Caltex Australia Limited ("Caltex Australia") today signed a definitive agreement forming a strategic partnership with SEAOIL Philippines Inc. ("SEAOIL"), the leading independent fuel company in the Philippines and fourth-largest market participant.
Caltex Australia will acquire a 20% ownership interest in SEAOIL and supply fuel to SEAOIL via Caltex Australia's fuel sourcing and shipping business, Ampol Singapore. This transaction will support SEAOIL's growth strategy, which aims to double the company's retail network and terminal storage capacity over the next five years.
The strategic partnership continues Caltex Australia's targeted international expansion strategy, following the acquisition of Gull New Zealand in July 2017. As with Gull New Zealand, partnering with a customer led organisation such as SEAOIL offers Caltex Australia the ability to increase the scale and scope of its Singapore-based fuel sourcing and shipping operations.
SEAOIL, founded by entrepreneur Francis Yu in 1978, is an independent fuels marketing and distribution business in the Philippines. The company markets diesel, gasoline and lubricants to retail and wholesale customers nationwide. With annual volumes of approximately 1.5 billion litres (representing around 6% market share), it has achieved sufficient scale to build its own national supply chain and compete effectively with the major legacy fuel companies. Its integrated infrastructure and logistics network includes 316 SEAOIL branded retail service stations, 11 coastal fuel terminals (including 7 import-capable sites) and a wholly-owned coastal shipping logistics business.
With the support of Caltex Australia, one of the region's largest independent downstream fuel companies, SEAOIL expects to accelerate the growth of its market reach and penetration, expand its product offerings and enhance its operating capabilities in the Philippines. In particular, SEAOIL expects to capitalise on Caltex Australia's downstream capabilities, including expertise in convenience retailing and franchising and lubricants as well as supply chain operations.
Caltex Australia MD & CEO Julian Segal said, "We are excited about the growth opportunity that taking a 20 per cent stake in SEAOIL represents for Caltex Australia. SEAOIL's decision to partner with Caltex Australia recognises our strong track record as a leading supplier of fuels in the region along with the skills and capabilities we have worked hard to build over many years. It also demonstrates the value that can be created from our role as an independent fuel supplier in the Asia-Pacific. My team at Caltex and I are looking forward to being part of SEAOIL's growth over the coming years.
For calendar year 2016, SEAOIL generated EBITDA of P1,623 million (~A$43 million) and net income of P1,016 million (~A$27 million). EBITDA of CY2017 is on track to deliver ~A$50 million (up 17%).
The 20% equity interest is being acquired for consideration of approximately A$115 million at prevailing exchange rates. Funds from the transaction will be largely used by SEAOIL to fund its future expansion plans. The investment by Caltex Australia will be funded utilising existing debt facilities, is expected to be EPS accretive and generate returns above cost of capital in its first full year of ownership.
The Philippines is one of the fastest growing fuels markets in Asia. Between 2014 and 2016, the market expanded at a compound growth rate of 9.5%. Growth is supported by increased car ownership and high GDP growth rates. Operators benefit from a deregulated market structure established in the late nineteen nineties that has seen the creation of a growing independent sector. It is reliant on imported product for approximately 60% of its needs (and growing), thereby is an attractive position for Caltex Australia.
Extensive due diligence has been undertaken to understand the market and the business. This has been supported by recent sales of fuel into the Philippine market. As part of the deal, Caltex Australia will appoint directors reflecting its equity interest and will benefit from certain minority shareholder protections.
Subject to satisfaction of the conditions precedent relating to a restructure of the SEAOIL group, completion is expected to take place during the first half of 2018.
Deregulated and competitive market (since 1998) with prices dictated by market forces.