Evonik acquires silica business of JM Huber for US$630M

Evonik Industries AG has acquired the silica business of the US company JM Huber for US$630M. This enables Evonik to expand its position in North America and Asia in this profitable and resilient business. "Huber Silica will significantly strengthen our growth segment Resource Efficiency,” said Klaus Engel, Chairman of the Executive Board of Evonik. "In addition, it offers the opportunity to strategically develop Evonik’s portfolio.”

"The silica business has been part of Huber since the 1950s and paved the way for our company’s global expansion into engineered materials,” said Mike Marberry, President and CEO of Huber. "While it is difficult to part with a longstanding business, we see Evonik as an excellent strategic fit for both our silica customers and employees.”

The silica market is characterised by its variety of applications and shows above-average annual growth of four to six percent. Huber’s business is especially oriented towards applications in the consumer goods industry, the dental sector for example. To date, Evonik’s silica business has been focused rather on industrial applications, for example in the tyre and coatings industries. "Combining the complementary silica businesses of Evonik and Huber will strengthen an important pillar of our portfolio,” explained Christian Kullmann, Executive Board Member for Strategy at Evonik. "Also, Huber Silica is an excellent regional fit with its focus on the USA, China and India."

For the 2016 financial year, Huber Silica is expected to achieve sales of close to US$300M and an EBITDA of US$60M. This corresponds to an attractive EBITDA margin of more than 20%.

Through the ideal complementarity of the two business areas, Evonik expects to generate synergies of US20M, largely in the areas of production, logistics and procurement, as well as through harmonisation of the product portfolio. Evonik expects to have all synergy measures implemented by 2021.

The depreciations customarily associated with asset deals will lead to lower future cash tax payments with a net present value of around US80M. On this basis, the purchase price (enterprise value) including synergies and tax effects is about seven times the annual EBITDA, or 10.5 times before tax effects and synergies.

The transaction is scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2017, subject to approval by the responsible authorities. The acquisition is likely to have a positive impact on Evonik’s adjusted earnings per share as early as the first full financial year. Financing has been secured through Evonik’s own funds and committed credit facilities.

Silica are small particles based on silicon dioxide. Depending on the surface structure, they have a significant influence on the final product characteristics. Production is strongly technology-driven and thus ensures intensive and lasting customer relationships. The manufacturing process is independent from oil-based raw materials and therefore well-suited to Evonik’s sustainable business strategy

JM Huber Corporation is one of the largest, family-owned businesses in the USA. It was founded in 1883 by Joseph Maria Huber, an immigrant from Germany. Today, the company has a broad product portfolio ranging from specialty chemicals to the forestry sector. Huber employs about 4000 people in 20 countries, including about 700 employees in the silica business at six locations.

Evonik has a leading position as a supplier of silica for tyre manufacturers and the paint and coatings industry. Evonik’s silica products are also being applied as flow additives and carriers for the manufacture of foodstuffs, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and silicones.