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QUBEC CITY, Nov. 15, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (TSXV: HEO) – H2O Innovation Inc. (“H2O Innovation” or the “Corporation”) is pleased to report the completion of the previously announced acquisition, on October 28, 2019, of Genesys Holdings Limited, Genesys Manufacturing Limited, Genesys International Limited and Genesys North America, LLC (collectively “Genesys”), a UK privately-owned group of companies specializing in the development and manufacturing of specialty chemicals dedicated to water treatment, at a purchase price of £16.95 M ($28.39 M).
Genesys develops, manufactures and distributes speciality reverse osmosis (RO) membrane chemicals, antiscalants, cleaners, flocculants and biocides, and offers, through a large distribution network of 70 distributors, a portfolio of over 35 diversified products with unique formulation that are manufactured in its facility located in Cheshire, UK. In addition, Genesys also offers complete laboratory services such as feed water and pre-treatment tests, membrane autopsies and cleaning program design.
This transaction will help strengthen H2O Innovation’s specialty chemicals business line in many ways. First, it will enable the Corporation to build a strong portfolio of products by combining the strengths of both the phosphonate technology and dendrimer chemistry. This extended and diversified product offering should enable H2O Innovation to cover a wider range of applications related to membrane filtration, and thus, improve its specialty chemicals’ sales. Furthermore, the combination of Genesys and PWT sales distribution networks will allow to build one of the largest distribution platforms for specialty chemicals, including 100 distributors active in more than 70 countries. Finally, since PWT is already manufacturing its products in California (USA) while Genesys is blending theirs in Cheshire (UK), the merger of the two companies will allow the Corporation to optimize its manufacturing strategy in order to lower freight costs for our customers and reduce delivery time.
“Through our innovative product line and first-class service, Genesys has become a leading name in the membrane market. All our branded formulations have been developed in-house and are produced at our UK factory in Cheshire. Although Genesys is highly profitable and has grown strongly over the years, we realize that the next stage in growth can only be achieved in combination with a larger organization”, said Ted Darton, President and Co-founder of Genesys.
“Whilst there was a significant level of interest in our business, we chose H2O Innovation as it became apparent, they were the perfect partner and ultimately represented the right home for our business and more importantly our employees. H2O Innovation will maintain the family feel that Genesys has developed by looking after its staff and distributors. As there are significant areas of synergy for both companies, we fully endorse the acquisition knowing it will be highly beneficial to all those involved”, added Ursula Annunziata, Director and Co-founder of Genesys.
The purchase price was established at £16.95 M ($28.39 M), on a cash-free, debt-free basis fully payable at closing of the acquisition. Genesys’ acquisition has been financed through committed credit facility as well as proceeds from an equity offering for gross proceeds of $22 M, including an overnight marketed public offering of subscription receipts for anticipated gross proceeds of $14 M as well as a concurrent brokered private placement of subscription receipts with BDC Capital Inc., Caisse de dpt et placement du Qubec and Investissement Qubec for aggregate proceeds of $8 M. The acquisition will also be financed by such amount needed to be drawn on the term loan made available in an amount of $12 M.