The Board of Directors for Axalta Coating Systems Ltd has concluded its previously announced review of strategic alternatives.
"In light of the dislocation in global markets caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, the Board unanimously determined that concluding the review of strategic alternatives is in the best interests of Axalta shareholders at this time," said Mark Garrett, Axalta’s Chairman of the Board and Chair of its Strategic Review Committee.
"This decision follows months of in-depth discussions with a number of interested parties.
"Although the process has concluded, our Board will continue to evaluate all opportunities to enhance shareholder value.
"I would like to thank Robert Bryant and the management team for their hard work in the review process and for the excellent job they are doing to navigate Axalta through a global crisis.
"I’d also like to thank our employees for their relentless commitment and outstanding contributions to Axalta’s success."
Robert Bryant, Axalta’s President and CEO, commented: "Since announcing the strategic review in June [2019], we have delivered three consecutive quarters of strong financial results, including robust operating profit and free cash flow for the full year 2019.
"This strong outcome was followed by an unprecedented decline in global markets in the current quarter."
Mr Bryant continued, "As we announced recently, we have taken swift and decisive action to plan for and address the near-term impact on customer demand in certain areas of our business.
"This includes executing on adjustments to Axalta’s cost structure across the organisation.
"We believe the actions we are taking, coupled with a strong balance sheet and ample liquidity, will enable us to emerge from this crisis in a position of strength.
"Our top priority is the health of our employees, customers and communities.
"We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take further action as appropriate."
Summary of Strategic Review Process
The Board initiated a review of strategic alternatives to maximise shareholder value on June 19, 2019.
To execute the strategic review, the Board engaged Evercore and Barclays as financial advisors as well as Morrison & Foerster and Cravath, Swaine & Moore as legal advisors.
The Board also formed a Strategic Review Committee, chaired by Mark Garrett and comprised of a majority of independent directors, to oversee the review process.
Over the course of the nine-month review, Axalta’s Board, led by its Strategic Review Committee, explored multiple alternatives to maximise shareholder value, including a comprehensive sale process for the Company, as well as a concurrent evaluation of Axalta’s operating strategies, core underlying businesses and standalone value creation potential.
Axalta and its representatives communicated with more than 50 participants, including companies in the coatings, chemical and industrial sectors as well as financial sponsors throughout the USA, Europe and Asia regarding a potential sale of the Company or components of its business.
Axalta signed non-disclosure agreements with 18 potential purchasers to facilitate due diligence.
After having extensively evaluated these various alternatives, the Board determined in consultation with financial and legal advisers that at this time the ongoing execution of the Company’s strategic plan is the best alternative to maximise value for Axalta’s shareholders.
