Anixter International Inc. Announces Sale of Aerospace Division to Greenbriar Equity

GLENVIEW, Ill., Aug. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Anixter International Inc. (NYSE: AXE), a leading global distributor of communication and security products, electrical and electronic wire & cable, fasteners and other small parts, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Aerospace Hardware Division to entities controlled by Greenbriar Equity Group LLC. Under the terms of the agreement Anixter will receive $155 million in cash, subject to a net working capital adjustment, and up to an additional $30 million if certain milestones are achieved on or before December 31, 2013. The transaction is expected to be completed during the third quarter subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.

Commenting on the transaction, Robert Eck, President and CEO of Anixter, stated, "We believe this transaction is a positive development for all parties involved, as it captures what we view as a fair value for the Aerospace Hardware Division and enables us to focus our attention and resources on our core operations and strategic initiatives. Our performance in Aerospace Hardware has been strong since first entering the business through our 2002 Pentacon  acquisition, having achieved  first half 2011 revenues of approximately $94.1 million and EBITDA of $12.0 million. However, customer and supplier consolidation has resulted in a business model that is distinctly different than our overall model. Despite the fact that Aerospace has historically delivered operating margins in excess of our corporate average, current high working capital requirements have impacted its return on tangible capital compared to our other businesses; therefore this division is no longer strategically aligned with our overall business." Eck continued, "Given Greenbriar's significant focus in the aerospace sector, we are confident it will be a strong and supportive partner for the aerospace business and build upon its solid market position under new ownership."

Noah Roy, Managing Director of Greenbriar, stated, "We believe that this transaction will enable the employees of the Aerospace Hardware Division to continue to provide outstanding service and supply chain value to their customers, the majority of which are the world's leading aerospace manufacturers. We look forward to partnering with the current management team to grow the business and invest in the future success of this Division."

In the third quarter of 2011, Anixter will report the results of this business as "Discontinued Operations" and all prior periods will be restated to reflect this classification.

Mr. Eck concluded, "Anixter has successfully evolved its business for more than 50 years, and we will continue to focus our efforts toward those areas that fully leverage our operating platform and drive profitable growth. The sale of the aerospace business reinforces our commitment to invest in our core business and will enable us to better direct resources toward areas that will maximize shareholder value in both the near term and the long term, including potential share repurchases, further reducing borrowings, and making strategic acquisitions as market opportunities arise."

About Anixter

Anixter International is a leading global distributor of communication and security products, electrical and electronic wire & cable, fasteners and other small parts. The company adds value to the distribution process by providing its customers access to 1) innovative inventory management programs; 2) more than 450,000 products and over $1.0 billion in inventory; 3) 231 warehouses with approximately 7 million square feet of space; and 4) locations in 269 cities in 51 countries. Founded in 1957 and headquartered near Chicago, Anixter trades on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AXE.

Additional information about Anixter is available on the Internet at www.anixter.com

About Greenbriar Equity Group

Greenbriar Equity Group LLC, a private equity firm with $1.5 billion of committed capital, focuses exclusively on the global transportation industry, including companies in aerospace and defense, freight and passenger transport, automotive, logistics, and related sectors. Greenbriar invests with proven management teams who are interested in being significant equity owners in their companies as well as with corporate partners who are interested in raising capital. Greenbriar's partners bring many decades of experience at the highest levels within the transportation industry. Additional information may be found at www.greenbriarequity.com.

SOURCE Anixter International Inc.