Eastman to Acquire Commonwealth Laminating & Coating, Inc.

The company, which had 2013 sales revenue of approximately $100 million, is an independent manufacturer and global marketer and distributor of window films and specialty films for automotive, architectural, and protective applications. The acquisition will include Commonwealth’s manufacturing facility and master distribution center in Martinsville, VA, and nine sales distribution centers that serve the global market.

“With Commonwealth, Eastman extends our performance films global offerings for solar control window film and protective film applications. Adding Commonwealth supports our strategy of providing targeted and effective product, brand, and service solutions to meet the specific needs of our global, diverse customers and end-users,” said Brad Lich, executive vice president.

With the addition of Commonwealth’s expertise, paint protection technology, brand and channels, and experienced workforce, Eastman expects continued growth in its performance films products. Subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions, the acquisition is expected to be completed in the second half of 2014. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“This acquisition will allow Eastman to gain efficiencies through enhanced utilization of manufacturing assets. It will also enable Eastman to better serve the window and protective films’ broad and diverse customer base while complementing our strategies to increase consumer adoption and use of window films globally,” said Travis Smith, vice president and general manager, performance films. “Eastman is fully committed to providing continued superior service and support to customers worldwide as we successfully integrate these two businesses.” 

The acquired business is expected to be accretive to the first full-year of earnings post-acquisition, excluding acquisition-related costs and charges. Following the completion of the transaction, the acquired business will become part of Eastman's Advanced Materials segment.

J.P. Morgan is acting as exclusive financial advisor and Jones Day is serving as legal counsel for Eastman on this transaction.

Forward-Looking Statements: This communication includes forward-looking statements, including concerning current expectations regarding the timing of completion of the proposed acquisition, the benefits of the acquisition, and projected financial and operating performance and results following completion of the acquisition. Such expectations are based upon certain preliminary information, internal estimates, and management assumptions, expectations, and plans, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties inherent in projecting future conditions, events, and results. Actual results could differ materially from expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements if one or more of the underlying assumptions or expectations prove to be inaccurate or are unrealized. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such expectations are and will be detailed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Filings made by Eastman are available when filed with the SEC on the Eastman web site at www.eastman.com in the Investors, SEC Information section.

 

Eastman is a global specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in approximately 100 countries and had 2013 revenues of approximately $9.4 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 14,000 people around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.