• Continuation of the external growth strategy with Colas’ most significant acquisition in North America
• An opportunity to increase Colas’ presence in Ontario and to expand its bitumen distribution network across Canada

On 30 August 2017, Colas Canada signed a share purchase agreement in Toronto for the acquisition of 100% of the equity interest in the Miller and McAsphalt group.

The Miller and McAsphalt group is a major player in road construction and in bitumen distribution in Canada, with a particularly strong presence in Ontario. With a headcount of 3,300, it generates average annual sales of around 1.3 billiona Canadian dollars and an average operating margin of 7%a.

This operation forms part of Colas’ long-term strategy to expand its operations in North America. The North American market presents strong growth prospects given the major transport infrastructure construction and maintenance needs.

The acquisition of the Miller and McAsphalt group will enable Colas Canada to expand its geographical coverage by increasing its presence in Ontario and considerably increasing its bitumen storage capacity across Canada.

Closing is expected to occur in the beginning of 2018. The closing of the transaction is subject to specific closing conditions, including regulatory approvals under the Canada Competition Act, the Investment Canada Act and the Canada Transportation Act.

The purchase price payable at closing is subject to certain adjustments and is expected to represent approximately 12 times the average operating profita of the group. The acquisition will be debt financed and will not alter Colas’ strong balance sheet.

Hervé Le Bouc, Colas Chairman and CEO, said: “This important acquisition by Colas reaffirms its continued confidence in the Canadian economy and is part of its strategy to increase its presence in North America. Becoming one of the leaders in a competitive and active market will pave the way for improved know-how and industry innovations.”

Louis Gabanna, Colas North America Managing Director, said: “This acquisition, once closed, will be a great opportunity for two groups of dedicated employees to merge their knowledge and experience and to continue to deliver, in a safe manner, exceptional work quality and excellence for overall customer satisfaction across Canada.”

(a) Average of the last three financial years