Summary
E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont) has entered into a definitive Purchase Agreement to sell its Performance Coatings business (the Business) to Flash Bermuda Co. Ltd., a company formed by affiliates of The Carlyle Group. The transaction is valued at approximately $4.9 billion in cash, plus the assumption of certain liabilities, including roughly $250 million in unfunded pension obligations. This significant divestiture by DuPont aims to streamline its operations and focus on core areas. Investors should note that the deal is subject to customary closing conditions, including antitrust approvals from various governmental bodies and the absence of any material adverse effects. The financing for the transaction is secured through equity commitments from Carlyle Group affiliates and debt financing from a syndicate of major financial institutions. While the Buyer's obligations are not contingent on financing, a key condition is the completion of a 15-business day "Marketing Period" before closing. DuPont is entitled to a reverse termination fee of $330,750,000 under specific circumstances, such as a material breach by the Buyer or failure to close when conditions are met. The agreement includes provisions for mutual indemnification and ancillary agreements like transition services and intellectual property licenses.
Key Highlights
- 1DuPont to sell its Performance Coatings business for $4.9 billion in cash.
- 2Buyer is Flash Bermuda Co. Ltd., formed by affiliates of The Carlyle Group.
- 3Transaction includes assumption of approximately $250 million in unfunded pension liabilities.
- 4Deal is subject to antitrust approvals (HSR, EU Commission, etc.) and other closing conditions.
- 5Financing is secured by equity commitments from Carlyle and debt financing from multiple banks.
- 6DuPont is eligible for a $330.75 million reverse termination fee under certain conditions.
- 7Ancillary agreements, including transition services and IP licenses, will be executed.