Hexion sells resin businesses for $425 million

Hexion Inc. (Columbus, Ohio, U.S.) announced on Sept. 28 that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Phenolic Specialty Resins, Hexamine and European-based Forest Products Resins businesses for approximately $425 million to European investment companies Black Diamond and Investindustrial. The consideration consists of $335 million in cash and certain assumed liabilities with the remainder in future proceeds based on the performance of the business.

Together, these businesses posted sales of approximately $530 million for the last twelve months ended June 30, 2020. The transaction includes approximately 900 associates and 11 manufacturing facilities globally where phenolic specialty resins and engineered thermoset molding compounds are produced for a wide range of end markets including building and construction, industrial, automotive, electronics, agriculture and consumer.

Hexion expects to use the sale proceeds to invest in its business and further reduce its debt. The transaction is intended to close in the first quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, including Works Council consultation.

“We continue to strategically manage our portfolio providing us the ability to further strengthen our balance sheet and maintain a strong business going forward,” Craig Rogerson, chairman, president and CEO comments on the transaction. “As we proceed, we will leverage our differentiated technology and global manufacturing footprint to serve the diversified customers of our remaining businesses. On behalf of everyone at Hexion, I would like to thank our associates within our Phenolic Specialty Resins, Hexamine and European-based Forest Products Resins businesses for their many contributions. I am confident they will have exciting opportunities ahead.”

Black Diamond and Investindustrial add, “We are pleased to acquire these strategic assets as these businesses boast globally recognizable brands and trademarks, including Bakelite, Durite , Cellobond and Resonance, as well as world-class facilities and a leading research and development and technical service platform. Black Diamond and Investindustrial have successfully partnered in the past on the company’s collective investment in Polynt/Reichold and we are excited to be working together again. Finally, Black Diamond has prior experience investing in phenolic specialty resin businesses and looks forward to bringing that experience to the acquired businesses.”

Credit Suisse is acting as Hexion’s financial advisor, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison LLP as legal counsel.