and BRK.B.
About The Lubrizol Corporation
The Lubrizol Corporation is an innovative specialty chemical company that produces and supplies technologies to customers in the global transportation, industrial and consumer markets. These technologies include lubricant additives for engine oils, other transportation-related fluids and industrial lubricants, as well as fuel additives for gasoline and diesel fuel. In addition, Lubrizol makes ingredients and additives for personal care products and pharmaceuticals; specialty materials, including plastics technology; and performance coatings in the form of specialty resins and additives. Lubrizol's industry-leading technologies in additives, ingredients and compounds enhance the quality, performance and value of customers' products, while reducing their environmental impact.
With headquarters in Wickliffe, Ohio, The Lubrizol Corporation owns and operates manufacturing facilities in 17 countries, as well as sales and technical offices around the world. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol has approximately 6,900 employees worldwide. Revenues for 2010 were $5.4 billion. For more information, visit www.lubrizol.com.
潤滑油メーカーのLubrizol はAdditives部門とAdvanced
Materials部門を持つが、後者ではEngineered polymersに加え、Consumer
Specialtiesを扱っており、ローションやシャンプーなどのパーソナルケア製品の増粘剤の最大のメーカーでもある。
同社はパーソナルケア分野での拡大を目指している。
Lubrizolの市場価値は65億ドルで、アナリストによれば、30億ドル程度の買収をしても、投資適格格付けを維持できる。
LubrizolもCognisに買収に意欲を持ち、交渉をしていた。