Pittsburg Tribune-Review
March 06, 2008 08:54 pm
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L.B. Foster Co. said Friday it plans to use acquisitions to build the construction and rail portion of its business -- an ambitious growth plan largely financed by $151.5 million it expects to get from selling its minority interest in the Dakota Minnesota and Eastern Railroad Corp.
Leftover cash would be used to pay off about $35 million in debt and possibly repurchase shares. L.B. Foster shares closed yesterday at $40.25, down 86 cents.
"The sale provides L.B. Foster tremendous flexibility. There are some solid acquisition targets available to us," said Stan Hasselbusch, president and CEO of L.B. Foster, during a conference call with investors and security analysts yesterday.
Green Tree-based L.B. Foster announced Wednesday that Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd., Canada's second-largest railroad, was acquiring the Dakota Minnesota and Eastern Railroad in a deal worth $1.48 billion, not including up to $1 billion in contingent payments.
L.B. Foster owned a 12.25 percent interest in the regional railroad it helped found in 1986. The deal is expected to close within 30 to 60 days.
On top of the $151.5 million due L.B. Foster when the deal closes, L.B. Foster said it could receive $125.8 million more if Canadian Pacific expands the line and achieves milestones related to Powder River Basin coal tonnage.
Hassenbusch said the company has identified eight to 10 acquisition targets, ranging in size from $20 million to $100 million in annual revenue. "We're looking at businesses that will fit, with preference for building the construction and rail side of our business. But we will not overpay for any one company just to get a deal done," he said.
L.B. Foster manufactures products for the transportation industry, such as railroad ties, highway railings and steel-grid bridge decking. The company employs about 800 people, including 100 at its headquarters in Green Tree.
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