UFP Industries acquires controlling equity position in Ficus Pax, marking UFP’s first industrial presence in India

Rhea-AI Summary

UFP Industries (Nasdaq: UFPI) announced its acquisition of a 70% stake in Ficus Pax Private Limited for approximately $13.5 million USD. Ficus Pax, based in Bangalore, India, is a leader in industrial packaging with trailing sales of about $39 million USD through August 2021. This acquisition aims to strengthen UFP's market presence in India, a key area for international expansion, enhancing Ficus Pax's operational capabilities through additional investment and support. Sandeep Wadhwa will lead the consolidated group as managing director.

Positive

• Acquisition of 70% stake in Ficus Pax strengthens market presence in India.
• Ficus Pax contributes approximately $39 million in annual sales.
• Investment expected to enhance operational capabilities and productivity.

Negative

• None.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UFP Industries (Nasdaq: UFPI) today announced that its affiliate, UFP Global Holdings Ltd., has acquired 70 percent of the equity in Ficus Pax Private Limited (Ficus Pax), a leading producer of industrial packaging in India, for approximately $13.5 million USD. Headquartered in Bangalore, India, Ficus Pax manufactures mixed-material cases and crates, nail-less plywood boxes, wooden pallets and other packaging products through 10 facilities located in major industrial markets throughout southern India. Ficus Pax also owns a majority stake in Wadpack, a manufacturer of corrugated fiber board containers, corrugated pallets and display solutions. The company had trailing 12-month sales through August 2021 of approximately $39 million USD. Sandeep Wadhwa, chairman and managing director of Wadpack, will now lead Ficus Pax as managing director over the consolidated group.

“The addition of Ficus Pax gives UFP a solid foundation to grow our industrial packaging presence in India, the world’s fastest-growing economy and a strategic market for our international expansion,” said Dick McBride, UFP’s executive vice president of international operations. “Ficus Pax is a leader in innovation, with a talented design and engineering team and considerable experience in producing high-value packaging solutions for domestic and multinational customers. We look forward to working together to grow our business with new and existing customers worldwide.”

“This transaction begins an exciting new chapter for Ficus Pax and our 600-plus employees,” said Mr. Wadhwa. “The investment and support that UFP Global will provide to Ficus Pax and Wadpack will allow us to expand our sales outreach, increase our capacity, automate in ways that will improve our productivity, and gain more flexibility in sourcing materials. We look forward to being part of UFP’s mission to become the leading packaging solutions provider in the world.”

UFP Industries, Inc.

UFP Industries is a holding company whose operating subsidiaries – UFP Industrial, UFP Construction and UFP Retail Solutions – manufacture, distribute and sell a wide variety of value-added products used in residential and commercial construction, packaging and other industrial applications worldwide. Founded in 1955, the company is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with affiliates in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. For more about UFP Industries, go to www.ufpi.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended, that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the markets we serve, the economy and the Company itself. Words like “anticipates,” “believes,” “confident,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “likely,” “plans,” “projects,” “should,” variations of such words, and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. These statements do not guarantee future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect facts, circumstances, events, or assumptions that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. Actual results could differ materially from those included in such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements are the following: fluctuations in the price of lumber; adverse or unusual weather conditions; adverse economic conditions in the markets we serve; government regulations, particularly involving environmental and safety regulations; and our ability to make successful business acquisitions. Certain of these risk factors as well as other risk factors and additional information are included in the Company's reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

---------------AT THE COMPANY---------------

Dick Gauthier
VP, Communications and Investor Relations
(616) 365-1555

FAQ

What is the acquisition value of Ficus Pax by UFP Industries?

UFP Industries acquired 70% of Ficus Pax for approximately $13.5 million USD.

How will the acquisition of Ficus Pax impact UFP Industries' market position?

The acquisition will enhance UFP's industrial packaging presence in India, a strategically important market.

What products does Ficus Pax manufacture?

Ficus Pax produces mixed-material cases, nail-less plywood boxes, wooden pallets, and other packaging products.

Who will lead Ficus Pax after the acquisition?

Sandeep Wadhwa will serve as managing director over the consolidated group following the acquisition.

What are the expected benefits of the acquisition for Ficus Pax?

The acquisition is expected to expand sales outreach, increase capacity, and improve productivity.