Balcatta-based Orbital Corporation Ltd has acquired Australian LPG fuel systems supplier, Boral Alternative Fuel Systems, for $1.6 million.
Balcatta-based Orbital Corporation Ltd has acquired Australian LPG fuel systems supplier, Boral Alternative Fuel Systems, for $1.6 million.
BAFS is Australia's leading supplier of original equipment LPG fuel systems and is a Tier One supplier to the global automotive group, Ford Motor Corporation.
The acquisition provides Orbital with a low-risk entry into the growing Australian and New Zealand alternative fuel system markets, and represents a first step in a broader intent to offer 'next generation' greenhouse friendly alternative fuel systems that meet the requirements of fleet operators and private buyers.
Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, Orbital will make an investment of approximately $1.6 million to assume BAFS's working capital (excluding debtors and creditors) including a small component of goodwill. Subject to satisfaction of all conditions precedent transfer of the business is expected to occur prior to June 30th, 2008.
BAFS, which is based in Sydney NSW, currently generates annual revenue of approximately A$6 million, and is expected to be earnings per share accretive for Orbital from the date of acquisition. Key management and operating personnel will transfer across to Orbital with the business.
In summary, the BAFS business:
- assembles and distributes original equipment products in Australia and New Zealand manufactured by Vialle, a leading Netherlands-based international manufacturer of LPG automotive fuel systems;
- sells LPG systems into the aftermarket for retrofitting to existing vehicles;
- has over 20 years' experience in the LPG systems supply business; and
- has access to Vialle's next generation, greenhouse-friendly LPG systems.
Commenting on the acquisition, Orbital's CEO, Dr Rod Houston, said, "We are very pleased to add the BAFS LPG systems supply business to our portfolio, in keeping with our strategy of growing and enhancing the Orbital business organically and through targeted acquisitions. We expect BAFS to contribute to the Orbital business in a similar way to our international Synerject Joint Venture business, which generates a strong ongoing revenue stream."
"There is a strong future for genuinely greenhouse friendly LPG systems. The next generation LPG systems, if properly implemented and supported, have the ability to deliver significant reductions in greenhouse gas whilst retaining the economic benefits of operating vehicles on LPG," Dr Houston continued.
"This is a first step in our overall strategy to leverage our existing skills and know how and to grow an alternative fuel systems business and develop strategic partnerships with world class organisations such as Vialle. Orbital is well placed to secure a significant position in the alternative fuels market, where we see increasing opportunities as the price of oil continues to rise significantly," he added.
