McDermott, CB&I agree $6 bln combination

Two engineering specialists McDermott and CB&I have agreed to combine in an all-stock transaction valued at $6 billion, to create an onshore-offshore engineering, procurement, construction and installation service company. 

Upon completion, McDermott shareholders will own 53 percent of the combined company with CB&I shareholders owning 47 percent.

Under the terms of the business combination agreement, CB&I shareholders will be entitled to receive 2.47221 shares of McDermott common stock for each share of CB&I common stock owned.

“Customers worldwide increasingly seek a single company that can offer end-to-end solutions, and the combination of McDermott and CB&I responds to these evolving customer needs by creating a leading vertically integrated company,” said David Dickson, president and CEO of McDermott, adding that “this transaction combines two highly complementary businesses to create a leading onshore-offshore EPCI company driven by technology and innovation, with the scale and diversification to better capitalize on global growth opportunities.”

According to a joint statement, the new company would have a complementary global portfolio and an established presence in high-growth markets, as well as capability to respond to evolving customer needs. It also enhances the financial profile that can support growth.

Following completion of the transaction, the combined company will be headquartered in the Houston area. David Dickson, current president and CEO of McDermott, will be president and CEO of the combined company, and Stuart Spence, current executive vice president and CFO of McDermott, will be executive vice president and CFO of the combined company.

Patrick Mullen, president and CEO of CB&I, will remain with the combined company for a transition period to ensure a seamless integration. Operational leadership will include representatives from both companies, the statement reads.

The transaction has been approved by the boards of both companies and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2018. It remains subject to regulatory antitrust approvals, approval by McDermott’s and CB&I’s shareholders.