CSX to Acquire Quality Carriers, Inc.

Rhea-AI Summary

CSX Corp. has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Quality Carriers, Inc., North America's largest provider of bulk liquid chemicals truck transportation. The transaction aims to create a unique multimodal chemicals transportation solution, enhancing both companies' operational reach. With around 2,500 drivers and over 100 terminals, Quality Carriers has been a leader in the industry since 1913. The deal is expected to close in Q3 2021, pending regulatory review. CSX's CEO stated that this acquisition reinforces their commitment to strategic growth and customer relationships.

Positive

• Acquisition of Quality Carriers enhances CSX's multimodal transportation capabilities.
• Strengthened relationships with chemical producers and shippers.
• Expected synergies between Quality Carriers' trucking fleet and CSX's rail network.

Negative

• None.

Addition of Leading North American Bulk Chemicals Carrier Will Establish First Integrated Multimodal Chemicals Transportation Solution

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CSX Corp. (NASDAQ: CSX) today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Quality Carriers, Inc. ("Quality Carriers"), the largest provider of bulk liquid chemicals truck transportation in North America, from Quality Distribution, Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

A leader in bulk chemicals transportation since 1913, Quality Carriers operates the most extensive bulk tank trucking fleet in North America, with around 2,500 drivers. Through a network of over 100 company-owned and affiliate terminals and facilities in key locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Quality Carriers provides transportation services to many of the leading chemical producers and shippers in North America. The transaction will create a unique multimodal chemicals transportation solution that will expand the reach of both CSX and Quality Carriers.

James M. Foote, president and chief executive officer of CSX said: “The acquisition of Quality Carriers further demonstrates our commitment to the strategic growth of our business and deepening our relationships with customers. Our new partnership will provide chemical producers and shippers with a first-of-its-kind multimodal solution that capitalizes on the powerful synergies between Quality Carriers’ truck transportation fleet and our cost-advantaged rail network. We believe that this new capability will create meaningful long-term value for our company.”

Quality Carriers’ management team, led by President Randy Strutz, will continue to lead the business as part of CSX.

Mr. Strutz said: “Quality Carriers is excited to become a new and integral part of CSX, which has unparalleled knowledge, experience and presence in the rail-based bulk chemicals transportation space. Together, we will be exceptionally positioned to provide our customers – many of which have existing relationships with both CSX and Quality Carriers – with a unique and seamless rail-to-highway offering. We look forward to partnering with CSX and to create a new level of efficiency for bulk chemicals transportation.”

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory review and certain customary closing conditions.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is acting as financial advisor and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is acting as legal advisor to CSX in connection with the transaction.

About CSX

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For nearly 200 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 230 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and farming towns alike.

Forward-looking Statements

This information and other statements by the company may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act with respect to, among other items: projections and estimates of earnings, revenues, margins, volumes, rates, cost-savings, expenses, taxes, liquidity, capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases or other financial items, statements of management's plans, strategies and objectives for future operations, and management's expectations as to future performance and operations and the time by which objectives will be achieved, statements concerning proposed new services, and statements regarding future economic, industry or market conditions or performance. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “preliminary” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. If the company updates any forward-looking statement, no inference should be drawn that the company will make additional updates with respect to that statement or any other forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual performance or results could differ materially from that anticipated by any forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by any forward- looking statements include, among others; (i) the company's success in implementing its financial and operational initiatives; (ii) changes in domestic or international economic, political or business conditions, including those affecting the transportation industry (such as the impact of industry competition, conditions, performance and consolidation); (iii) legislative or regulatory changes; (iv) the inherent business risks associated with safety and security; (v) the outcome of claims and litigation involving or affecting the company; (vi) natural events such as severe weather conditions or pandemic health crises; and (vii) the inherent uncertainty associated with projecting economic and business conditions.

Other important assumptions and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are specified in the company's SEC reports, accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and the company's website at www.csx.com.

Contact:
Bill Slater, Investor Relations
904-359-1334

Bryan Tucker, Corporate Communications
855-955-6397

FAQ

What is the significance of CSX acquiring Quality Carriers?

The acquisition enhances CSX's multimodal chemicals transportation capabilities, allowing better service integration for chemical producers.

When is the CSX and Quality Carriers acquisition expected to close?

The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory approvals.

What impact will the CSX acquisition have on its operations?

The acquisition is anticipated to create synergies that improve operational efficiency and expand service offerings.

Who is leading Quality Carriers after the acquisition?

Quality Carriers' management team, led by President Randy Strutz, will continue to operate as part of CSX.

How will this acquisition affect CSX's long-term value?

CSX believes the acquisition will provide meaningful long-term value through enhanced service capabilities and expanded market reach.