Bucyrus International Inc. announced December 20 that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the mining equipment business of Terex Corporation for US$1.3 billion in cash. Terex may request to receive US$300 million of the purchase price in the form of Bucyrus shares (based on Bucyrus’ current trading price). The transaction will create the premier supplier of mining equipment. Bucyrus will offer a comprehensive product portfolio comprised of walking draglines, electric rope shovels, hydraulic excavators, off-the-highway haul trucks, highwall miners, underground longwall, room and pillar and transport machinery and a full line of drills and belt systems for all mining applications. Bucyrus’ unmatched suite of surface and underground mining equipment will be paired with its superior parts, consumable products and after-market support throughout the world.
“We are extremely excited about acquiring Terex Mining and we believe that this is a unique opportunity to build an even stronger company for our customers, employees and shareholders,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of Bucyrus. “Customers will reap benefits from this transaction as Bucyrus will be able to offer a broad, complementary product line that is driven by technology, quality, and first class service. Through our extended product offering, we will continue to design and produce world-class machines and provide the best after-market support throughout the life of the equipment. We will expand our geographic footprint and diversify our portfolio of products across a broader range of commodities. Like Bucyrus, the Terex mining assets have a proud history powered by hard-working, loyal employees who are passionate about mining.”
Bucyrus is a world leader in the design and manufacture of high productivity mining equipment for surface and underground mining. The mining equipment business of Terex produces the world’s largest hydraulic excavators, rugged haul trucks, advanced drilling machines, and highwall mining systems. The Terex mining equipment business has 38 facilities around the world with approximately 2,150 employees. As a result of the transaction, Bucyrus will double its addressable market from roughly US$15 billion to over US$30 billion and create a team of approximately 10,000 people in nearly 100 locations around the world.
Under the terms of the agreement, approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, Bucyrus will acquire those subsidiaries and assets of Terex Corporation used to design, manufacture, and sell hydraulic excavators, surface mining trucks, drills (other than auger drills), highwall miners, and related components, parts, and after-sales service, commonly known as O&K, Unit Rig, Reedrill, Superior Highwall, Halco, and Hypac. The acquisition, which is not subject to shareholder approval by either company, is subject to certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close during the first quarter of 2010.
In addition to the benefits to be received by customers, the acquisition is expected to yield significant benefits for Bucyrus shareholders. Bucyrus estimates that there are over US$100 million in annual run-rate operating synergies, achievable by 2012. A substantial portion of the synergies will come from the integration of the company’s global manufacturing facilities and leveraging manufacturing centers of excellence as well as engineering and product development resources. Additional cost savings are expected to come through combining management functions and reducing purchasing expenses, similar to Bucyrus’ successful integration of DBT following its acquisition in May 2007.
Bucyrus has entered into a commitment letter with a group of financial institutions to provide funding necessary for the acquisition through an increase in its existing revolving credit facility and a new term loan facility. The commitment letter also provides for modification of certain terms of the company’s existing debt.
About Bucyrus International Inc.
Bucyrus is a world leader in the design and manufacture of high productivity mining equipment for the surface and underground mining industries. Bucyrus’ surface mining equipment is used for mining coal, copper, iron ore, oil sands and other minerals. Bucyrus’ underground mining equipment is used primarily for mining coal and also used in mining minerals such as potash and trona. In addition to machine manufacturing, Bucyrus manufactures high quality OE parts and provides world-class support services for their machines. Bucyrus’ corporate headquarters is located in South Milwaukee, Wis.
