Chase Corporation (Chase), a global manufacturer of protective materials for high-reliability applications across diverse market sectors, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of investment funds managed by KKR, a leading global investment firm (as applicable, “KKR”).
The all-cash transaction is valued at approximately $1.3 billion, including the assumption of debt, a statement said.
Under the terms of the agreement, KKR will acquire all outstanding shares of Chase common stock for $127.50 per share in cash, delivering substantial value to shareholders. The transaction value implies a valuation of approximately 13 times trailing-twelve-months EBITDA.
“At Chase, we have always been deeply committed to continuously improving our operating performance while providing an outstanding customer experience. In KKR, Chase has found the right strategic partner with strong cultural alignment combined with the experience and resources to help support our mission and drive future growth,” said Adam P. Chase, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chase Corporation.
“Over its nearly 80-year history, Chase has established itself as a leader in highly-engineered protective materials and built a portfolio of trusted brands, while delivering outstanding customer service,” said Josh Weisenbeck, a KKR Partner who leads KKR’s Industrials investment team. “We look forward to supporting Chase on its next phase of growth through developing exciting new products, executing upon strategic acquisitions, and serving customers in growing end-markets, including critical applications in electronics, fiber optics and electric grid infrastructure.”
KKR is making its investment in Chase through its North America Fund XIII. The investment builds on KKR’s deep experience investing in industrial businesses with technical, materials science capabilities, including Minnesota Rubber and Plastics, Charter Next Generation and Hyperion Materials & Technologies.
Following the close of the transaction, KKR will support Chase in creating an equity ownership program to provide all employees the opportunity to participate in the benefits of ownership of the Company. This strategy is based on the belief that employee engagement is a key driver in building stronger companies. Since 2011, KKR portfolio companies have awarded billions of dollars of total equity value to over 60,000 non-management employees across more than 30 companies, the statement said.
HrNxt.com Newsdesk has researchers and writers with an excellent domain knowledge about the talent ecosystem, and the business environment. The team keeps a tab on the latest happenings in the ecosystem to bring most relevant news and insights for our readers. You can connect with our newsdesk at newsdesk@hrnxt.com.