Rexam to acquire Heineken’s Dutch glassworks

The acquisition is supported by a supply agreement with Heineken.The sales price represents a multiple, based on 2003 results, of 4.9 times EBITDA.The business is expected to exceed cost of capital in 2004.
Pursuant to Dutch labour laws, the parties will be consulting with the works councils at Glas Moerdijk and at Rexam’s existing Dutch glass plant in Dongen prior to completing the transaction.

The acquisition of Moerdijk will strengthen Rexam’s position as a key supplier to Heineken, which is also a major customer of Rexam’s beverage can operations. Additionally, the acquisition will offer further opportunities for performance enhancement through access to Rexam’s manufacturing know-how and by economies of scale in areas such as purchasing and logistics.

Commenting on the announcement, Rolf Börjesson, Rexam’s Chief Executive, said: “The acquisition of Moerdijk will strengthen Rexam’s position in glass in Northern Europe, create opportunities for operational improvement and reinforce our long term relationship with Heineken, one of Rexam’s main beverage customers.”