S&P Global and IHS Markit announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement to combine in an all-stock transaction which values IHS Markit at an enterprise value of $44 billion, including $4.8 billion of net debt. The transaction brings together two world-class organizations, a unique portfolio of highly complementary assets in attractive markets and cutting-edge innovation and technology capability to accelerate growth and enhance value creation.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, each share of IHS Markit common stock will be exchanged for a fixed ratio of 0.2838 shares of S&P Global common stock. Upon completion of the transaction, current S&P Global shareholders will own approximately 67.75% of the combined company on a fully diluted basis, while IHS Markit shareholders will own approximately 32.25%.
S&P Global and IHS Markit’s unique and highly complementary assets will leverage cutting-edge innovation and technology capability, including Kensho and the IHS Markit Data Lake, to enhance the customer value proposition and provide the intelligence customers need to make decisions with conviction. Serving a global customer base across financial information and services, ratings, indices, commodities and energy, and transportation and engineering, the pro forma company will provide differentiated solutions important to the workflows of many of the world’s leading companies.
The transaction creates a pro forma company with increased scale, world-class products in core markets and strong joint offerings in high-growth adjacencies, including private assets, small and medium enterprises (“SME”), counterparty risk management, supply chain and trade and alternative data. Combined, the two companies will provide comprehensive solutions across data, platforms, benchmarks and analytics in ESG, climate and energy transition.
Douglas Peterson, President and Chief Executive Officer of S&P Global, will serve as CEO of the combined company. Lance Uggla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of IHS Markit, will stay on as a special advisor to the company for one year following closing.
“Through this exciting combination, we are able to better serve our markets and customers by creating new value and insights,” said Mr. Peterson. “This merger increases scale while rounding out our combined capabilities, and accelerates and amplifies our ability to deliver customers the essential intelligence needed to make decisions with conviction. We are confident that the strengths of S&P Global and IHS Markit will enable meaningful growth and create attractive value for all stakeholders. We have been impressed by the IHS Markit team and look forward to welcoming the talented IHS Markit employees to S&P Global.”
“This transaction is a win for both IHS Markit and S&P Global as we leverage our respective strengths in information, data science, research and benchmarks,” said Mr. Uggla. “Our highly complementary products will deliver a broader set of offerings across multiple verticals for the benefit of our customers, employees and shareholders. Our cultures are well aligned, and the combined company will provide greater career opportunities for employees. We look forward to bringing together our teams to realize the potential of this combination.”
Strategic Rationale – Powering the Markets of the Future
Financial Benefits – Strong Financial Profile and Outlook
Management and Board
Following closing, the Company will be headquartered in New York with a substantial presence in key global markets across North America, Latin America, EMEA and Asia Pacific.
The combined company is committed to retaining a strong, highly qualified and diverse Board that has the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience to oversee the company and its long-term strategic growth and performance. The combined company’s Board of Directors will include the current S&P Global Board of Directors and four directors from the IHS Markit Board. Richard Thornburgh, current Chairman of S&P Global, will serve as Chairman of the combined company.
The leadership team will comprise senior leaders from both organizations. Ewout Steenbergen, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of S&P Global, will serve as Chief Financial Officer of the combined company.
The transition and integration of the combined company will be led by executives from both S&P Global and IHS Markit. The approach to integration planning will draw from the best practices of both companies to ensure continuity for customers, employees and other stakeholders.
Timing and Approvals
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2021, subject to, among other things, the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, other antitrust and regulatory approvals, and other customary closing conditions. The transaction requires the approval of shareholders of both S&P Global and IHS Markit and is not subject to any financing conditions.
Advisors
Goldman, Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as lead financial advisor to S&P Global. Citi and Credit Suisse are also serving as financial advisors to S&P Global. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as legal advisor to S&P Global. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is serving as lead financial advisor to IHS Markit. Barclays, Jefferies LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are also serving as financial advisors to IHS Markit. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is serving as legal advisor to IHS Markit.
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About S&P Global
S&P Global is the world’s foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks and analytics in the global capital and commodity markets, offering ESG solutions, deep data and insights on critical business factors. We’ve been providing essential intelligence that unlocks opportunity, fosters growth and accelerates progress for more than 160 years. Our divisions include S&P Global Ratings, S&P Global Market Intelligence, S&P Dow Jones Indices and S&P Global Platts. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com.
About IHS Markit
IHS Markit is a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide. The company delivers next-generation information, analytics and solutions to customers in business, finance and government, improving their operational efficiency and providing deep insights that lead to well-informed, confident decisions. IHS Markit has more than 50,000 business and government customers, including 80 percent of the Fortune Global 500 and the world’s leading financial institutions. Headquartered in London, IHS Markit is committed to sustainable, profitable growth. For more information, visit www.ihsmarkit.com.
Contacts:
Investor Relations:
S&P Global
Chip Merritt
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
(212) 438 4321
chip.merritt@spglobal.com
http://investor.spglobal.com
IHS Markit
Eric Boyer
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
IHS Markit
(303) 397 2969
eric.boyer@ihsmarkit.com
http://investor.ihsmarkit.com/
News Media:
S&P Global
Dave Guarino
Chief Communications Officer
(201) 755 5334
dave.guarino@spglobal.com
Ed Trissel / Tim Ragones
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
(212) 355-4449
IHS Markit
Sebastian Kadritzke
sebastian.kadritzke@ihsmarkit.com
+44-7939-227-676