RHI Magnesita expands footprint in North America through Resco Group acquisition

Acquisition will strengthen customer solutions in North America, with local-for-local production and RHIM’s global leading innovation and expertise

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- RHI Magnesita, the leading global supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems and solutions, is pleased to announce the completion of the acquisition of the U.S.-based Resco Group, from an affiliate of Balmoral Funds LLC, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, and management. The acquisition, for an enterprise value of $410 million (c.€390 million), is the most significant investment by the Group since the merger of RHI and Magnesita in 2017.

Two RHI Magnesita employees working (Photo: Business Wire)

A milestone acquisition in North America

The deal marks a major milestone for RHI Magnesita as it focuses on delivering an exceptional customer experience in the important North American region. RHIM’s refractory products are essential to the production processes for cement, steel, aluminium, and many other industrial producers in the region. The addition of Resco Group to the company’s North America operations will significantly increase local-for-local production, improving supply chain security for these critical industries that underpin the economic health of the region.

Elevating customer experience through enlarged offering

The acquisition will deliver a range of broader benefits to customers, including:

• A significantly enhanced product portfolio: offering a wider range of products, with application across multiple industries, as the addition of Resco Group supports the RHI Magnesita’s strategic growth trajectory in alumina-based refractories.
• Surety of supply: an increased focus on local-for-local production will result in a reduced reliance on international imports for customers in the U.S.
• Improved responsiveness: the combination of RHI Magnesita’s global manufacturing capabilities and an improved local-for-local production footprint will drive logistical efficiencies and enhanced supply chain agility for shorter lead times.
• Sustainability advancements: Resco Group’s customers will benefit from RHI Magnesita’s industry leadership in innovation and sustainability as well as its circular economy and advanced refractory recycling solutions, to support broader industrial decarbonization efforts.
• Industry expertise: supported by RHI Magnesita’s global leading expertise, Resco Group and RHI Magnesita will continue to pioneer new industry standards for the North American region.

Over the coming weeks and months, RHI Magnesita will focus on integrating teams, processes, technology, and resources to ensure a seamless transition and maintain business continuity for the combined entity’s suppliers, customers and other stakeholders. As part of the integration of the networks, RHI Magnesita will also invest into Resco’s plants to further upgrade them, increase capacities, introduce new product lines and improve overall productivity.

"We are thrilled to enhance RHI Magnesita’s footprint in North America with the acquisition of Resco. We extend a warm welcome to our new colleagues and customers," stated Craig Powell, Regional President of RHI Magnesita North America. "Combining our expertise in refractory solutions with Resco’s strengths in the petrochemical, cement, and aluminum sectors, we aim to broaden our offerings through increased local production and improved supply chain security. This synergy will benefit both our existing and new customers as we set new industry standards and deliver a wider range of solutions. Together, we will build the future of manufacturing and foster a more sustainable world with the highest level of safety, one brick at a time."

Mark Essig, CEO of Resco from 2022 until the sale, commented: "This transaction marks an exciting new chapter for Resco and our employees. Over our 78-year history, we have built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality refractory products and technical solutions to our customers. Joining RHI Magnesita will allow us to further enhance our capabilities and expand our reach while maintaining our commitment to excellence in customer service. We are grateful for Balmoral Funds' support during their ownership, which helped strengthen our market position, and we look forward to continuing our growth trajectory as part of RHI Magnesita's global platform."

About RHI Magnesita

RHI Magnesita is the leading global supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems and solutions which are critical for high-temperature processes exceeding 1,200°C in a wide range of industries, including steel, cement, non-ferrous metals and glass. With a vertically integrated value chain, from raw materials to refractory products and full performance-based solutions, RHI Magnesita serves customers around the world, with over 20,000 employees in 67 main production sites (including raw material sites), 12 recycling facilities and more than 70 sales offices. RHI Magnesita intends to leverage its leadership in terms of revenue, scale, product portfolio and diversified geographic presence to target strategically those countries and regions benefiting from more dynamic economic growth prospects.

The group is listed within the Equity Shares (Commercial Companies) category (“ESCC”) of the Official List of the London Stock Exchange (symbol: RHIM) and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 index, with a secondary listing on the Vienna Stock Exchange (Wiener Börse). For more information please visit: www.rhimagnesita.com

About Resco

Resco is a producer of shaped and unshaped refractories, including products for use in the petrochemical, cement, aluminium, and steel-making industries. Resco operates seven plants and two raw material sites in the US and two plants in the UK and Canada. Resco’s Rescobond and Rescocast brands are widely used in refining and petrochemical applications by global customers.

About Balmoral Funds

Balmoral is a Los Angeles, CA based private equity fund that was founded in 2005. Balmoral’s objective is to be the financial partner of choice for entrepreneurial and successful C-suite executives and operating advisors creating transformative outcomes in the businesses they co-invest in together. Balmoral has approximately $1.3 billion of assets under management. Balmoral typically invests in companies that have revenues between $30 to $500 million and require equity investments of $10 to $120 million, with the capability of doing more in particularly compelling opportunities.

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Media:

Ann Barlow

Tel 925-200-6539

E-mail: Ann.barlow@ruderfinn.com

Source: RHI Magnesita