Monday, November 23, 2020
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (“West Fraser”) and Norbord Inc. (“Norbord”)has recently announced that they have entered into a strategic business combination pursuant to which West Fraser, a leading North American diversified wood products company will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Norbord, the world’s largest OSB producer, in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately C$4.0 billion (US $3.1 billion). Following closing, the combined company will operate as West Fraser.
With a complementary range of products, increased scale, and greater geographic and end-market diversification, West Fraser will be a global wood products leader, with established and growing positions in both North America and Europe. With low cost and profitable operations in complementary sectors, West Fraser is expected to generate more stable and resilient earnings through the cycle, with a best-in-class platform for future growth and value enhancement. At the close of this Transaction, West Fraser will be a top global producer of both lumber and OSB.
“Norbord’s OSB production is a perfect complement to the West Fraser portfolio, enabling us to deliver a wider range of wood products, and making us a more complete, efficient and valuable partner for our customers,” said Raymond Ferris, President and Chief Executive Officer of West Fraser.
“This Transaction recognizes Norbord’s global OSB position and is a very exciting opportunity for our customers, our employees and our shareholders,” said Peter Wijnbergen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norbord. “Joining West Fraser will allow us to expand our profile with our core new home construction customers, and provides a stronger platform to pursue our industrial OSB products strategy.”
The companies have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which West Fraser will acquire all of the shares of Norbord. Norbord shareholders will receive 0.675 of a West Fraser share for each Norbord share, which equates to C$49.35 (US$37.78) per Norbord common share, based on the closing price of West Fraser common shares on November 18, 2020.
Tags: acquisition, norbord, OSB, Peter Wijnbergen, Raymond Ferris, west fraser, woodworking news
