Leighton Holdings today announced it had entered a binding agreement for the sale of John Holland to CCCC International Holding Limited (CCCI).
CCCI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), the fourth largest construction company in the world by revenue1 . CCCC has a market capitalisation of approximately A$23.5 billion and is listed on the Hong Kong and Shanghai stock exchanges.
CCCI will purchase John Holland for an enterprise valuation of approximately A$1.15 billion subject to certain adjustments.
Leighton Holdings Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Marcelino Fernández Verdes said: “In June 2014 we announced that, as part of our Strategic Review we were analysing options for our Services, Property and John Holland businesses, including the potential divestment of, or introduction of new partners to, these businesses.
“The divestment of John Holland demonstrates the progress we have made with our Strategic Review initiatives over the past six months to strengthen the balance sheet, streamline the operating model and improve project delivery.
“Following a comprehensive and extensive global sale process we have achieved a value for John Holland which reflects its position as one of the country’s leading engineering and construction companies.
“The divestment of John Holland supports our focus on further reducing gearing and strengthening our balance sheet so that we can be sustainably competitive. Proceeds will also be used to finance future growth, particularly in PPPs2
.
The indicative impact on Leighton Holdings is:
A reduction in gearing of approximately 10 percentage points;
A reduction in Leighton’s annualised revenue of approximately A$3.7 billion and work in
hand of approximately A$5.4 billion; and
Approximately 4,100 employees to transfer with the business.
Mr Fernández Verdes said: “The existing John Holland management will work closely with CCCI to ensure a smooth transition so that the business continues to safely and efficiently provide services to its clients.”
The sale is subject to customary approvals including by the Foreign Investment Review Board.
