Conshohocken-Based Quaker Chemical Merges with Houghton International

Conshohocken-based Quaker Chemical Corporation and Valley Forge-based Houghton International Inc., companies with a combined 250-year history as providers of process fluids, chemical specialties, and technical expertise to the global primary metals and metalworking industries, today announced that they have executed a definitive agreement to combine the companies.

“The proposed combination of Quaker Chemical and Houghton International represents the next phase of our evolution, and stays true to the vision of growing in our core specialties,” said Michael F. Barry, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Quaker Chemical. “Joining forces with Houghton International combines two highly complementary businesses, each having a long history of building tremendous
expertise, technology and customer-centric cultures dedicated to delivering long-term sustainable value to customers, shareholders and associates. The new company will capitalize on best practices and expertise from both businesses.”

Sanjay Hinduja, Chairman of Houghton International, which is owned by the Hinduja Group through its Gulf Oil business, said, “We are pleased to enter this agreement to unite these two distinguished and global companies. Together we will strengthen our capabilities and business models to better serve the global market and all our stakeholders.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Houghton International shareholders will receive $172.5 million of cash and 24.5 percent ownership of the combined company, representing approximately 4.3 million shares of newly issued Quaker Chemical stock. In addition, Quaker Chemical will assume Houghton International’s debt and cash, with net debt of approximately $690 million at year-end 2016. The agreement has been approved by both Quaker Chemical’s board of directors and Houghton International’s board of directors with full support of the Hinduja Group, which will become Quaker Chemical’s largest shareholder.

Houghton International and Quaker Chemical are both known for a commitment to innovation in a highly specialized and technologically demanding industry. “In addition to our complementary businesses,” said Mike Shannon, Chief Executive Officer of Houghton International, “we are each committed to creating solutions for our customers through innovation, strong technical expertise and global reach with localized applications expertise.”