Celanese Signs Agreement to Sell Oxo Products and Derivatives Businesses to Advent International.DALLAS -- Celanese Corporation (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange :CE) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its oxo products and derivatives businesses, including European Oxo GmbH ("EOXO"), a joint venture between Celanese AG and Degussa AG, to Advent International Advent International - a long-established and leading global private equity investor Background Advent was founded in 1984 by Peter Brooke and Clint Harris to focus on international private equity investing. , a global private equity firm, for the purchase price of EUR EUR In currencies, this is the abbreviation for the Euro. Notes: The currency market, also known as the Foreign Exchange market, is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily average volume of over US $1 trillion. [euro]480 million, which is approximately USD USD In currencies, this is the abbreviation for the U.S. Dollar. Notes: The currency market, also known as the Foreign Exchange market, is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily average volume of over US $1 trillion. $630 million at current exchange rates. This sale is consistent with Celanese's strategy to optimize its portfolio and divest non-core businesses. "Celanese is committed to a hybrid business model with leading global businesses that are integrated and focused around core strengths," said David Weidman, president and chief executive officer. "This sale allows us to continue our strategic execution to focus our portfolio and position Celanese for strong, sustainable earnings growth and increased value." The sale includes oxo and derivative businesses at Celanese's Oberhausen, Germany, and Bay City, Texas, facilities; and portions of its Bishop, Texas, facility. EOXO's facilities within the Oberhausen and Marl, Germany, plants are also included in the sale. As part of the transaction, Celanese will transfer all of the EOXO business to Advent International, including Degussa's 50 percent interest of the venture. "We are confident that customer supply will not be disrupted as we transition through this process," Weidman said. "In addition, we believe that this sale will allow Advent International to focus and further strengthen these businesses in a manner consistent with customer interests." "Leveraging Advent's industry sector knowledge, we will work with this acquired business' management team to integrate its activities and accelerate growth," said Ronald Ayles, Advent International. The oxo derivative chemicals business of Celanese, which has approximately 1,100 employees, earns revenues of approximately $700 million and has EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) A metric used to show a company's profitability, but not its cash flow. EBITDA became popular in the 1980s to show the potential profitability of leveraged buyouts, but has become margins of about 10 percent. EOXO, which has approximately 200 employees, has non-consolidated revenues of approximately $700 million and contributes $5 million to $10 million of equity earnings to Celanese annually. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including consent from senior secured lenders and regulatory approvals. The company will discuss this transaction in further detail at its previously scheduled investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006, in New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of , beginning at 8:30 a.m., hosted by David Weidman. A live Web cast of the event can be accessed at www.celanese.com As a global leader in the chemicals industry, Celanese Corporation makes products essential to everyday living. Our products, found in consumer and industrial applications, are manufactured in North America North America, third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. , Europe and Asia. Net sales Net Sales The amount a seller receives from the buyer after costs associated with the sale are deducted. Notes: This amount is calculated by subtracting the following items from gross sales: merchandise returned for credit, allowances for damaged or missing goods, freight totaled $6.1 billion in 2005, with approximately 60% generated outside of North America. Known for operational excellence and execution of its business strategies, Celanese delivers value to customers around the globe with innovations and best- in-class technologies. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company employs approximately 9,300 employees worldwide. For more information on Celanese Corporation, please visit the company's website at www.celanese.com. Forward-looking statements (statements which are not historical facts) in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor Safe Harbor 1. A legal provision to reduce or eliminate liability as long as good faith is demonstrated. 2. A form of shark repellent implemented by a target company acquiring a business that is so poorly regulated that the target itself is less attractive. provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees and of 1995. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those risks and uncertainties detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which are available from the Company. |
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