Domtar Corporation has announced the signing of a definitive agreement for the acquisition of privately-held Attends Healthcare Limited ("Attends Europe"), manufacturer and supplier of adult incontinence care products in Europe, from Rutland Partners for €180 million. The closing of the transaction is expected during the first quarter of 2012, subject to customary closing conditions.
"The acquisition of Attends Europe moves us further along the path we started down last summer and it consolidates our ownership of the Attends brand on both sides of the Atlantic. With this acquisition, we are adding another platform for growth with a well-established business that has the critical mass to drive product development and brand growth with our current North American business," said John D. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer ofDomtar. "Demand for incontinence care products in Europe is strong, and our intent is to double earnings within the next five years."
Attends Europe sells and markets a complete line of branded and private-label adult incontinence care products. The company distributes its products in several channels with its own sales organizations in nine European countries. Attends Europe operates a world-class 374,000 square foot (34,000 square meter) manufacturing facility with eight production lines; a research and development center and a distribution center in Aneby, Sweden; it also operates distribution centers in Scotland and Germany. Attends has 413 employees, estimated annual run rate sales and EBITDA of €140 million and €23 million respectively.
James Steele currently Chief Executive Officer of Attends Healthcare Limited will continue in his functions. The acquired business will be integrated in the Personal Care segment of Domtar's financial information filed to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Domtar will use cash on hand to pay for the acquisition and intends to redeem most of Attends Europe's outstanding debt upon closing of the transaction.
Please refer to the attached fact sheet for further information.
