H.B. Fuller Co. (St. Paul, Minn.; www.hbfuller.com) announced that it has signed an agreement to purchase Royal Adhesives & Sealants, a leading manufacturer of high-value specialty adhesives and sealants. This business consistently delivers industry-leading growth rates, EBITDA margins, and free cash flow that are expected to enhance H.B. Fuller’s position as a global leader in the adhesives industry.
“This accretive acquisition accelerates realization of our 2020 strategic objective to focus and grow in engineering adhesives and other highly specified market segments, while exceeding our targeted cash flow, EPS and EBITDA margin targets,” says H.B. Fuller President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Owens. “With Royal’s strong customer relationships and experienced team, we will add depth and breadth to our portfolio. Royal’s complementary offerings will expand our presence in North America, Europe and China, and add new technology and capabilities. We have identified $35 million in cost synergies and $15 million in growth synergies that we expect to realize over the next three years as a result of merging these two great adhesives businesses. Upon closing the transaction, H.B. Fuller will be a company with nearly $2.9 billion in revenue, focused on profitable growth in attractive engineering, durable assembly, and construction adhesives markets.”
Royal is expected to generate approximately $650 million in revenue and $138 million in adjusted EBITDA for H.B. Fuller’s fiscal year 2017. The company operates 19 manufacturing facilities in 5 countries, and employs approximately 1,500 people globally.
The agreed upon purchase price is $1.575 billion, subject to customary adjustments. H.B. Fuller intends to finance the transaction through new debt financing.