Arch Resources and CONSOL Energy Announce Expiration of Hart-Scott-Rodino Act Waiting Period in Respect of Pending Merger

Rhea-AI Summary

Arch Resources (NYSE: ARCH) and CONSOL Energy (NYSE: CEIX) have announced the expiration of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act waiting period for their pending merger. This expiration, which occurred at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on October 11, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the merger process. The HSR Act waiting period expiration was a key condition for closing the combination. However, the transaction's completion still depends on meeting other customary closing conditions, including approval from both companies' stockholders. This development brings Arch and CONSOL one step closer to finalizing their merger, potentially creating a stronger entity in the energy sector.

Positive

• Expiration of HSR Act waiting period, removing a key regulatory hurdle for the merger
• Progress towards completing the merger, potentially creating a stronger combined entity

Negative

• None.

Insights

Legal Expert

The expiration of the HSR Act waiting period is a significant milestone in the merger process between Arch Resources and CONSOL Energy. This development removes a major regulatory hurdle, indicating that antitrust authorities have not found immediate concerns warranting further investigation. However, it's important to note that this doesn't guarantee final approval.

Key points to consider:

• The merger still requires stockholder approval from both companies, which introduces some uncertainty.
• This combination could create a more formidable player in the coal industry, potentially improving operational efficiencies and market position.
• Investors should watch for potential synergies and cost savings that could result from the merger, as well as any divestitures that may be required to satisfy regulatory concerns.

While the HSR expiration is positive news for the deal, investors should remain cautious until all closing conditions are met and the merger is finalized. The coal industry faces long-term challenges due to environmental concerns and the shift towards renewable energy, which could impact the combined entity's future prospects.

Financial Analyst

The merger between Arch Resources and CONSOL Energy represents a significant consolidation in the U.S. coal industry. From a financial perspective, this deal could have several implications:

• Increased market share and potential pricing power in the metallurgical coal market
• Cost synergies through operational consolidation and streamlined management
• Improved balance sheet strength and cash flow generation capabilities
• Enhanced ability to navigate the challenging landscape for coal producers

However, investors should consider the following risks:

• Integration challenges and potential one-time costs associated with the merger
• Ongoing pressure on coal demand due to environmental regulations and the shift to cleaner energy sources
• Potential for increased scrutiny from environmental groups and regulators

The market's reaction to this news will be important to watch, as it may indicate investor sentiment towards consolidation in the coal industry and expectations for the combined entity's future performance.

ST. LOUIS and CANONSBURG, Pa., Oct. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Arch Resources, Inc. ("Arch") (NYSE: ARCH) and CONSOL Energy Inc. ("CONSOL") (NYSE: CEIX) today announced that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"), in relation to the pending combination of CONSOL and Arch expired at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on October 11, 2024. The expiration of the waiting period under the HSR Act is one of the conditions to the closing of the pending combination. Completion of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of the remaining customary closing conditions, including approval by both companies' stockholders.

About Arch Resources, Inc.

Arch Resources is a premier producer of high-quality metallurgical products for the global steel industry. The company operates large, modern and highly efficient mines that consistently set the industry standard for both mine safety and environmental stewardship. Arch Resources from time to time utilizes its website – www.archrsc.com – as a channel of distribution for material company information. To learn more about us and our premium metallurgical products, go to www.archrsc.com.

About CONSOL Energy Inc.

