Keller announces proposed acquisition of North American Piling

11th Jun 2013 08:01

FTSE 250-listed international ground engineering specialist Keller has proposed the acquisition of North American Piling from North American Energy Partners, subject to shareholder approval.North American Piling is a Canadian foundations business with headquarters in Edmonton, Alberta. In the year ended March 2013, the business reported revenue of CDN $236.5m (£149.7m) and operating profit of CDN $38.5m (£24.4m).The group said that the acquisition would be consistent with Keller's stated strategy and would enhance the group's offering by bringing into the group a market-leading business, positioned in growth markets offering attractive margins. It said that the deal would also enable it to expand its presence in the relatively under-developed Canadian geotechnical segment.The consideration would comprise an initial CDN$227.5m (£144m) on a cash and debt free basis, payable in cash on completion and up to a further CDN$92.5m (£58.5m) of deferred contingent consideration payable in cash depending upon North American Piling's financial performance in the three years following completion, giving a maximum aggregate consideration of CDN $320m (£202.5m.The group said that it would be proposing to finance the acquisition through the net proceeds of a placing of 6.6m new ordinary shares at 890p per share to raise £58.7m before expenses together with drawdown of some of the available funds under the new bank facility and existing bank facilities.Justin Atkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Keller, commented: "The board has identified Canada as a key target market and this acquisition of a complementary piling business represents an excellent opportunity to build substantially on Keller's existing presence in that market."He added: "North American Piling is a market-leading business with attractive margins positioned in growth markets, including the resource-rich regions of Western Canada. The business has a strong record of growth delivered by an experienced management team who are transferring to Keller. Importantly, the acquisition will be significantly earnings enhancing." Keller's share price was up 3.20% to 935p at 08:39 on Tuesday.MF