Forum Energy Technologies Receives Approval to Proceed with Variperm Acquisition from Canadian Competition Bureau

Rhea-AI Summary

Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: FET) has received approval from the Canadian Competition Bureau to proceed with its planned acquisition of Variperm Energy Services. The acquisition, valued at $150 million in cash and 2 million shares of FET’s common stock, is expected to be immediately accretive to FET’s margins and cash flow. The closing is anticipated to occur in January 2024, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The acquisition of Variperm Energy Services by Forum Energy Technologies represents a strategic move that is anticipated to enhance FET's financial profile. The transaction's valuation at approximately 3.7x Variperm's trailing twelve months EBITDA suggests a potentially favorable purchase price, given that acquisition multiples can vary widely depending on the sector and market conditions.

The expected immediate accretion to FET’s margins and cash flow indicates a positive outlook for the company's profitability post-acquisition. Furthermore, the projected net leverage ratio of 1.9x post-closing demonstrates a manageable debt level relative to earnings, which is a positive signal for creditworthiness and financial stability.

Liquidity of $142 million post-closing offers FET flexibility for future investments or to weather potential market downturns. Stakeholders should monitor the integration process closely, as successful M&A activities can lead to synergies and improved market positioning, whereas integration challenges can offset anticipated benefits.

Industry Analyst

From an industry perspective, FET's acquisition of Variperm Energy Services aligns with the ongoing consolidation trend in the oil and energy services sector. This move is likely to expand FET's service offerings and geographical reach, potentially increasing its competitive edge in the oil, natural gas, industrial and renewable energy industries.

The emphasis on value-added solutions that enhance safety and efficiency in energy exploration and production is particularly relevant in the current environment, where there is a strong focus on operational excellence and cost optimization.

Investors and industry stakeholders should consider the strategic fit of Variperm within FET's portfolio, as well as the potential for cross-selling and upselling opportunities within the combined customer base. The long-term success of this acquisition will depend on FET's ability to integrate Variperm's technology and services to create a differentiated offering in the market.

Economist

Examining the macroeconomic implications, the acquisition comes at a time when the energy sector is navigating through volatility in commodity prices and shifting regulatory landscapes. The transaction may offer FET a more resilient business model through diversification and scale, which can provide a buffer against sector-specific risks.

It is also worth noting that the transaction's timing, amidst economic uncertainty, could impact the valuation and the integration process. Economic factors such as inflation, interest rates and currency fluctuations could influence the deal's final terms and the future financial performance of the combined entity.

Moreover, the acquisition's potential to improve FET's cash flow positions the company for strategic investments or to capitalize on emerging opportunities within the renewable energy space, aligning with broader economic trends towards sustainable energy solutions.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: FET) today announced that it has received approval from the Canadian Competition Bureau to proceed with its planned acquisition of Variperm Energy Services.

FET announced on November 2, 2023, its agreement to acquire Variperm Energy Services for consideration of $150 million of cash (subject to customary purchase price adjustments) and 2 million shares of FET’s common stock, reflecting a valuation of approximately 3.7x Variperm’s trailing twelve months EBITDA as of September 30, 2023. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to FET’s margins and cash flow. At closing, FET’s net leverage ratio is expected to be 1.9x with liquidity of $142 million.

Closing is expected to occur in January 2024, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

FET (Forum Energy Technologies) is a global company, serving the oil, natural gas, industrial and renewable energy industries. FET provides value added solutions that increase the safety and efficiency of energy exploration and production. We are an environmentally and socially responsible company headquartered in Houston, TX with manufacturing, distribution and service facilities strategically located throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.f-e-t.com.

Forward Looking Statements and Other Legal Disclosures

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, forward-looking statements contained in this press release specifically include the company’s ability to complete the acquisition of Variperm (the “Variperm Acquisition”) on the timeline or the terms currently contemplated; the ultimate timing, outcome and results of integrating the operations of Variperm with FET, including the combined company’s ability to generate sufficient free cash flow to manage its long-term debt balances; the company’s ability to realize the full benefits of the Variperm Acquisition, including the company’s expected transformation of its profitability and margin profile, on the anticipated timeline or at all; the expectations of plans, strategies, objectives and anticipated financial and operating results of the combined company, including any statement about the company's future financial position, liquidity and capital resources, operations, performance, acquisitions (including the Variperm Acquisition), returns, capital expenditure budgets, new product development activities, costs, fourth quarter projection of free cash flow and other guidance included in this press release.

These statements are based on certain assumptions made by the company based on management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, anticipated future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the company, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements. Among other things, these include potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the Variperm Acquisition; the significant costs required to complete the Variperm Acquisition; the diversion of management attention to transaction-related issues related to the Variperm Acquisition; the volatility of oil and natural gas prices, oilfield development activity levels, the availability of raw materials and specialized equipment, the company's ability to deliver backlog in a timely fashion, the availability of skilled and qualified labor, competition in the oil and natural gas industry, governmental regulation and taxation of the oil and natural gas industry, the company's ability to implement new technologies and services; the availability and terms of capital, and uncertainties regarding environmental regulations or litigation and other legal or regulatory developments affecting the company's business; and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected as described in the company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made and the company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221511506/en/

Rob Kukla

Director of Investor Relations

281.994.3763

Rob.Kukla@f-e-t.com

Source: Forum Energy Technologies, Inc.

FAQ

What is the latest acquisition announced by Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: FET)?

Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: FET) has announced the acquisition of Variperm Energy Services for $150 million in cash and 2 million shares of FET’s common stock.

When is the closing of the acquisition expected to occur for Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: FET)?

The closing of the acquisition is anticipated to occur in January 2024, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions for Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: FET).

What is the net leverage ratio and liquidity of Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: FET) after the acquisition?

After the acquisition, Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: FET) expects its net leverage ratio to be 1.9x with liquidity of $142 million.