Rexam acquires Rostar for $297 mln

Rexam, the global consumer packaging company and the world's leading beverage can maker, is pleased to announce that it has agreed to acquire Rostar, the Russian beverage can maker, from En+ Group Limited, the parent of Rusal, the Russian aluminium group, for a total cash consideration of US$297mln, including borrowings assumed.

The acquisition, which requires regulatory approvals, including approval from the Federal Antimonopoly Service of the Russian Federation, is expected in 2008 to both cover Rexam's cost of capital, including synergies, and be earnings enhancing. It is expected to complete during the fourth quarter of 2007 and that Rexam’s current debt ratings will be maintained.

Rostar has two manufacturing facilities: one near Moscow and one near St Petersburg. The Moscow plant, which includes an end making facility, has an annual capacity of some 1.3bn beverage cans, while the St Petersburg plant has a capacity of 1.7bln beverage cans.

In 2006, Rostar had sales of US$214mln. As Rostar was part of Rusal, it did not hedge its aluminium exposure and, in common with the rest of the European beverage can industry, 2006 profits were adversely impacted by aluminium price volatility. Profits, however, are expected to improve in 2007. As at 31 December 2006 Rostar had net operating assets of US$181mln.

Commenting on the acquisition, Leslie Van de Walle, Rexam's CEO, said: "The acquisition of Rostar is fully in line with our emerging markets strategy and represents an excellent opportunity for Rexam. We have been in Russia for over 10 years, and the acquisition, along with our new greenfield plant in Argayash and the investment in new lines at our existing plant, positions us well in this growth market."