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Carrier Global (CARR) will acquire Viessmann Climate Solutions for EUR12B in Cash and Stock

April 25, 2023 4:47 PM

Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR) today announced strategic actions that will transform the Company's business portfolio and establish Carrier as a pure-play, global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.

Carrier will acquire Viessmann Climate Solutions, the largest segment of Viessmann Group, in a cash and stock transaction valued at €12 billion, subject to working capital and other adjustments. The value represents approximately 13X synergized projected 2023 EBITDA. A privately held company with a 106-year legacy of innovation, Viessmann Climate Solutions provides Carrier with an iconic, premium brand in the highest growth segment of the global heat pump and energy transition markets. In addition, Carrier announced plans to exit its Fire & Security and Commercial Refrigeration cabinet businesses.

"The acquisition of Viessmann Climate Solutions is a game-changing opportunity," said Carrier Chairman & CEO David Gitlin. "Climate change, sustainability requirements and geopolitical factors are driving an unprecedented energy transition in Europe. Accelerated by government regulations and incentives, the transition creates a significant, long-term growth opportunity. Viessmann Climate Solutions is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this opportunity with its premier brand, highly differentiated distribution channel and innovative product offerings. With 70% of its business consisting of heat pumps and related accessories, solar PV, batteries and services, Viessmann Climate Solutions is a critical leader in Europe's energy transition. We look forward to welcoming its 11,000 team members to the Carrier family and Max Viessmann, CEO of Viessmann to the Carrier Board of Directors at closing, which is expected around the end of 2023.

"The Viessmann Climate Solutions acquisition and planned exit of Fire & Security and Commercial Refrigeration will further simplify our business portfolio and accelerate our strategy to establish Carrier as the global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions," continued Gitlin. "Recent strategic actions, including the Toshiba Carrier Corporation acquisition and the sale of Chubb, have aligned our company with the most significant megatrends impacting the heating and cooling industry, including managing climate change and delivering on net zero emissions targets. While Fire & Security and Commercial Refrigeration are great businesses with incredible, customer-focused teams, the planned exits sharpen the strategic focus Carrier has gained through its 2020 spin-off from United Technologies. With Viessmann Climate Solutions, we are positioning ourselves to be the global climate solutions champion, poised to deliver higher growth and superior shareowner value."

Max Viessmann, CEO of Viessmann, said, "Our purpose is to create living spaces for generations to come. Carrier's global reach, broad product portfolio, financial strength and shared commitment to sustainability will enable our Climate Solutions business to fully capitalize on our innovative, integrated solution offering and maximize our impact on Europe's independent energy transition. Following the closing of the transaction, the Viessmann Group will remain committed as a significant, long-term shareowner of Carrier, reflecting our family's high confidence in the superior value to be created by this combination. Joining Carrier's Board of Directors will enable me to work directly with Dave, my fellow directors and the Carrier team to realize the substantial potential of the combination of two iconic and market-leading companies."

Strategic Benefits

Planned Exit of Fire & Security and Commercial Refrigeration Businesses

Carrier expects to exit its Fire & Security and Commercial Refrigeration businesses over the course of 2024. Carrier's 2020 spin-off from United Technologies made it a nimbler, more focused, higher growth company. The exits of Fire & Security and Commercial Refrigeration will bring greater focus to Carrier's strategy and portfolio, while benefitting these businesses' customers and employees.

Carrier expects to use proceeds from any separation transaction to reduce leverage consistent with an investment-grade profile and to repurchase the equivalent shares issued to the Viessmann family.

The planned exits do not include UTEC, Fire & Security's controls business for residential HVAC customers or Carrier Transicold's transport refrigeration, Profroid mechanical systems and Sensitech monitoring businesses.

Viessmann Climate Solutions Transaction Details and Financial Benefits

Under the terms of the agreement, subject to working capital and other adjustments, Carrier will acquire Viessmann Climate Solutions for €12 billion, of which 80% will be in cash and 20% in Carrier common stock delivered to Viessmann Family Holdings.

Reflecting their confidence in Carrier's growth and value creation, the Viessmann family has agreed to certain long-term lock-up provisions with respect to its equity ownership of Carrier common stock. Max Viessmann will join Carrier's Board of Directors.

Carrier expects to fund the cash portion of the consideration through a combination of cash on hand and newly committed financing.

Carrier expects to maintain its investment grade credit rating at the close of the Viessmann Climate Solutions acquisition and return to its pre-transaction leverage profile within approximately two years. It also expects to resume share repurchases upon reaching its current leverage. The Company remains committed to a growing and sustainable dividend.

Financial benefits of the acquisition include:

Viessmann Climate Solutions Transaction Approvals and Time to Close

The Carrier and Viessmann boards of directors have each approved the acquisition, which is expected to close around the end of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Advisors

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as financial advisor and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and Linklaters LLP are serving as legal advisors to Carrier in connection with the Viessmann Climate Solutions acquisition.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor and Hengeler Mueller and Davis Polk & Wardwell are serving as legal advisors to Viessmann.

Analyst/Investor Conference Call and Webcast

Carrier will host a conference call tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. to discuss this announcement and its first quarter 2023 results, separately announced today. In light of this call, Carrier is cancelling its previously scheduled earnings conference call on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

To listen to today's call by phone, participants must pre-register at Carrier's Investor Call Registration. All registrants will receive dial-in information and a PIN allowing access to the live call. Participants should dial in 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

A live webcast of the conference call and associated presentation materials will be available on the Events & Presentations section of the Carrier Investor Relations site at ir.carrier.com/news-and-events/events-and-presentations.

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