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Corporate
Basell to acquire Lyondel
Basell, the global leader in polyolefins, and Lyondell Chemical Company (NYSE: LYO), one of the world’s largest chemical companies, announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement pursuant to which Basell will acquire Lyondell’s outstanding common shares for $48 per common share in an all cash transaction with a total enterprise value of approximately $19 billion, including the assumption of debt.
The purchase price per share represents a 45% premium to Lyondell’s closing share price on May 10, 2007, the day prior to the disclosure by Access Industries, the industrial group that owns Basell, of its potential interest in Lyondell, and a 20% premium to Lyondell’s closing share price on July 16, 2007. The transaction was unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of Basell and Lyondell.
The transaction will create one of the sector’s largest companies. Lyondell’s three business segments — ethylene, co-products and derivatives; propylene oxide and related products; and refining — will complement and significantly strengthen Basell’s polyolefins business. Basell and Lyondell together would have had combined 2006 revenues of approximately $34 billion and 15,000 employees around the world.
Len Blavatnik, Chairman and Founder of U.S.-based Access Industries, said: “The combination of Basell and Lyondell creates one of the top chemical companies in the world. This combination further strengthens Access’ long-term strategic position in the global petrochemical industry.”
Commenting on the transaction, Volker Trautz, Chief Executive Officer of Basell, said: “Lyondell’s competitively positioned assets, access to raw material and refining capacity are excellent complements to Basell’s diversified portfolio.”
“We believe this transaction offers significant value for Lyondell’s shareholders,” said Dan F. Smith, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lyondell. “We are very pleased that Basell recognizes the value and fit of our portfolio of chemical and refining assets. Basell and Lyondell share a common vision for continued success, and the combination of our companies will enhance our opportunities.”
