Gardner Denver to combine with Ingersoll Rand's industrial segment

Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc.(NYSE: GDI) and Ingersoll-Rand plc (NYSE: IR) have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Ingersoll Rand will separate its Industrial segment (“Ingersoll Rand Industrial”) by way of a spin-off to Ingersoll Rand’s shareholders and then combine it with Gardner Denver, creating a global leader in mission-critical flow creation and industrial technologies (“IndustrialCo”).

The HVAC and transport refrigeration assets of the current Ingersoll Rand will become a pure play global leader in climate control solutions for buildings, homes and transportation (“ClimateCo”).IndustrialCo will be composed of the entirety of Gardner Denver and Ingersoll Rand Industrial, including, subject to closing, Ingersoll Rand’s pending acquisition of Precision Flow Systems (“PFS”), which is expected to close by mid-2019. Gardner Denver’s CEO, Vicente Reynal, and executives from both companies, will lead IndustrialCo. IndustrialCo is expected to be called Ingersoll Rand and trade under Ingersoll Rand’s existing ticker (NYSE: IR).

IndustrialCo will operate a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Gardner Denver. The Board of IndustrialCo will be led by Gardner Denver Chairman Peter Stavros. Michael W. Lamach, Ingersoll Rand’s Chairman and CEO, along with the current Ingersoll Rand executive team, will continue to lead ClimateCo, which is expected to be renamed.

“This transaction will create a global leader in mission-critical flow creation and industrial technologies, and accelerate both companies’ strategic priorities of deploying talent, driving growth, expanding margins through increased efficiencies and allocating capital effectively,” said Vicente Reynal. “Gardner Denver and Ingersoll Rand’s Industrial business have a combined history of over 300 years, and are both renowned for our commitment to operational excellence, innovation and quality.” Vicente Reynal added, “Together we believe we will create meaningful value for shareholders through our increased scale and reach, unmatched portfolio of iconic brands, highly compelling service and aftermarket platform, exposure to diverse and attractive end markets and geographies and the expected realization of significant synergies. We look forward to combining the strengths and talents of our teams, and providing our customers with more comprehensive solutions and broader, industry-leading product, service and aftermarket offerings.”

“Ingersoll Rand has a long track record of top-tier financial performance,” said Mike Lamach. “This transaction presents a compelling opportunity to unlock significant value for all of our stakeholders through the formation of two global leaders in their respective sectors. In addition to owning one hundred percent of the ClimateCo, our shareholders will also benefit from majority ownership of IndustrialCo and the significant synergies expected to be unlocked as a result of the combination.” Mike Lamach added, “As a pure play global leader in the climate control solutions markets, we will leverage our leading brands, outstanding sales and service channels and our proven business operating system to capitalize on global sustainability megatrends that play directly to our strengths: reducing energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions and improving efficiency in buildings, homes and transportation. With greater focus, more targeted investmentsand a simplified business model, we believe our new company will continue to drive above GDP growth and deliver value for shareholders, customers and employees.” Following the close of the transaction, IndustrialCo intends to grant all employees of the combined company – who are not already equity eligible – with an equity award in IndustrialCo. The total amount of these awards will be approximately $150 million