CONSOL Energy Inc. (NYSE: CEIX) is a Canonsburg, Pennsylvania-based producer and exporter of high-Btu bituminous thermal coal and metallurgical coal. It owns and operates some of the most productive longwall mining operations in the Northern Appalachian Basin. CONSOL's flagship operation is the Pennsylvania Mining Complex, which has the capacity to produce approximately 28.5 million tons of coal per year and is comprised of 3 large-scale underground mines: Bailey Mine, Enlow Fork Mine, and Harvey Mine. CONSOL recently developed the Itmann Mine in the Central Appalachian Basin, which has the capacity when fully operational to produce roughly 900 thousand tons per annum of premium, low-vol metallurgical coking coal. The company also owns and operates the CONSOL Marine Terminal, which is located in the port of Baltimore and has a throughput capacity of approximately 20 million tons per year. In addition to the ~584 million reserve tons associated with the Pennsylvania Mining Complex and the ~28 million reserve tons associated with the Itmann Mining Complex, the company controls approximately 1.3 billion tons of greenfield thermal and metallurgical coal reserves and resources located in the major coal-producing basins of the eastern United States. Additional information regarding CONSOL Energy may be found at www.consolenergy.com. 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This communication contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "anticipates," "believes," "could," "continue," "estimate," "expects," "intends," "will," "should," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "would" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and reflect CONSOL's and Arch's current views about future events. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about the benefits of the proposed transaction involving CONSOL and Arch, including future financial and operating results, CONSOL's and Arch's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the proposed transaction, and other statements that are not historical facts, including estimates of coal reserves, estimates of future production, assumptions regarding future coal pricing, planned delivery of coal to markets and the associated costs, future results of operations, projected cash flow and liquidity, business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations. No assurances can be given that the forward-looking statements contained in this communication will occur as projected, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the ability to obtain the requisite CONSOL and Arch stockholder approvals; the risk that CONSOL or Arch may be unable to obtain governmental and regulatory approvals required for the proposed transaction (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed transaction); the risk that an event, change or other circumstance could give rise to the termination of the proposed transaction; the risk that a condition to closing of the proposed transaction may not be satisfied; the risk of delays in completing the proposed transaction; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; the risk that the cost savings and any other synergies from the proposed transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; the risk that any announcement relating to the proposed transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of CONSOL's common stock or Arch's common stock; the risk of litigation related to the proposed transaction; the risk that the credit ratings of the combined company or its subsidiaries may be different from what the companies expect; the diversion of management time from ongoing business operations and opportunities as a result of the proposed transaction; the risk of adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction; the dilution caused by CONSOL's issuance of additional shares of its capital stock in connection with the proposed transaction; changes in coal prices, which may be caused by numerous factors, including changes in the domestic and foreign supply of and demand for coal and the domestic and foreign demand for steel and electricity; the volatility in commodity and capital equipment prices for coal mining operations; the presence or recoverability of estimated reserves; the ability to replace reserves; environmental and geological risks; mining and operating risks; the risks related to the availability, reliability and cost-effectiveness of transportation facilities and fluctuations in transportation costs; foreign currency, competition, government regulation or other actions; the ability of management to execute its plans to meet its goals; risks associated with the evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes; changes in economic, financial, political and regulatory conditions; natural and man-made disasters; civil unrest, pandemics, and conditions that may result from legislative, regulatory, trade and policy changes; and other risks inherent in CONSOL's and Arch's businesses.

All such factors are difficult to predict, are beyond CONSOL's and Arch's control, and are subject to additional risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in CONSOL's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K that are available on its website at https://investors.consolenergy.com/sec-filings and on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov, and those detailed in Arch's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K that are available on Arch's website at https://investor.archrsc.com/sec-filings/ and on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management at the time the statements are made. Neither CONSOL nor Arch undertakes any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication is not intended to be, and shall not constitute, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made, except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Additional Information about the Transaction and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed transaction, CONSOL filed with the SEC on October 1, 2024 a registration statement on Form S-4 that includes a preliminary joint proxy statement of Arch and CONSOL and that also constitutes a prospectus of CONSOL. Each of Arch and CONSOL may also file other relevant documents with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction. This document is not a substitute for the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus or registration statement or any other document that Arch or CONSOL may file with the SEC. The definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus (if and when available) will be mailed to stockholders of Arch and CONSOL. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ARCH, CONSOL AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.

Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement, preliminary joint proxy statement/prospectus and definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus (if and when available) and other documents containing important information about Arch, CONSOL and the proposed transaction, once such documents are filed with the SEC through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the registration statement and preliminary joint proxy statement/prospectus, definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus (if and when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by Arch may be obtained free of charge on Arch's website at https://investor.archrsc.com/sec-filings/ or, alternatively, by directing a request by mail to Arch's Corporate Secretary at One CityPlace Drive, Suite 300, St. Louis, Missouri, 63141. Copies of the registration statement, preliminary joint proxy statement/prospectus and definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus (if and when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by CONSOL may be obtained free of charge on CONSOL's website at https://investors.consolenergy.com/sec-filings or, alternatively, by directing a request by mail to CONSOL's Corporate Secretary at 275 Technology Drive, Suite 101, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania 15317.

