Novolipetsk steel (LSE: NLMK), a leading Russian steel producer, announces that it has agreed to sell its 69.41 % share in OJSC Tuapse Seaport (TMTP) to Universal Cargo Logistics Holding B.V. (UCLH). The transaction is subject to antitrust regulatory approval and is expected to close in two months. 

This divestiture is in line with NLMK’s previously announced internal restructuring programme aimed at streamlining asset structure. TMTP was classified as a non-core asset by NLMK’s Board of Directors on 27 February 2006.  

The transaction will value NLMK’s stake at RUR 7,105,155,057 (about USD254 million ), or RUR 1.17 per TMPT ordinary share. In accordance with the Russian Federal Law “On joint stock companies”, NLMK has employed Ernst & Young and Dresdner Kleinwort to conduct an independent market valuation of TMPT shares.  The NLMK Board has obtained a fairness opinion from Dresdner Kleinwort.

The agreement with NLMK envisages that Universal Cargo Logistics Holding B.V. will offer all NLMK shareholders the opportunity to maintain their interest in Tuapse Seaport through UCLH. This proposal will enable NLMK shareholders to acquire TMPT shares at RUR 1.17 per share on a pro rata basis in accordance with their NLMK shareholding as of the date when Universal Cargo Logistics Holding B.V. acquires NLMK’s stake in TMTP. Also, in accordance with the Russian Federal Law “On joint stock companies”, Universal Cargo Logistics Holding B.V. will offer to buy shares from TMPT minority shareholders at RUR 1.17 per share.

NLMK and TMTP have signed a long-term agreement for metals freight, which is guaranteed by Universal Cargo Logistics Holding B.V.

Cash generated from the disposal of NLMK’s TMPT stake will be used to repay short-term debt and help fund the company’s current investment projects.

For reference:

Universal Cargo Logistics Holding B.V. (UCLH) is a Netherlands-incorporated holding controlling logistics assets in Russia, including OJSC St. Petersburg Seaport, OJSC Taganrog Commercial Seaport and OJSC Multipurpose Reloading Complex in Ust-Luga. The total freight turnover of UCLH Group’s stevedoring companies in 2007 amounted to over 12 million tonnes. UCLH is beneficially owned by Vladimir Lisin.

OJSC Tuapse Commercial Seaport (TMTP) is a major operator of the Tuapse Sea Port. Its total freight turnover exceeds 20 million tonnes per year, including oil products (over 14.5 million tonnes) and dry bulk cargoes (5.5 million tonnes). Q3 2008 RAS revenue and net profit will amount RUR495 million and RUR175 million respectively.