Cummins buying Meritor
22 February 2022
In the third 鈥 and by far largest 鈥 move in the month of February, Cummins has announced a definitive agreement to acquire global powertrain specialist Meritor for approximately $3.7 billion.
鈥淭he acquisition of Meritor is an important milestone for Cummins,鈥 said Tom Linebarger, chairman and CEO of Cummins. 鈥淢eritor is an industry leader, and the addition of their complementary strengths will help us address one of the most critical technology challenges of our age: developing economically viable zero carbon solutions for commercial and industrial applications.
鈥淐limate change is the existential crisis of our time and this acquisition accelerates our ability to address it. Our customers need economically viable decarbonized solutions. In addition, our communities and our planet depend on companies like Cummins to invest in and develop these solutions.
鈥淭his acquisition adds products to our components business that are independent of powertrain technology, and by leveraging our global footprint we expect to accelerate the growth in Meritor鈥檚 core axle and brake businesses. There is also a compelling financial case for this acquisition, with significant synergies expected in SG&A, supply chain operations and facilities optimization.鈥
Integrated powertrain possibilities
Meritor has a legacy dating back more than 110 years. The company, which is headquartered in Troy, Mich., has more than 9600 employees serving commercial truck, trailer, off-highway, defense, specialty and aftermarket customers around the world.
The integration of Meritor will position Cummins as one of the few companies able to provide complete integrated powertrain solutions across combustion and electric power applications. Cummins believes eAxles will be a critical integration point within hybrid and electric drivetrains. By accelerating Meritor鈥檚 investment in electrification and integrating development within its New Power business, Cummins said it expects to deliver market-leading solutions to global customers.
鈥淭his agreement with Cummins builds on Meritor鈥檚 track-record of outstanding performance and service to our customers.鈥 said Chris Villavarayan, CEO and president of Meritor. 鈥淥ur offerings will continue to play an important, strategic role as commercial vehicles transform to become electric and autonomous.
At closing, Meritor shareholders will receive immediate value at a compelling 48% premium to the Meritor trading price as of Feb. 18, 2022, and customers will benefit from enhanced capabilities in technology and the ability to accelerate investment in axle and brake development and EV adoption. Our global team members and their commitment to excellence helped make this transaction possible and will fuel our innovations as we embark on this next chapter in our longstanding legacy.鈥
The Meritor board of directors has unanimously approved the agreement with Cummins and recommends that Meritor shareholders vote in favor of the transaction at a special meeting of shareholders to be called in connection with the transaction.
The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions and receipt of applicable regulatory approvals and Meritor shareholder approval, is expected to close by the end of the calendar year.
Latest in 鈥淧ath to Zero鈥 deals
All of Cummins recent moves have bolstered the company鈥檚 鈥淧ath to Zero鈥 decarbonization efforts. On Feb. 9, the company announced a from Altra Industrial Motion. Widely known for its 鈥淛ake Brake鈥 engine braking technology, Jacobs is also a supplier of cylinder deactivation, engine start-stop and thermal management technologies.
The Jacobs deal came just two days after Cummins announced it would buy out , which manufactures and markets gaseous fueled engines.
In mid-January, Cummins also completed its from Rush Enterprises. The deal, for which no financial details were provided, gives Cummins extensive gaseous fuel system storage and packaging capabilities.聽
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