Participants in the Solicitation

Arch, CONSOL and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of Arch, including a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in Arch's proxy statement for its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 27, 2024, including under the headings "Executive Compensation," "Director Compensation," "Equity Compensation Plan Information," and "Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers." To the extent holdings of Arch common stock by the directors and executive officers of Arch have changed from the amounts of Arch common stock held by such persons as reflected therein, such changes have been or will be reflected on Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 3 ("Form 3"), Statements of Changes in Beneficial Ownership on Form 4 ("Form 4") or Annual Statements of Changes in Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 5 ("Form 5"), in each case filed with the SEC, including: the Form 3 filed by George John Schuller on March 19, 2024; and the Forms 4 filed by Pamela Butcher on March 13, 2024, March 18, 2024, June 17, 2024 and September 16, 2024, James Chapman on March 11, 2024, Paul Demzik on March 5, 2024, John Eaves on March 8, 2024, Patrick Kriegshauser on March 18, 2024, June 17, 2024 and September 16, 2024, Holly Koeppel on March 18, 2024, June 17, 2024 and September 16, 2024, Richard Navarre on March 18, 2024, June 17, 2024 and September 16, 2024, George John Schuller on March 21, 2024, Peifang Zhang on March 18, 2024, June 17, 2024 and September 16, 2024 and John Ziegler on March 8, 2024.  Information about the directors and executive officers of CONSOL, including a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in CONSOL's proxy statement for its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024, including under the headings "Board of Directors and Compensation Information," "Executive Compensation Information" and "Beneficial Ownership of Securities."  To the extent holdings of CONSOL common stock by the directors and executive officers of CONSOL have changed from the amounts of CONSOL common stock held by such persons as reflected therein, such changes have been or will be reflected on Forms 3, Forms 4 or Forms 5, in each case filed with the SEC, including: the Forms 4 filed by James Brock on May 24, 2024 and July 1, 2024, John Mills on May 9, 2024, Cassandra Chia-Wei Pan on May 9, 2024, Valli Perera on May 9, 2024, Joseph Platt on May 9, 2024 and John Rothka on March 8, 2024.  Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitations and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the registration statement and joint proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction when such materials become available. Investors and security holders should read the registration statement and joint proxy statement/prospectus carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions.  You may obtain free copies of any of the documents referenced herein from Arch or CONSOL using the sources indicated above.

Arch Resources Contacts   Investors Deck Slone 314-994-2916 dslone@archrsc.com   Media Andrew Siegel / Aaron Palash / Spencer Hoffman Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher 212-355-4449

CONSOL Energy Contacts   Investors Nathan Tucker 724-416-8336 nathantucker@consolenergy.com   Media Erica Fisher 724-416-8292 ericafisher@consolenergy.com   OR   Barrett Golden / Adam Pollack / Kara Grimaldi Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher 212-355-4449

 

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SOURCE CONSOL Energy Inc.

FAQ

What is the significance of the HSR Act waiting period expiration for the Arch Resources and CONSOL Energy merger?

The expiration of the HSR Act waiting period is a important step in the merger process, as it removes a key regulatory hurdle and brings the companies closer to completing their combination.

When did the HSR Act waiting period expire for the Arch Resources (ARCH) and CONSOL Energy (CEIX) merger?

The HSR Act waiting period for the Arch Resources and CONSOL Energy merger expired at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on October 11, 2024.

What remaining conditions need to be met for the Arch Resources and CONSOL Energy merger to be completed?

The merger still requires approval from both companies' stockholders and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions to be completed.

How does the HSR Act waiting period expiration affect the Arch Resources (ARCH) and CONSOL Energy (CEIX) stock?

While the expiration itself doesn't directly affect stock prices, it represents progress in the merger process, which could potentially impact investor sentiment and stock performance for both ARCH and CEIX.