KCC to acquire U.S. silicone maker Momentive

Momentive Performance Materials Inc. (Waterford, N.Y.; www.momentive.com) and SJL Partners LLC, KCC Corp. and Wonik QnC Corp.  (collectively, the “Investor Group”) announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement whereby the Investor Group will acquire Momentive in a transaction valued at approximately $3.1 billion, including the assumption of net debt, pension and OPEB liabilities. The three members of the Investor Group consortium are technology leaders in South Korea.

Based in Waterford, New York, Momentive develops and manufactures specialty silicones and silanes, as well as fused quartz and specialty ceramics products. Momentive has a more than 75-year track record of creating products and solutions to serve more than 4,000 customers in over 100 countries. The Company has a global network of 24 production sites and 12 research and development facilities.

“Today’s announcement is the result of a thoughtful and comprehensive review of the strategic growth and value creation opportunities available to the Company,” said Jack Boss, Chief Executive Officer and President at Momentive. “We believe this is a great outcome for all of our stakeholders, delivering maximum value to our stockholders while positioning the Company for long-term growth and future job creation that will benefit our talented employees across the globe, customers and suppliers. The transaction will not only allow our silicones and quartz businesses to benefit from KCC and Wonik’s industry expertise but will also further enhance Momentive’s global leadership position by expanding our portfolio of products, broadening our geographic reach and strengthening our financial position. We look forward to partnering with the exceptional teams at KCC, Wonik and SJL after the transaction closes to continue providing specialized products and services to our global customers.”

Steve Lim, Chairman and Managing Partner of SJL, representing the Investor Group said, “On behalf of KCC, Wonik and SJL, we are eager to begin this partnership with Jack and the Momentive team. As a result of this highly strategic transaction the combined company will have superior capabilities to better compete in today’s global market. The combination of Momentive’s leading product portfolios, KCC and Wonik’s reach into an expanded geographical market and SJL’s solid investment backing and private equity expertise will further position the Company for long-term success.”

Under the terms of the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of Momentive, KCC and Wonik, the investment committee of SJL and by requisite vote of Momentive’s stockholders, the Investor Group will assume Momentive’s net debt obligations subject to minimum closing cash requirements of $250 million. Momentive stockholders will receive $32.50 for each share of common stock they own subject to minimum closing cash requirements.

The transaction will be financed through a combination of cash and new debt that will be put in place at closing. The transaction is not subject to any financing contingency and is expected to close in the first half of 2019, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.