Beacon selling interior products business
Beacon announced that it is selling its interior products business to affiliates of American Securities LLC in an $850 million deal.
American Securities is a private equity firm and the sale includes 81 branch locations, which distribute wallboard, acoustical ceilings, steel framing and insulation to both residential and commercial contractors.
This is the second major deal for American Securities in as many months. In November, American Securities acquired Foundation Building Materials. That deal includes 170 branches.
American Securities said that it now intends to combine the acquired Beacon branches with Foundation Building Materials.
Based in Herndon, Va., Beacon operated more than 500 locations in the United States and Canada prior to the sale of its interior products business.
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021. Beacon said it will use the after-tax proceeds of approximately $750 million to reduce debt and strengthen its balance sheet.
“Today’s announcement represents an important strategic decision for Beacon,” said Julian Francis, Beacon president and CEO “After undertaking a thorough analysis, we determined that a divestiture of interior products is in the best interests of our shareholders, as well as our interiors customers and associates.”
Francis said the move will accelerate Beacon’s efforts to not only improve its balance sheet but provide flexibility to pursue strategic growth. “The interior products divestiture will allow us to focus entirely on driving growth and profitability in our core exteriors business.”
During fiscal 2020, interior products generated $1.03 billion in net sales, but a net loss of $11 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $73 million.
“Following the November announcement of our take-private of Foundation Building Materials, this follow-on transaction represents an exciting opportunity to combine two companies that have made customer service their highest priority,” said Kevin Penn, managing director of American Securities. “The combined company’s expanded geographic presence across the U.S. and Canada will enhance its partnership with customers, vendors, and team members. We look forward to closing the transaction early next year and integrating these two great companies.”
Goldman Sachs served as sole financial advisor to Beacon, and Sidley Austin LLP and Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP acted as legal advisors to Beacon on the transaction. Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP served as legal advisor to American Securities on the transaction.