Hexion Holdings Corporation has announced that as a result of its ongoing strategic review it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its epoxy-based Coatings and Composite businesses, which includes the epoxy speciality resins and base epoxy resins and intermediates product lines (together, the "Epoxy Business”) for approximately US$1.2bn to Westlake Chemical Corporation.
The Epoxy Business generated total sales of approximately US$1.5bn for the last 12 months ended September 30, 2021, and was reported within the Coatings and Composites reportable segment of the Company. The transaction includes approximately 1300 associates and eight manufacturing facilities globally where epoxy-based Coatings and Composite products are produced for highly diversified growing end-markets, such as wind energy, non-residential construction, industrial, electrical, automotive and aerospace.
The Company expects to use the sale proceeds to further pay down debt and to invest in its business. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2022, subject to customary regulatory approvals and other closing conditions as well as prior Works Councils consultation.
Commenting on the transaction, Craig Rogerson, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "With the continued strong performance of our Epoxy Business, and after a comprehensive evaluation of strategic actions, our Board and management team have determined that this sale maximises value for our shareholders and is in the best interests of all of our stakeholders. Today’s announcement is aligned with our ongoing commitment towards creating value for our shareholders. Our associates in the Epoxy Business will be joining a leading global chemical manufacturer and we believe that the Epoxy Business will be well positioned going forward with Westlake as its new owner. On behalf of everyone at Hexion, I would like to thank our associates within our epoxy businesses for their many contributions over the years. I am confident they will have exciting opportunities ahead.”
Following completion of the transaction, Hexion will consist of the Company’s existing Adhesives and Versatic™ Acids and Derivatives product lines. Hexion will continue to build on its strong momentum, driven primarily by strong new residential construction and remodelling demand in North America, continued capacity expansion progress and gains from innovative new products, as well as the need for more sustainable building and coatings materials. Hexion’s management team and its Board of Directors will continue to evaluate strategic value creation options for its Adhesives and Versatic™ acid product lines, including a proposed initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange. Hexion generated historical net sales of US$2.5bn and pro forma net sales of approximately US$1.4bn for the year-ended December 31, 2020.
