Axalta Coating Systems announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire U-POL Holdings Limited (U-POL) from Graphite Capital Management LLP and other holders for £428 million (approx. $590 million).
Founded in 1948 and based in the United Kingdom, U-POL is a leading manufacturer of repair and refinish products used primarily for automotive refinish and aftermarket protective applications. The business produces a wide range of high-quality automotive refinishing products and accessories including fillers, coatings, aerosols, adhesives, and paint related products as well as other automotive aftermarket protective coatings.
Axalta will accelerate growth of U-POL’s products by expanding market access through Axalta’s existing sales and distribution channels while leveraging U-POL’s distribution channels to extend the reach of its Refinish Coatings portfolio to new customers.
“Axalta is the world leader in the premium refinish coatings segment. U-POL’s expertise in refinish accessories and protective coatings is highly complementary to Axalta’s business and expands our addressable market into the important and growing mainstream and economy-based refinish segment as well as the consumer do-it-yourself (DIY) aftermarket,” said Robert Bryant, Axalta’s Chief Executive Officer.
“We also see opportunities for U-POL’s technology in whitespace applications for other areas of our business, including Mobility and Industrial Coatings.”
U-POL expects net sales of approximately $145 million and adjusted EBITDA of approximately $38 million for fiscal year 2021. The total consideration of approximately $590 million reflects a full year 2021E adjusted EBITDA multiple of approximately 12.5x, including run rate operating synergies and efficiencies.
Axalta expects the acquisition to be immediately accretive to adjusted EBITDA margin, excluding transaction-related costs associated with the acquisition. Axalta plans to finance the transaction from cash on hand.
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2021, subject to clearance under applicable antitrust laws and other customary closing requirements.
Rothschild & Co is serving as financial advisor and Morrison & Foerster LLP is serving as legal counsel to Axalta on this transaction.