ATLANTA, Sept. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chart Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: GTLS) announced today the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire VRV s.p.a. and its subsidiaries (collectively “VRV”). VRV is a diversified multinational corporation with highly automated, purpose-built facilities for the design and manufacture of pressure equipment serving the Cryogenic and Energy & Petrochemical end markets.

Combination Highlights:

• Complementary to Chart’s Distribution & Storage and Energy & Chemicals end markets and technologies
• End market expansion to the “warm” side of energy and petrochemical processing as well expanding our Energy & Chemicals presence within Europe
• Expands manufacturing footprint and improved port access by adding Italy, India and France production and commercial facilities
• Expands repair and service offering

In connection with the acquisition, Chart has agreed to pay €125 million (approximately $147 million USD, based on current exchange rates), which will be funded by a combination of Chart’s available cash on hand and debt under its current credit facility or another financing alternative, and assume the outstanding indebtedness of VRV (approximately €70 million or $83 million USD based on current exchange rates). The acquisition is expected to add annual net sales of $115 million in 2019, achieve significant cost synergies related to operational efficiencies and sourcing, and be EPS accretive in the first full year of ownership.

VRV has a rich history of engineering and design dating back to its beginning in 1956. During the 1970s, the company began to design and manufacture cryogenic equipment driven by Massimiliano Spada and then by his sons, Federico Spada and Alessandro Spada, both of whom will continue in executive roles in Chart.

“Chart is the best partner for VRV’s growth and global presence,” said the Spada family. “Together we will provide our worldwide customers a complete portfolio of products and services for the cryogenic, energy and petrochemical industries.”

“We are very pleased to bring VRV into the Chart family of companies with Alessandro and Federico Spada joining our team,” said Jill Evanko, Chart’s Chief Executive Officer. “VRV has technical strengths and manufacturing capabilities which are an excellent complement to ours and brings a strong leadership team for continued growth. Together we will now be able to provide a broader set of solutions to our customers and deliver faster results through an expanded global footprint. This acquisition is another step in our efforts to be a full-service, global provider to our customers.”

The VRV acquisition builds on our capital allocation strategy, focusing on core cryogenic and energy technologies. To support this strategic acquisition as well as Chart’s expanded focus on geographic expansion outside of North America, we are realigning our segmentation and naming a global commercial team. Effective immediately, our results will be reported in Energy & Chemicals, Distribution & Storage Western Hemisphere (the Americas), Distribution & Storage Eastern Hemisphere (Europe, Middle East, and Asia including China) and BioMedical. We expect these changes will provide improved transparency of business results to our shareholders, better align with Chart’s customer needs, and facilitate our growth strategies through collaboration of global and regional approaches. Additionally, further modifications to the Company’s segment reporting may be implemented depending upon the results of the previously disclosed BioMedical strategic review process. The Company is in the final stages of the review and will provide an update upon completion.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Credit Suisse served as exclusive financial advisor and Winston & Strawn LLP and NCTM served as legal advisors to Chart.