Westport-based Terex Corporation today announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire ASV Inc., a Minnesota-based equipment manufacturer, through a tender offer followed by a merger. It valued the deal at $488 million.
Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Minn., ASV is a manufacturer of compact rubber track loaders and related accessories, undercarriages and traction products. Caterpillar Tractor Inc., which holds an almost 24 percent stake in ASV, indicated support of the merger.
The transaction is valued at approximately $488 million, or $18 per fully diluted share of ASV common stock, and is subject to the valid tender of a majority of ASV’s fully diluted common shares, regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, an announcement said.
Terex said it expects the transaction to close by the end of the first quarter of 2008.
“ASV is a leader in compact track loader technology and with the global reach of Terex, we see tremendous opportunity for expanding ASV product sales,” said Ronald M. DeFeo, Terex chairman and chief executive officer.
“The ASV acquisition is an excellent strategic and cultural fit and provides a great addition to our product offerings as Terex continues to grow as a global construction equipment manufacturer.
“From a financial perspective, we expect that ASV will add approximately $220-250 million in sales on a 2008 full-year basis and we are confident that this acquisition will enhance future earnings growth potential for Terex.”
ASV compact track loaders feature a patent-protected undercarriage and exert one tenth the ground pressure of a skid steer loader, resulting in much less ground or turf damage during work.
In addition, compact track loaders offer increased traction and greater stability. ASV compact track loaders will join an existing Terex compact equipment range of backhoe-loaders, mini excavators, compact wheel loaders, site dumpers, compaction rollers, light towers, generators and telehandlers.
“This combination with Terex is a perfect fit for ASV,” said Richard A. Benson, chairman and CEO of ASV.
“We gain access to the resources and know-how of a much larger company with a very impressive global footprint. ASV will have access to a broader product line and our production facilities could benefit significantly from the incremental volume of Terex machines.
“The timetable for meeting ASV’s strategic priorities is accelerated considerably by the merger, which is a big plus for employees, dealers and the communities in which we do business. Caterpillar Inc., a large ASV customer and owner of 23.5 percent of ASV shares, has indicated its support for the merger.”
