Transpro and Modine Aftermarket to Form New Company.NEW HAVEN New Haven, city (1990 pop. 130,474), New Haven co., S Conn., a port of entry where the Quinnipiac and other small rivers enter Long Island Sound; inc. 1784. Firearms and ammunition, clocks and watches, tools, rubber and paper products, and textiles are among the many , Conn. -- Transaction to Create Leading Manufacturer and Supplier of Heating and Cooling Components and Systems to the Automotive and Heavy Duty Aftermarkets Transpro, Inc. (AMEX AMEX See: American Stock Exchange : TPR TPR 1. temperature, pulse, respiration. 2. total peripheral resistance. TPR 1 Temperature, pulse, respiration 2 Third-party reimbursement, see there 3. Total pulmonary resistance ) today announced the signing of a letter of intent with Modine Manufacturing Company (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange : MOD (1) See modulo and magneto-optic disk. (2) (MODify or MODification) Refers to enhancements made by PC and gaming enthusiasts to their computer systems. "Modders" alter the standard desktop computer for looks, performance or both. ) that sets forth the terms of a proposed merger of Modine's aftermarket Aftermarket See: Secondary market. aftermarket See secondary market. business into Transpro in an all-stock transaction to form a new Company. As part of the transaction, Modine will acquire Transpro's heavy duty OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) The rebranding of equipment and selling it. The term initially referred to the company that made the products (the "original" manufacturer), but eventually became widely used to refer to the organization that buys the products and business for cash. Transpro is a manufacturer and supplier of heating and cooling components and systems, and Modine specializes in thermal management systems and components. Transaction Summary Under the letter of intent, Modine would spin off its aftermarket business on a debt-free basis to its shareholders and the resulting Company would immediately be merged into Transpro. Each step of the transaction is expected to be tax-free to the shareholders of both companies. In the merger, Transpro would issue 8.8 million common shares to Modine's shareholders, who would, as a result, hold 54% of the new Company's shares. Transpro's current shareholders would own 46% of the new Company's 16.3 million shares outstanding. Transpro would concurrently sell its heavy duty OEM business to Modine for $17 million in cash. The new Company will be governed by a ten-member Board of Directors, which will include six members of Transpro's existing Board and four members that will be selected by Modine. One of Transpro's current outside directors will serve as chair of the new Company's Board of Directors. Charles E. Johnson For the U.S. politician, see . Charles E. Johnson was a New York burglar who was listed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted during 1953. While still a teenager, Johnson was first arrested for burglary in 1921. , Transpro's CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. , will serve as the new Company's CEO. The letter of intent has been approved by Transpro's Board of Directors. The closing is subject to the negotiation of definitive documentation, shareholder and regulatory approvals, and customary conditions. The parties expect to sign definitive documentation during the fourth quarter of 2004 and to close the transaction during the first quarter of 2005. Because of the foregoing conditions and other factors, there can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed, or as to its ultimate timing or terms. Transaction Benefits Transpro believes that the merger offers significant potential benefits to both parties' customers, employees and shareholders by creating a strategically and financially stronger company. --Expanded International Competitive Position. Combining the two companies' established manufacturing and distribution footprints enhances their ability to compete on an international basis and to serve an expanded customer base throughout 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. , Latin America Latin America, the Spanish-speaking, Portuguese-speaking, and French-speaking countries (except Canada) of North America, South America, Central America, and the West Indies. , and Europe. --Broader Technology, Product, and Brand Portfolio. The merger will combine the innovative technologies and product lines and established brands of both companies, enabling the new Company to remain at the forefront of aftermarket heat transfer product development and to provide a broader range of top quality products with respected brands to its customers. --Improved Balance Sheet and Financial Flexibility. The new Company will have a conservative leverage profile and substantial liquidity resources that will provide financial flexibility during the critical 12- to 18-month integration process. The new Company's debt-to-capitalization ratio is expected to improve to 20% from Transpro's current ratio of 50%. --Significant Synergy The enhanced result of two or more people, groups or organizations working together. In other words, one and one equals three! It comes from the Greek "synergia," which means joint work and cooperative action. Opportunities. The new Company will have significant opportunities for improved financial performance through identified synergies. The benefits are expected to come from facility rationalization rationalization, in psychology: see defense mechanism. , manufacturing efficiencies, and improved material sourcing. It is expected that at least $20 million of recurring re·cur intr.v. re·curred, re·cur·ring, re·curs 1. To happen, come up, or show up again or repeatedly. 2. To return to one's attention or memory. 3. To return in thought or discourse. full-year synergy benefits will be generated once the integration process is complete. Additional cost savings are also being targeted. The new Company, which will have 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 in excess of $400 million, is expected to be profitable in the first year of the combination before restructuring charges restructuring charge The expense of reorganizing a company's operations. A restructuring charge is an infrequent expense that generally results from asset writedowns or facility closings. , which are expected to total $10 million to $14 million over the 12- to 18-month integration period. The new Company's debt level will be reduced, compared to Transpro's current debt level, through the merger by the application of cash in Modine's aftermarket business and the proceeds from the sale of Transpro's heavy duty OEM business. As a result of the reduced debt level and the contribution of Modine's aftermarket business to the merger on a debt-free basis, the new Company will be well capitalized Capitalized Recorded in asset accounts and then depreciated or amortized, as is appropriate for expenditures for items with useful lives longer than one year. and is expected to have significantly improved borrowing capacity at the time of the merger. Transpro expects to be the acquirer for purchase accounting purposes, which could result in the realization of negative goodwill and a related extraordinary gain in the year the transaction closes. Additionally, the new Company will benefit from a gain on the sale of the heavy duty OEM business in the year the transaction closes. Executive Comments Mr. Johnson, Transpro's CEO, said, "The combination of these two well respected businesses assures that the new Company will have the operational scale and financial flexibility required to compete internationally and positions it to focus on the aftermarket segment of the industry. These benefits will provide long-term growth opportunities for our employees and shareholders and even better service to our customers. At the same time, we are proud of the achievements of our heavy duty OEM business and are pleased to have aligned it with a new business partner that is fully focused on this heat transfer market segment." Additional Information --SEC Filings. Transpro has posted additional information about the transaction on its website (www.transpro.com) and is filing that information with the SEC. --Advisors. Wachovia Securities Wachovia Securities, located in Richmond, Virginia (soon to be moved to St. Louis), is the third largest brokerage firm in the United States as of 2006 with $689 billion retail client assets under management. It is a subsidiary of Wachovia Corporation. is acting as financial advisor and Jones Day is providing legal counsel to Transpro. Robert W. Baird Robert Wilson Baird (born April 1, 1883) helped found the financial services firm that bears his name and led it for more than 40 years. Baird’s father was a professor of Greek literature at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where Baird grew up. & Co. Incorporated is acting as financial advisor and Quarles & Brady LLP LLP - Lower Layer Protocol is providing legal counsel to Modine. --Conference Call. Transpro will hold a conference call to discuss the transaction, which will be simultaneously broadcast live over the Internet with an associated slide presentation. Charles E. Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Richard A. Wisot, Chief Financial Officer, will host the call.
