In December 2014, Wärtsilä announced that agreement had been reached to acquire MSI from NYSE-listed L-3 Communications Holdings Inc. using financing from existing cash resources and credit facilities. The transaction is valued at MEUR 285 (enterprise value). After estimated adjustments of cash, working capital, and pension liabilities, the purchase price is estimated to be MEUR 295. The final purchase price will be determined based on closing accounts. The acquisition received Korean merger control clearance in March and EU clearance in April.
Electrical and Automation (E&A) systems are of increasing importance since the operation of ships is becoming ever more sophisticated. Wärtsilä’s strong position in the development of technologies that enhance operational efficiency will be further strengthened with the addition of MSI’s broad range of capabilities. The company’s portfolio comprises several well-known product brands, including SAM Electronics, Valmarine, Lyngsø Marine, Dynamic Positioning & Control Systems, Jovyatlas Euroatlas, ELAC Nautik, FUNA, GA International and APSS.
MSI has extensive experience in supplying automation, navigation and electrical systems, dynamic positioning technology, as well as sonar and underwater communications technology for a variety of vessel types and offshore installations. The MSI organisation, which currently comprises more than 1700 employees working from 38 locations in 14 countries, will be integrated with Wärtsiläs existing E&A business. The acquisition will notably enhance Wärtsilä’s E&A offering and market position. In 2014 MSI reported net sales of MEUR 404 and an operating profit of 7%. Wärtsilä foresees that the new unit will be able to capture new market opportunities and improve operational efficiency for its customers, thereby increasing both the sales and profitability of the business. The acquisition is expected to be EPS accretive as of 2015. Further information on the financial impact will be provided once closing accounts have been finalised.
Media contacts:
Jaakko Eskola
Senior Executive Vice President & President, Ship Power
Wärtsilä Corporation
Tel. +86 21 5858 5500
jaakko.eskola@wartsila.com
Atte Palomäki
Executive Vice President, Communications & Branding
Wärtsilä Corporation
Tel. +358 10 709 5599
atte.palomaki@wartsila.com
For investor information, please contact:
Natalia Valtasaari
Director, Investor Relations
Wärtsilä Corporation
Tel: +358 40 187 7809
natalia.valtasaari@wartsila.com
Wärtsilä in brief:
Wärtsilä is a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising technological innovation and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximizes the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers.
In 2014, Wärtsilä's net sales totalled EUR 4.8 billion with approximately 17,700 employees. The company has operations in more than 200 locations in nearly 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland.
www.wartsila.com
