AGCO Announces Definitive Agreement to Sell its Grain & Protein Business
Rhea-AI Summary
AGCO has announced a definitive agreement to sell the majority of its Grain & Protein business to American Industrial Partners (AIP) for $700 million in cash. The transaction includes the sale of five primary brands: GSI®, Automated Production® (AP), Cumberland®, Cimbria®, and Tecno®, but excludes AGCO's Grain & Protein business in China. This strategic move aligns with AGCO's focus on high-growth, high-margin agricultural machinery and precision ag technology products.
The company expects to use the proceeds for debt repayment, investment in technology and organic growth initiatives, and shareholder returns. AGCO anticipates incurring a loss on the sale ranging from $450 million to $475 million. The transaction, with a multiple of approximately 8.3x based on trailing twelve months adjusted EBITDA, is expected to close by the end of 2024, subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
Positive
- Sale of Grain & Protein business for $700 million in cash
- Strategic focus on high-growth, high-margin agricultural machinery and precision ag technology
- Proceeds to be used for debt repayment, technology investment, and shareholder returns
- Transaction multiple of 8.3x based on trailing twelve months adjusted EBITDA
Negative
- Expected loss on the sale ranging from $450 million to $475 million
- Divestiture of major business segment may impact overall revenue
News Market Reaction – AGCO
On the day this news was published, AGCO gained 4.10%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
"The divestiture of Grain & Protein supports AGCO's strategic transformation, recently accelerated by the PTx Trimble joint venture, which closed in April 2024," said Eric Hansotia, AGCO's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Divesting this business allows us to streamline and sharpen our focus on AGCO's portfolio of award-winning agricultural machinery and precision ag technology products, which underpins a long-term focus on high growth, high margin and high free cash flow generating businesses."
"AIP has extensive experience in the industrial sector and vast carve-out expertise, which we believe will unlock new potential for the Grain & Protein business. We believe the move will help ensure its brands continue to lead the market in grain, seed and protein production equipment and remain well-positioned to deliver for farmers," added Hansotia.
AGCO expects to use the net proceeds from the transaction consistent with its stated capital allocation priorities, including debt repayment, disciplined investment in technology and organic growth initiatives and return of capital to shareholders.
The transaction perimeter to be sold includes the five primary Grain & Protein brands – GSI®, Automated Production® (AP), Cumberland®, Cimbria® and Tecno®. The transaction perimeter to be sold excludes AGCO's Grain & Protein business in
AGCO will begin reporting Grain & Protein as held for sale in the company's consolidated financial statements for the second quarter of 2024 through the closing date. The company expects to incur a loss on the sale of the business in the range of
The transaction purchase price implies a transaction multiple of approximately 8.3x based on Grain & Protein's trailing twelve months adjusted EBITDA as of March 31, 2024.
The transaction is anticipated to close before the end of the year, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Rabo Securities
About AGCO
AGCO (NYSE: AGCO) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology. AGCO delivers value to farmers and OEM customers through its differentiated brand portfolio including core brands like Fendt®, GSI®, Massey Ferguson®, PTx and Valtra®. AGCO's full line of equipment, smart farming solutions and services helps farmers sustainably feed our world. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth,
About AIP
American Industrial Partners ("AIP") is an industrials investor, with approximately
Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Forward-looking statements in this release, including statements about the transaction and our strategic plans as well as the financial impact to the Company resulting therefrom, and our ability to close the transaction and the timing of the closing, are subject to risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, the ability to successfully complete the divestiture of Grain & Protein on a timely basis, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other conditions, the risk that the loss on sale of the assets could ultimately be greater than we currently expect, and the ability of the Company to use the proceeds of the transaction consistent with its stated capital allocation priorities. Further information concerning these and other risks is included in AGCO's filings with the SEC, including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and subsequent Form 10-Q filings. AGCO disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by law.
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SOURCE AGCO Corporation
FAQ
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