Friday, October 29, 2004
11:00 A.M. EDT
10:00 A.M. CDT
9:00 A.M. MDT
8:00 A.M. PDT
A replay of the call will be available beginning approximately two hours after the call ends until Friday, November 5, 2004 at 11:59 P.M. EST P.M. also p.m. or p.m. abbr. post meridiem Usage Note: By definition, 12 a.m. . The replay number is (800) 642-1687 and the pass code is 1921203. To access the webcast live over the Internet, please go to: http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?p=irol-eventDetails&c= 63902&eventID=961859 (Due to its length, this URL URL in full Uniform Resource Locator Address of a resource on the Internet. The resource can be any type of file stored on a server, such as a Web page, a text file, a graphics file, or an application program. may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.) or access the webcast link on the Company's homepage at: http://www.transpro.com Please allow 15 minutes prior to the call to visit the sites to download and install any necessary audio software. Approximately one hour after the call ends, the archived version of the conference call may be accessed at these sites through Friday, November 5, 2004 at 11:59 P.M. EST. Transpro, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of aftermarket and OEM heat transfer and temperature control products for automotive and heavy duty applications. Transpro, Inc.'s Strategic Corporate Values are: --Being An Exemplary Corporate Citizen --Employing Exceptional People --Dedication To World-Class Quality Standards --Market Leadership Through Superior Customer Service --Commitment to Exceptional Financial Performance FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS forward-looking statement A projected financial statement based on management expectations. A forward-looking statement involves risks with regard to the accuracy of assumptions underlying the projections. Statements included in this news release which are not historical in nature are forward-looking statements under the U.S. securities laws. These statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties and actual future results may differ from those expressed or implied in these statements. These differences could be material. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, (1) the possibility that the companies may not be able to agree to definitive transaction documents, (2) the possibility that conditions to the transaction, including stockholder or regulatory approvals, may not be satisfied, (3) problems arising in the integration of the respective businesses, (4) unexpected costs relating to relating to relate prep → concernant relating to relate prep → bezüglich +gen, mit Bezug auf +acc the transaction, (5) the businesses suffering as a result of uncertainty surrounding the transaction, (6) general market perception of the transaction, (7) the effect of any changes in customer and supplier relationships and purchasing patterns, (8) the ability to retain key personnel, (9) other uncertainties and matters beyond the control of management of the companies, and (10) other risks detailed in the periodic filings filed by Transpro and Modine with the SEC. Neither Transpro nor Modine assumes any obligation, and each expressly disclaims any duty, to update information contained in this news release except as required by law. Transpro intends to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 that will include a prospectus and proxy/information statement and other relevant documents in connection with the proposed transaction. Investors and security holders of each company are urged to read the prospectus and proxy/information statement and other relevant materials when they become available because they will contain important information about Transpro and Modine and the proposed transaction. Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of these materials (when they are available) and other documents filed with the SEC at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the documents filed with the SEC by Transpro may be obtained free of charge by directing such requests to Transpro, Inc., Attention: Investor Relations Investor relations The process by which the corporation communicates with its investors. , 100 Gando Drive, New Haven, CT 06513, or from Transpro's website at www.transpro.com. The documents filed with the SEC by Modine may be obtained free of charge by directing such requests to Modine Manufacturing Company, Attention: Investor Relations, 1500 DeKoven Avenue, Racine, WI 53403, or from Modine's website at www.modine.com. Transpro, Modine, their respective executive officers and directors and certain members of management may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation solicitation In criminal law, the act of asking, inducing, or directing someone to commit a crime. The person soliciting another becomes an accomplice to the crime. The term also refers to the act of obtaining bribes, as well as to the crime of a prostitute who offers sexual of proxies from Transpro stockholders with respect to the proposed transaction. Information regarding the interests of these officers and directors in the proposed transaction will be included in the prospectus and proxy/information statement. This press release will not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security and will not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offering would be unlawful. |
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