Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. Proposes Combination with Vulcan Materials Company in Stock-for-Stock Transaction; Commences Exchange Offer
December 12, 2011 10:08 AM ETMartin Marietta Materials, Inc. MLM today announced that it has delivered a proposal to Vulcan Materials Company VMC and commenced an exchange offer to effect a business combination with Vulcan that would create a U.S.-based company that is the global leader in construction aggregates with a footprint reaching across North America. As of December 9, 2011, the combined market capitalization was $7.7 billion and the combined total enterprise value was $11.4 billion. The combined mineral reserves of the two companies would be 28 billion tons.
Ward Nye, Martin Mariettas President and Chief Executive Officer said, The combination of Martin Marietta and Vulcan is a compelling opportunity for both companies shareholders, customers, employees and the communities we serve. By bringing together our highly complementary assets, we have the opportunity to create the global leader in aggregates, led by the best team in the industry, drawn from both companies. The combined company will have one of the industrys strongest balance sheets and, as we achieve expected synergies of $200 to $250 million and continue to adhere to Martin Mariettas strict operational and financial discipline, the company will be well positioned to pursue a wide range of attractive growth opportunities and to continue delivering value to shareholders.
We also intend to maintain the dividend for the combined company at Martin Marietta’s current rate of $1.60 per Martin Marietta share annually, or the equivalent of $0.80 per Vulcan share annually, based on the proposed exchange ratio. This dividend rate is 20 times Vulcans current level, said Mr. Nye.
The proposal, including the exchange offer, has the unanimous support of the Martin Marietta Board of Directors. Under the terms of the exchange offer, each outstanding share of Vulcan will be exchanged for 0.50 Martin Marietta shares. The offer represents a premium for Vulcan shareholders of 15% to the average exchange ratio based on the closing share prices for Vulcan and Martin Marietta during the 10-day period ended December 9, 2011 and 18% to the average exchange ratio based on the closing share prices for Vulcan and Martin Marietta during the 30-day period ended December 9, 2011.
