PHILIPS éclairage: les USA bloquent la cession de Lumileds

Philips a annoncé l'arrêt des discussions avec GO Scale Capital relatives à la vente de sa filiale d'éclairage Lumileds (LED et éclairage automobile). GO Scale Capital regroupait un consortium d'entreprises chinoises pour l'achat de 80% de Lumileds pour 3,3 milliards de dollars. Cet accord n'a pas reçu l’approbation de la Commission de l'investissement étranger des Etats-Unis (CFIUS). Philips a déclaré s'employer à trouver un nouvel acheteur, le projet de cession n'étant pas remis en question.

Voir ci-dessous le communiqué de Philips en anglais

 

  • Parties withdraw CFIUS filing and terminate agreement, because of inability to resolve CFIUS’ unforeseen concerns
  • Philips is engaging with other parties that have expressed an interest in the Lumileds business
  • Termination of the agreement does not impact Philips’ separation process

Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) today announced that Philips and GO Scale Capital have terminated the agreement pursuant to which the consortium led by GO Scale Capital would acquire an 80.1% interest in Lumileds.

Despite the extensive efforts of Philips and GO Scale Capital to mitigate the concerns of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), regulatory clearance has not been granted for this particular transaction.

”I am very disappointed about this outcome as this was a very good deal for both Lumileds and the GO Scale Capital-led consortium. This outcome does not, however, impact the fundamentals of the Lumileds business,” said Frans van Houten, CEO of Royal Philips. “Lumileds is a highly successful supplier of lighting components to the general illumination, automotive and consumer electronics markets with a strong customer base. We will now engage with other parties that have expressed an interest in exploring strategic options for Lumileds to pursue more growth and scale.”

Frans van Houten added: “I would like to extend my appreciation to GO Scale Capital for having been a deeply committed partner to Philips during the transaction process.”

Lumileds has operations in more than 30 countries and employs approximately 8,800 employees worldwide. In 2015, it generated sales of approximately USD 2 billion.

The termination of the transaction with GO Scale Capital does not involve a break fee nor impact the separation process of the remaining Lighting business from Royal Philips, which is being pursued as an independent transaction.

Philips will continue to report the Lumileds business as discontinued operations.

 

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2014 sales of EUR 21.4 billion and employs approximately 106,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.