Orica buys U.S. firm Excel Mining for US$670 mln
AUSTRALIA'S ORICA Ltd, the world's biggest explosives maker, has
agreed to buy Excel Mining Systems LLC from U.S. private equity firm
Snow Phipps Group LLC for US$670 million, extending its reach in the
booming mining services industry.
Orica said on Monday the acquisition of Excel, which makes roof
support products for underground mines, would be immediately earnings
per share accretive and was complementary to the UK mining services
business Minova that it bought in 2006.
"The opportunity to acquire the Excel business is consistent with our
strategy of growing our business close to the core in markets that we
believe have a long term growth outlook," Orica Managing Director Graeme
Liebelt said in a statement.
Orica said earlier this month it sees significant profit growth this
year, with a global mining boom, driven largely by strong demand for
minerals from China, boosting earnings at its mining services division.
Cost benefits from the Excel deal, including lower administrative
costs, an improved supply chain and tax benefits, were expected to reach
around US$50 million a year after three years, Orica said.
Reuters |