Carrier Global Corporation, a globally renowned company in intelligent climate and energy solutions, entered into a definitive agreement to sell its global commercial refrigeration business to its decades-long joint venture partner - Haier (stock ticker: 600690) for an enterprise value of $775 million, including approximately $200 million of net pension liabilities.
This represents about 16.5x 2023 expected EBITDA. The announcement follows last week's agreement to sell Carrier's Global Access Solutions business and marks another meaningful step forward in the company's portfolio transformation. Definitive agreements are now in place to exit businesses representing about half the EBITDA Carrier is divesting.
Intelligent climate and energy solutions
Carrier Commercial Refrigeration has more than 4,000 global employees
Carrier Commercial Refrigeration has more than 4,000 global employees and a sales and service network spanning Europe and the Asia Pacific region. Its brands include Profroid, Celsior, and Green & Cool. Carrier Transicold transport refrigeration, Sensitech and its Lynx digital cold chain platform are not included in the transaction.
"Following our decision to exit the commercial refrigeration business and a robust competitive process, we identified Haier as the right fit to grow the business moving forward, building upon our successful 22-year refrigeration partnership with them," said Carrier Chairman & CEO, David Gitlin.
He adds, "Executing this definitive agreement demonstrates continued progress in our portfolio transformation, further positioning Carrier as the global pioneer in intelligent climate and energy solutions. Following the completion of our planned transactions, we will be a more focused, higher-growth business, operating in attractive global market segments and benefiting from long-term secular tailwinds. I am deeply appreciative of our team's work to successfully position us for our future."
Additional growth opportunities
Carrier Commercial Refrigeration is a preeminent global enterprise with respected brands"
"Carrier Commercial Refrigeration is a preeminent global enterprise with respected brands, pioneering technology, and an experienced workforce dedicated to providing best-in-class solutions to customers globally," said Li Huagang, Chairman and CEO of Haier Smart Home.
He adds, "The acquisition will help Haier Smart Home establish its commercial refrigeration platform, enabling the Company to capture additional growth opportunities by expanding its presence to food retail refrigeration and cold storage."
Consultation processes and approvals
Carrier expects net proceeds from the transaction to exceed $500 million and intends to use the proceeds to reduce debt. The company anticipates resuming share repurchases as soon as its net leverage returns to approximately 2x EBITDA.
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2024 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of certain regulatory approvals, and works council consultation processes. BofA Securities is acting as financial advisor to Carrier, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and Linklaters LLP are acting as external legal counsel.
