8-KAcquisitions & DispositionsMaterial AgreementsSecurities & Listing+1

ECOLAB INC. 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Apr 11, 2013)

Filed April 11, 2013For Securities:ECL

Summary

Ecolab Inc. has officially completed its acquisition of Permian Mud Service, Inc., the parent company of Champion Technologies, Inc. and Corsicana Technologies, Inc., through a merger effective April 10, 2013. This significant transaction, valued at approximately $1.97 billion, was funded through a combination of cash ($1.43 billion) and Ecolab common stock (6.6 million shares), with the cash portion financed by an unsecured term loan, senior notes, and commercial paper. As part of the acquisition, Ecolab entered into a Registration Rights Agreement concerning the shares issued to Permian stockholders. Additionally, the company has entered into a Clariant Agreement to divest certain assets and license technologies related to Champion's business, a move made in accordance with a consent agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. This agreement impacts approximately 3% of Champion's business and aims to satisfy regulatory requirements while allowing Ecolab to proceed with the core acquisition.

Key Highlights

  • 1Ecolab completed the acquisition of Permian Mud Service, Inc. (including its subsidiaries Champion Technologies and Corsicana Technologies) on April 10, 2013.
  • 2The total transaction value is approximately $1.97 billion, comprising $1.43 billion in cash and 6.6 million shares of Ecolab common stock.
  • 3The cash portion of the acquisition was financed through a $900 million unsecured term loan, $500 million in senior notes, and commercial paper borrowings.
  • 4A Registration Rights Agreement was entered into with Permian stockholders regarding the shares issued as merger consideration.
  • 5Ecolab will hold approximately $100 million in escrow for two years to cover potential adjustments and indemnification obligations related to the merger.
  • 6Ecolab may be required to pay an additional amount of up to $100 million in cash related to potential increases in capital gains tax rates for Permian stockholders.
  • 7As required by the DOJ, Ecolab will divest certain Champion assets and license technologies to Clariant, affecting approximately 3% of Champion's business.

Frequently Asked Questions

This 8-K filing announces the completion of Ecolab's acquisition of Permian Mud Service, Inc. and its subsidiaries. It details the merger transaction, the consideration paid, the financing methods used, and related agreements, including those required by regulatory bodies.

Ecolab paid approximately $1.97 billion for Permian Mud Service, Inc. This amount was composed of $1.43 billion in cash and 6.6 million shares of Ecolab common stock. The cash component was financed through a $900 million unsecured term loan, the issuance of $500 million in 1.450% senior notes due 2017, and commercial paper borrowings.

Yes, as part of a consent agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, Ecolab has entered into an agreement with Clariant Corporation. This involves selling a patent for a product used in the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico, licensing certain deepwater chemistries, offering Clariant an option to purchase a chemical blending facility, and agreeing to manufacture products for Clariant for a limited time. These actions affect approximately 3% of Champion's business.

The Registration Rights Agreement, dated April 10, 2013, grants specific rights to the Permian stockholders regarding the approximately 6.6 million shares of Ecolab common stock they received as part of the merger consideration. These rights typically pertain to the ability to register and sell these shares in the future.