Cornerstone Building Brands to be Acquired, Go Private in $5.8 Billion Cash Deal
Cornerstone Building Brands Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by affiliates of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in an all-cash transaction with an enterprise value of approximately $5.8 billion, including the assumption of debt. Cornerstone Building Brands includes window and door manufacturers Ply Gem Windows & Doors, Silver Line Windows & Doors, Simonton Windows & Doors, Atrium Windows & Doors, American Craftsman Windows & Doors, Great Lakes Window and Ply Gem Canada.
CD&R, in the aggregate, is currently the beneficial owner of approximately 49 percent of the company’s outstanding shares of common stock. The proposed transaction delivers substantial value to Cornerstone Building Brands’ shareholders, who will receive $24.65 in cash per share, representing an approximately 16 percent premium to the closing price of the company’s common stock as of March 4, 2022, and an approximately 75 percent premium to the closing price of the company’s common stock as of Feb. 4, 2022, the last trading day prior to speculation in the market regarding a potential transaction.
The proposed transaction has been approved by a special committee of independent directors of the company’s board of directors (the “special committee”) previously formed to evaluate and consider any potential or actual proposal from CD&R. The board of directors of the company has approved the proposed transaction on the recommendation of the special committee.
“We believe this transaction provides substantial value for our shareholders while also accelerating Cornerstone Building Brands’ aspiration to become a premier exterior building solutions company,” says Rose Lee, president and CEO of Cornerstone Building Brands. “We have grown our business and portfolio since 2018 when the company was created, delivering high-quality exterior building products with a strong focus on being a partner of choice for our customers. CD&R will continue to be an outstanding partner as we advance our operational improvements and innovation-driven growth to create many positive outcomes for our customers and employees.”
“We are pleased to have reached this agreement with CD&R, which delivers a significant and immediate cash premium to our shareholders,” says George L. Ball, special committee chair. “The special committee thoroughly reviewed CD&R’s proposal, considering the benefits of the transaction against other strategic alternatives available to the company, including continuing as a publicly traded company. Following this review, the board determined this transaction is the best path forward for Cornerstone Building Brands and its shareholders. This transaction reflects the significant value of our business and leadership position in the building products industry.”
J.L. Zrebiec, partner at CD&R, says, “As a supportive long-term investor over a number of years, we have seen firsthand the significant value that Cornerstone Building Brands brings to its customers and communities across North America. The company has an outstanding team and portfolio of products well-positioned to meet the needs of today’s evolving market. We are confident that as a privately held company, with CD&R’s operational and strategic support, Cornerstone Building Brands will be even better positioned in its next phase of growth.”
The proposed transaction will result in the company becoming a private company and is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2022, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals. The transaction is subject to approval by holders of a majority of the shares not owned by CD&R and its affiliates.
