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8-K - FORM 8-K - LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS INC | l41450e8vk.htm |
Exhibit 99.1
Media Contact: Roy L. Morrow (216) 383-4893
Roy_Morrow@lincolnelectric.com
Roy_Morrow@lincolnelectric.com
Investors Contact: Earl L. Ward (216) 383-5067
Earl_Ward@lincolnelectric.com
Earl_Ward@lincolnelectric.com
Lincoln Electric to Acquire Severstal Welding Business in Russia
CLEVELAND, Ohio, U.S.A., December 28, 2010 Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: LECO) today
announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire OOO Severstal-metiz: welding
consumables, a leading manufacturer of welding consumables in Russia and a subsidiary of OAO
Severstal, one of the worlds leading vertically integrated steel and mining companies. The
transaction will include acquiring manufacturing operations and exclusive distribution rights of
the Severstal brand of welding consumables. Financial terms were not disclosed.
This acquisition will add to our manufacturing capacity in this fast growing market and complement
Mezhgosmetiz-Mtsensk OAO (MGM), our recent Russian acquisition, said John M. Stropki, Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer. Severstals extensive stick electrode offering, along with solid wire
and flux cored wire products, when combined with solid wire products from MGM, will make Lincoln
Electric a leading consumables manufacturer in the CIS countries. The two acquisitions complement
our imported products offering and will expand our market presence in the region.
Manufacturing production facilities are based in Orel, Russia, with 283 employees. OOO
Severstal-metiz: welding consumables 2010 estimated sales are approximately $40 million USD.
The sale of OOO Severstal-metiz: welding consumables will allow us to concentrate fully on our
core business (wire and wire products) and continue to provide our clients with competitive product
of the highest quality, said Oleg Veter, Chief Executive Officer of Severstal-metiz group of
companies.
The OOO Severstal-metiz: welding consumables transaction is under review by Russian regulatory
authorities and is expected to close during the 2011 first half.
The Severstal-metiz group of companies incorporates all of OAO Severstals metalware assets, and is
among the top European producers of wire and wire products. Severstal-metizs production sites are
located in Russia, the Ukraine and Europe, and its primary customers are in the construction, oil
and gas, automotive, metallurgy and engineering industries.
- more -
Lincoln Electric to Acquire Severstal Welding Business in Russia -2-
Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding
products, robotic arc-welding systems, plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment and has a leading
global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio,
Lincoln has 39 manufacturing locations, including operations and joint ventures in 19 countries and
a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices covering more than 160 countries. For more
information about Lincoln Electric, its products and services, visit the Companys Web site at
http://www.lincolnelectric.com.
The Companys expectations and beliefs concerning the future contained in this news release are
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These statements reflect managements current expectations and involve a number of risks and
uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from such statements due to a variety of
factors that could adversely affect the Companys operating results both prior and subsequent to
closing the above-mentioned transaction. The factors include, but are not limited to: uncertainties
arising prior to closing that may impact consummation of the transaction; regulatory clearances;
and the success of post-closing integration efforts.
More generally, the Companys operating results may also vary from forward-looking statements due
to the following factors: the effectiveness of operating initiatives; general economic and market
conditions; currency exchange and interest rates; adverse outcome of pending or potential
litigation; possible acquisitions; market risks and price fluctuations related to the purchase of
commodities and energy; global regulatory complexity; and the possible effects of international
terrorism and hostilities on the Company or its customers, suppliers and the economy in general.
For additional discussion, see Item 1A. Risk Factors in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2009.
www.lincolnelectric.com