Hexatronic Group AB has signed an agreement to acquire Fibron BX, a leading original equipment manufacturer within harsh environment electro-optical cables from Rubicon Partners. By acquiring Fibron, Hexatronic will strengthen its position as a comprehensive provider of high-quality umbilical products and speciality underwater cables. Fibron’s diverse portfolio delivers across sectors such as traditional energy markets including renewables (wave, tidal & wind), ROV, defence, and diving and their extensive global customer base complements Hexatronic’s existing portfolio. The estimated enterprise value amounts to GBP 32 million.

Strategic rationale

This strategic acquisition allows for additional diversification of Hexatronic’s business and increased opportunities within Harsh Environment markets. Following the completion of the acquisition, Hexatronic’s Harsh Environment business will increase from approximately 7 percent of annual group sales to over 11 percent, on a proforma basis. Hexatronic sees promising opportunities for further growth in the harsh environment sector, both through organic expansion and future acquisitions.

The agreement presents numerous synergies with Hexatronic Rochester Cable, the Hexatronic subsidiary within Harsh Environments, including complementary production capabilities, improved utilization, expanded tender bidding ability, and enhanced economies of scale. Additionally, Fibron’s expertise in custom umbilical cables, along with their proficiency in global project sales, adds significant value to Hexatronic’s capabilities.

Henrik Larsson Lyon, CEO of Hexatronic Group:
“The acquisition of Fibron marks a significant milestone for Hexatronic as we expand our portfolio and strengthen our operations in Harsh Environments. Fibron’s expertise and reputation as a leading manufacturer of subsea control umbilicals align with our strategic growth objectives. Together, we will combine our strengths and capabilities to provide enhanced solutions and value to our customers. We look forward to welcoming the Fibron team into the Hexatronic Group and embarking on this exciting journey of growth and innovation”.

Phil Ashley, CEO of Fibron:
“Fibron’s business provides products globally into the harshest of underwater environments, becoming part of Hexatronic group represents stability for our growing business as we continue to deliver for our customers and employees. We are excited about the opportunity of working closely with Hexatronic Rochester Cable, together we are globally complementary and will be able to offer a wider product portfolio to our existing customer base”.

Transaction overview

The purchase price corresponds to a fixed enterprise value of GBP 25 million, with a potential earn-out of up to GBP 7 million based on Fibron’s accumulated EBITDA for the full year of 2023. EBITDA for the current year is expected to be GBP 5.3 million, which will result in a full earnout and a purchase price of GBP 32 million. This corresponds to a transaction multiple of 6.0x based on expected EBITDA for the current year and 7.4x based on EBITDA for the full year of 2022.

The proposed acquisition will be fully financed through existing credit facilities from Danske Bank and SEB. After completion of the transaction, Hexatronic’s proforma net debt is expected to amount to 1.5 times proforma EBITDA. Proforma net debt including lease liabilities is expected to amount to 1.8 times proforma EBITDA.

Hexatronic acquires Fibron from Rubicon Partners, which is a UK-based private equity fund, established in 1993, that is focused on investing in complex industrial businesses. Rubicon acquired Fibron in 2018 as a carve-out from its US-corporate owner, Actuant Corporation. Under Rubicon’s ownership, Fibron has doubled in size through a strategic focus on supplying dynamic umbilicals to harsh environments, including through growing in new segments such as ROV and Renewables.

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Fibron