Olin and Huntsman Announce Transformative Merger of Equals
Olin and Huntsman, two major chemical manufacturers based in the US, will create a $12+ billion integrated North American chemicals leader.
Olin Corporation and Huntsman Corporation have entered into a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock merger of equals to create a leading North American chemicals company. The transaction is expected to generate significant value for shareholders of both companies, with more than $400 million in total identified cost synergies and integration benefits.
The combined organization, which will be renamed OlinHuntsman following the close of the transaction, will benefit from enhanced scale, scope and expanded chlorine optionality, enabling it to create value across markets and cycles. Upon closing of the transaction, OlinHuntsman will be headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas.
The vertical integration of Olin and Huntsman's highly complementary upstream and downstream businesses brings together cost-advantaged North American assets and feedstocks with differentiated formulations and high-value advanced materials.
From its global manufacturing platform, OlinHuntsman will deliver to diverse and growing end markets including automotive, construction and infrastructure, and industrial applications. OlinHuntsman will have a structurally lower cost position and an expanded ability to convert advantaged Electrochemical Units production into downstream materials, unlocking more opportunities to grow.
"This combination provides a compelling opportunity for Olin and Huntsman to create a more resilient and value-focused chemicals company anchored in North America," said Ken Lane, President and Chief Executive Officer of Olin. "Huntsman has built an impressive portfolio of polyurethane systems, formulation technologies and advanced materials serving technical, application-driven end markets. By integrating those capabilities with Olin's world-scale chemicals assets and operations and identified synergies and benefits, we will create an industry leader with greater flexibility to serve customers across the value chain, generate stronger cash flow across the cycle and pursue opportunities that neither business could fully capture on its own. I'm excited by the opportunity to lead OlinHuntsman and deliver long-term value for our shareholders, customers, employees and communities."
"As our industry continues to globalize, we compete more today against countries, than companies, trade policies and global supply chains than ever before," said Peter Huntsman, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Huntsman. "The opportunities this merger creates enable us to generate greater value for our shareholders, deliver exceptional service and products for our customers and provide greater stability and opportunities for our associates. This merger of equals takes two great companies and creates a much stronger global leader."
The combined company will benefit from a highly experienced management team and Board of Directors, drawing from both organizations. Upon closing of the transaction, current Olin President and Chief Executive Officer, Ken Lane, will serve as Chief Executive Officer of OlinHuntsman. Current Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Huntsman, Peter Huntsman, will serve as non-executive Chairman of OlinHuntsman's Board of Directors. Current Huntsman Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Phil Lister, will serve as the Chief Financial Officer of the combined company.
OlinHuntsman's Board of Directors will consist of ten members, with equal representation from Olin and Huntsman, including Peter Huntsman and Ken Lane.
To underscore the commitment to deliver on the identified synergies, Todd Slater, current Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Olin, will serve as Chief Integration Officer of OlinHuntsman, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. A Strategic Integration Committee of OlinHuntsman's Board of Directors will oversee the integration and synergy realization.
