Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC (LON:SPX) saw its shares steam higher today on news it has agreed to buy US thermal technology company Chromalox Inc from private equity firm Irving Place Capital for US$415mln.
In late morning trading, Spirax shares were the second biggest FTSE 250 gainer, up 6.4%, or 340p to 5,650p.
The group said the acquisition of Pittsburgh-based Chromalox - which has five manufacturing facilities across North America, France and China - will add to its earnings in the current year.
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Analysts at Liberum Capital said, at first look, the deal would add around 13% to Spirax’s 2017 earnings per share, assuming no growth in the underlying business.
Spirax-Sarco, which makes steam traps and pumps for industries such as food and beverage, healthcare, chemical and power generation, said the purchase consideration would be financed from new debt facilities.
A "very sensible/interesting deal", say Jefferies' analysts
Analysts at Jefferies International, who – like Liberum – have a ‘hold’ rating on Spirax shares - said Chromalox looks to be a "highly complementary business" and a "very sensible/interesting deal".
The price tag of US$415mln for Chromalox makes it Spirax's largest buy since the 2008 financial crisis.
Last month Spirax announced the acquisition of German firm Gestra AG, which makes valves and control systems for heat and fluid control, for €186mln (US$208mln).
Spirax said the Chromalox deal, which will bring thermal energy management solutions to its customers, will expand the UK firm's total addressable market by £2.1bn to £7.9bn.
Completion of the deal is subject US merger authority approval, but Spirax said the conditions are expected to be satisfied during its current quarter.