SATS to acquire WFS to create cargo giant

Singapore-based SATS announced a proposed acquisition of Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), the world’s largest air cargo handling firm, to create a global leader in the aviation services sector. The strategic acquisition will advance SATS’ twin growth engine strategy, expanding its network and capabilities in Asia and globally, while continuing to strengthen its Singapore core. SATS will acquire WFS from an affiliate of investment firm Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. (Cerberus) for a cash consideration of 1.187 billion euros (S$1.639 billion). WFS generated revenue of EUR 1.722B (SGD 2.597B) and EBITDA of EUR 232M (SGD 350M) based on unaudited financials for the 12 months ended 31 March 2022. With an enterprise value of EUR 2.250B (SGD 3.107B), the transaction implies an EV/EBITDA multiple of 9.7x. On a pro forma basis as of 31 March 2022, it would be immediately financially accretive, raising earnings per share by 78% from 1.8 Singapore cents as reported in FY2022 to 3.2 cents on a pro forma basis, and increasing FY2022 pro forma revenue by more than 200%. Through initiatives that include cross-selling, network expansion and deeper e-Commerce cargo partnerships, the combined entity is expected to capture meaningful run-rate EBITDA synergies in excess of SGD 100M. Kerry Mok, president and CEO of SATS. (PHOTO: SATS) Kerry Mok, President and Chief Executive Officer of SATS, said: “This is a transformational opportunity for SATS and our proposed acquisition of WFS will create a global leader that can become the go-to provider of mission critical aviation services. From our hub in Singapore, and in our newly combined markets, SATS and WFS will be at the heart of global trade flows, operating in the world’s busiest airports and supporting the biggest companies. Our customers are telling us that they want seamless support across regions, in a way that simplifies and strengthens their own operations. Combining with WFS will let us meet those needs through new cargo handling solutions and capabilities, enhanced service quality, greater digitalisation, and better visibility and traceability across the whole supply chain. It is a hugely powerful combination for growth, as well as delivering greater business resilience.” The acquisition will enable SATS to better serve air cargo customers in strategic hubs in Asia, Europe and the US, as well as in complementary new growth markets including Latin America and Africa. The combined network covers trade routes responsible for more than 50% of global air cargo volume. WFS operates in five of the top 10 cargo airports in North America and EMEA, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Frankfurt and Paris. SATS is already present in four of the top 10 cargo airports in Asia, including Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore and Beijing. Led by SATS, the combined group will have a greater ability to capitalise on growth across the cargo supply chain, and benefit from stronger demand for eCommerce and specialised cargo handling for items such as pharmaceuticals and perishables. It will also add scale to SATS’ sustainability and ESG efforts, including decarbonisation and societal outreach as part of its purpose to feed and connect communities. WFS will become a wholly owned subsidiary of SATS after the proposed acquisition and will continue to be led by Chief Executive Officer Craig Smyth, alongside other key members of the senior WFS management team. “WFS has become the leading global air cargo logistics provider thanks to our commitment to customers, our experienced team, and our partners at Cerberus,” said Smyth. “As we look to our next stage of growth, this combination will deliver exciting benefits for our customers and our people. We have great respect for SATS and share similar values, and look forward to working with their senior team in building the pre-eminent aviation services platform. By bringing together our complementary strengths, we will be able to build on our trusted relationships around the world.” The proposed transaction is expected to complete by March 2023 subject to conditions precedent (including requisite shareholder and regulatory approvals). A circular to SATS’ shareholders containing details of the proposed transaction and convening an extraordinary general meeting to approve the proposed transaction will be issued in due course.  Temasek has provided an irrevocable undertaking to vote in favour of the transaction. SATS has committed funding in place through an acquisition bridge facility and will continue to evaluate its options with regards to the final funding structure. The base funding plan entails use of internal cash and an equity fundraising from existing shareholders and new strategic investors (which could include a placement of new shares or other hybrid securities or convertible instruments), with analysis on assumed financial effects duly disclosed on SGXNet. SATS remains committed to prudent balance sheet management and will provide further details in the circular. Euleen Goh, Chairman of SATS, said: “This acquisition has been carefully selected to fit our strategy of significant scale and value-added growth. The board is pleased to welcome Craig Smyth and his management team to augment the SATS leadership team led by Kerry as Group President and CEO, to build a world-leading cargo handling business. We look to bring the newly added capabilities to strengthen our partnership with our customers and support the drive for competitive standing of Singapore’s Changi Airport Hub.” In connection with this transaction, SATS was advised by BofA Securities as lead financial advisor, DBS Bank Ltd. as financial advisor, Latham & Watkins LLP as lead counsel and Allen & Gledhill LLP as Singapore counsel, with PwC Advisory Services Pte. Ltd. giving transaction advisory support. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]