Sunoco to Acquire Parkland Corp for $9.1 Billion

Categories: Business NewsFinanceHealthcareNews

Sunoco's acquisition of Parkland positions them as a leading force in the fuel industry.

News Summary

Dallas-based Sunoco LP has announced its plan to acquire Canada’s Parkland Corporation for approximately $9.1 billion. The deal aims to create a new entity named SUNCorp LLC and consolidates their positions in the fuel industry. With a 21% premium on Parkland’s stock price, the acquisition is expected to enhance Sunoco’s operational footprint and financial performance. Approval from shareholders and regulators will be critical for the transaction, which comes amid leadership changes at Parkland.

Dallas – In a significant development in the energy sector, Dallas-based Sunoco LP has announced its plan to acquire Canada’s Parkland Corporation for approximately $9.1 billion, inclusive of debt. This acquisition is set to establish a new publicly traded entity named SUNCorp LLC, marking a substantial consolidation within the fuel industry.

Under the terms of the deal, Sunoco is offering C$44 per share for Parkland, which is a 21% premium over Parkland’s closing share price on May 2, 2023. The transaction will be structured as a combination of cash and shares in SUNCorp, providing a financial incentive for Parkland’s shareholders to support the acquisition.

The acquisition will enhance Sunoco’s operational footprint, as Parkland operates over 4,000 retail and commercial fuel locations across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean, in addition to having a presence in over two dozen countries in the Americas. Analysts estimate that the acquisition could increase Sunoco’s distributable cash flow per unit by 10% and realize approximately $250 million in cost savings within three years of the merger.

Leadership Changes and Pressure from Shareholders

The acquisition comes amid a period of uncertainty surrounding Parkland’s leadership. Recently, Parkland’s CEO Bob Espey announced his resignation amid ongoing tensions with the company’s largest shareholder, Simpson Oil. Simpson Oil has been advocating for significant changes in Parkland’s management and board structure, leading to a reassessment of the company’s strategic direction.

Parkland’s board has postponed a vote originally scheduled for May 6 to allow more time for discussions surrounding the deal, which is now set to take place at a special meeting on June 24. The approval of this transaction is contingent upon favorable votes from Parkland’s shareholders and regulatory clearance under the Investment Canada Act, which will evaluate the implications of the acquisition on Canadian employment and investment.

Market Reactions and Advisory Teams

Following the announcement of the acquisition, Parkland’s stock price saw an increase of 5.5%. In contrast, shares of Sunoco experienced a decline of 5.8%, highlighting investor skepticism and the mixed reactions associated with large-scale mergers and acquisitions. It’s worth noting that Parkland had previously turned down an offer from Sunoco earlier in 2023, which valued the company at C$45 per share, underscoring the complexity of negotiations.

Investment banks played a crucial role in facilitating the acquisition, with Barclays and RBC Capital Markets advising Sunoco, while Goldman Sachs and BofA Securities took the lead for Parkland. The terms of the agreement also include a break fee of $275 million to Sunoco if the deal fails to close, demonstrating the confidence Sunoco has in the successful completion of the transaction.

Furthermore, Sunoco’s strategy includes an option allowing them to convert their offer into a takeover bid, which would only require the approval of 50% of Parkland’s shareholders in the event they encounter significant resistance.

Conclusion

The proposed acquisition of Parkland Corp. by Sunoco marks a transformative moment for both companies and the wider fuel market. With Parkland’s board strongly recommending that shareholders support the deal, this transaction not only seeks to stabilize Parkland’s operations following internal leadership challenges but also aims to create broader economic benefits within Canada. Approval from shareholders and regulatory authorities will be critical as the two companies work toward finalizing the merger and shaping the future landscape of the fueling industry.