January 17, 2019 — The Transaction will enable Graymont to significantly extend its global reach in the Asia-Pacific region while further expanding Grupo Calidra’s presence in Latin America
Richmond, BC, Canada; Santa Fe, Mexico; Antwerp, Belgium — Graymont and Grupo Calidra announced today that they have entered into an agreement to purchase the global lime and limestone business of the Belgium-based Sibelco group. The purchase includes operations located across the Asia-Pacific region in Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and South America in Argentina and Chile. Under the terms of the agreement, Graymont will extend its global reach in the Asia-Pacific region, with the acquisition of five active lime plants and a number of limestone quarries on the east coast of Australia as well as lime plants in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Grupo Calidra will acquire the operations in Argentina and Chile.
“This latest acquisition represents another significant milestone in Graymont’s history and strengthens our position as a world class leader in lime and limestone products,” observed J. Graham Weir, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Canadian-based company.
“The acquisition of these strategically located assets will extend our reach in a high growth region of the world,” stated President and Chief Executive Officer Stéphane Godin. Mr. Godin noted that, wherever Graymont operates, “we aim to be the preferred supplier, employer, and partner of choice. To that end, I look forward to welcoming aboard new team members, customers and other stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region and familiarizing them with Graymont’s world class vision.”
Jorge Bautista, Chief Executive Officer of Mexico-based Grupo Calidra, said the transaction “further strengthens our position as the lime industry supplier of choice in Latin America, and underscores the mutually beneficial nature of our strategic partnership with Graymont.” Graymont has held a significant equity interest in Grupo Calidra since 2003.
Jean-Luc Deleersnyder, Chief Executive Officer of Sibelco, also lauded the transaction. “Through this transaction we will further sharpen our focus on material solutions where we can attain global leadership positions and will also gain additional flexibility to pursue future growth opportunities. We are pleased that the lime and limestone assets will find a home in strong, family-owned enterprises which share our values with respect to the well-being of employees and the environment. The fact that lime and limestone is the core business of both Graymont and Grupo Calidra, will ensure the continued viability and success of these operations.”
The transaction is subject to certain regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed during 2019.
About Graymont
Graymont is a global leader in the supply of lime and limestone products. It serves major markets throughout the United States and Canada and continues to extend its reach into the Asia-Pacific region. Founded in 1948, the family-owned company is based in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada.
About Grupo Calidra
Founded in 1907, Grupo Calidra is the largest lime producer in Mexico, with multiple production sites throughout Latin America. The company is privately held and has more than 100 years of continuous experience in the lime and limestone industries.
About Sibelco
Headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, Sibelco is a privately-owned business which manufactures and distributes an extensive multi-mineral portfolio. Sibelco serves a diverse customer base in industries such as glass, ceramics, construction & engineering, paint, coatings, polymers, metallurgy, oil & gas and agriculture. Sibelco is the majority shareholder in Covia, a leading NYSE-listed provider of minerals and material solutions for the industrial and energy markets in North America. The Sibelco Group operates 200 production sites in 37 countries and employs some 9,500 people.
For further information, contact:
Graymont/Calidra
Mathieu Bouchard
Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Environment and Sustainability
T +1 450 645-2452
mbouchard@graymont.com
Sibelco
Tim Weekes
Vice President, Group Communications
T +32 473 984914
tim.weekes@sibelco.com
Helen Stanley (Australasia)
Communications Manager
T +61 2 9458 2979
helen.stanley@sibelco.com.au
sibelco.com
