On Friday evening (September 15) Cersanit has announced acquisition of Credit Suisse First Boston Ceramic Partners’ (CSFBCP) stake in Opoczno. The agreement specifies that the Cersanit is to buy 48.42% stake in Opoczno but not less than 45% stake. Following the agreement, Cersanit is obliged to announce a tender for up to 100% stake in Opoczno. The minimal price in the tender has been set at PLN 33 per share. However, Cersanit was given the right to step away from the tender if the on September 29 the six-month-average of Opoczno shares exceeds PLN 34 per share. September 29 marks the date up to when the tender has to be announced. The tender is going to be effective once at least 45% of Opoczno’s equity owners are going to participate. At the same time, according to the acquisition agreement, CSFBCP can sell the difference – 3.42% of Opoczno’s equity – on the WSE.
Our view: We see the transaction as favourable for Cersanit and Opoczno as it creates the biggest domestic tiles producer with the capacity of some 50m m2. We believe that given Cersanit’s management savvy and track record, as well as earlier preparation to this acquisition, both revenues and cost synergy are feasible starting from 2007. At the same time, the outlook for earnings recovery has never been so strong in Opoczno. We expect a strong positive impact both on Cersanit and Opoczno.