Australian-based IFM Investors has agreed to acquire Buckeye Partners LP for $6.5 billion. Buckeye’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the proposed transaction with IFM. 

The all-cash transaction is valued at $10.3 billion enterprise value and $6.5 billion equity value.

Buckeye owns and operates one of the largest diversified networks of integrated midstream assets, including 6,000 miles of pipeline with over 100 delivery locations and 115 liquid petroleum products terminals with aggregate tank capacity of over 118 million barrels. Its network of marine terminals is located primarily in the East Coast and Gulf Coast regions of the United States, as well as in the Caribbean.

IFM is a pioneer and leader in infrastructure investing on behalf of institutional investors globally, with a 23-year track record of success. IFM has $90 billion of assets under management, including $39.1 billion in infrastructure, which it manages on behalf of more than 370 institutional investors, and takes a long-term approach to investing, with no pre-determined time divestiture horizon. IFM targets core infrastructure in developed markets and currently has interests in 32 investments across North America, Australia and Europe, including several midstream assets.

“This acquisition is aligned with IFM’s focus on investing in high quality, essential infrastructure assets that underpin the economies in which they operate,” said Julio Garcia, Head of Infrastructure, North America of IFM.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to bring the Buckeye business and management team under the IFM umbrella,” said Jamie Cemm, Executive Director of IFM. “The proposed acquisition of Buckeye is a complementary addition to IFM’s substantial investments in energy infrastructure across North America and globally. We look forward to supporting the continuing growth of the business.”

“Buckeye’s Board of Directors recently reviewed strategic options for the business and determined that IFM’s proposal to acquire Buckeye is in the best interest of Buckeye,” said Clark C. Smith, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buckeye. “The proposed transaction will provide immediate and enhanced value for our unitholders with an attractive premium that accelerates long-term returns and represents the underlying value of our business. In addition, the proposed transaction will provide Buckeye with superior access to capital to execute on its long-term business strategy. We look forward to this next chapter in Buckeye’s 133-year story.”

For more information visit www.buckeye.com and www.ifminvestors.com

10th May 2019