Packaging Corp. of America (PCA), Atlanta, Ga., USA, announced yesterday (July 6) that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of TimBar Corp., another large independent Atlanta-based corrugated products producer, in a cash-free, debt-free transaction for a cash purchase price of $386 million.

 

Under terms of the agreement, PCA will acquire five corrugated products plants, two fulfillment centers, and four design centers located primarily in the eastern and southeastern U.S. The transaction is structured as a purchase of assets, resulting in a full step-up of the assets to fair market value. TimBar, with sales of $324 million in 2015, provides solutions to customers in the higher margin retail, industrial packaging, and display and fulfillment markets with a focus on multi-color graphics and technical innovation.

As a result of the acquisition, PCA’s containerboard integration level is expected to increase by more than 200,000 tons or 6% from its current level of 87% and will allow for further optimization and enhancement of mill capacity. The value of the increased containerboard integration, the expected synergies, and the tax benefit of the step-up of assets, plus TimBar’s LTM EBITDA, results in a purchase price multiple of approximately 4.3 times EBITDA. The acquisition will be accretive to earnings immediately.

"Following our successful integration of Boise, including the capacity we now have at the DeRidder, La., mill, this acquisition is an excellent fit, both geographically and strategically, with substantial benefits and synergies. TimBar is a well-capitalized company with a commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and safety in their operations. This, along with their customer focus, has allowed them to achieve excellent operating margins and consistent results. We look forward to working together to further enhance our strong balance sheet, financial results, and cash flow consistent with our strategy to return significant value to our shareholders," said PCA Chairman and CEO Mark Kowlzan.

 

 

Pictured above: Samples of TimBar containerboard products. 

 

Tom Hassfurther, EVP, Corrugated Products, added that "the highly-skilled employees, culture, and customer base of TimBar complements PCA extremely well and allows us to apply our operating and sales expertise across a larger system, providing significant growth potential. This enables us to optimize our focus on customized solutions for our customers and makes us less reliant on the export market while maintaining strategic relationships with our key export customers."

Closing is subject to certain customary conditions and regulatory approval and is expected in the third quarter of 2016. The company expects to finance the transaction with a new term loan.