DELAWARE, Ohio
,
November 9, 2022
(press release)
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Acquisition establishes a strong foothold in jerrycans in NA Greif, Inc. (NYSE: GEF, GEF.B), a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Lee Container Corporation, Inc. ("Lee Container" or "Lee"), an industry-leading manufacturer of high-performance barrier and conventional blow molded containers, for a purchase price of $300 million before taking into consideration tax benefits with an estimated net present value of approximately $30 million. The all-cash transaction will be funded through Greif's existing credit facility and is expected to close by the end of the calendar year, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory clearances. Lee Container is a leader in the North American blow molded jerrycan industry, primarily serving growth-oriented customers in the agrochemical, other specialty chemical, oil & lubricant and pet care segments. Lee Container operates three strategically positioned manufacturing facilities in Homerville, GA, Centerville, IA and Nacogdoches, TX, with over 500 employees throughout the U.S. For the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2022, Lee generated sales of $162 million and adjusted EBITDA of $33 million. Additionally, as part of the acquisition Greif expects to realize approximately $6 million in synergies within the first two years of ownership. "The acquisition of Lee Container is a critical step in our continued Build to Last journey", said Ole Rosgaard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Greif. "Lee is an exceptional strategic and cultural fit, with exceptional people and values as well as a favorable mix of product and end market exposures. The Lee acquisition solidifies our commitment to growing our jerrycan and small plastic bottle footprint and adds a further growth engine to our GIP business. I am excited to welcome our new colleagues to the Greif family and look forward to growing our business together with them." "The Lee Container family is excited for today's announcement and the opportunities it presents for our colleagues, customers and suppliers", added Robert Varnedoe, Chief Executive Officer of Lee Container. "Greif brings additional industry expertise, scale, and customer service focus that will be formative in continuing the strong growth fundamentals of the company. Our customers and suppliers will benefit from the enhanced product offering of Greif, and I'm most excited that our colleagues will join a thriving, people-first culture at Greif." The acquisition represents numerous key strategic benefits, including: Greif is excited to provide further information on the Lee Container acquisition and its expected impact to go-forward business operations as part of our fiscal fourth quarter review and 2023 guidance outlook discussion, which will occur during our earnings conference call on December 8, 2022. Advisors Stifel is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Greif for the transaction, and Baird is acting as financial advisor to Lee Container. About Greif, Inc. Greif is a global leader in industrial packaging products and services and is pursuing its vision: be the best performing customer service company in the world. The Company produces steel, plastic and fibre drums, intermediate bulk containers, reconditioned containers, containerboard, uncoated recycled paperboard, coated recycled paperboard, tubes and cores and a diverse mix of specialty products. The Company also manufactures packaging accessories and provides filling, packaging and other services for a wide range of industries. In addition, Greif manages timber properties in the southeastern United States. The Company is strategically positioned in over 35 countries to serve global as well as regional customers. Additional information is on the Company's website at www.greif.com. About Lee Container Corporation, Inc. Lee Container Corporation, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of high-performance barrier and conventional blow molded containers, primarily serving growth-oriented customers in the agricultural, other specialty chemical, oil & lubricant and pet care segments in North America. Lee operates three well-invested, strategically located manufacturing facilities in the United States with flexible capabilities designed to cost-effectively produce both custom and stock containers in a wide variety of sizes and quantities. The company is headquartered in Homerville, GA and currently employs over 500 employees throughout North America. Investor Relations contact information Matt Leahy, Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations, 740-549-6158. Matthew.Leahy@Greif.com
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