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Hillenbrand Makes $2B Acquisition

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Hillenbrand, Inc. (NYSE: HI) and Milacron Holdings Corp. (NYSE: MCRN) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Hillenbrand will acquire Milacron in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $2 billion, including net debt of approximately $686 million.

Under the terms of the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, Milacron stockholders will receive $11.80 in cash and a fixed exchange ratio of 0.1612 shares of Hillenbrand common stock for each share of Milacron common stock they own. Based on Hillenbrand's closing stock price on July 11, 2019, the last trading day prior to the announcement, the implied cash and stock consideration to be received by Milacron stockholders is $18.07 per share, representing a premium of approximately 34% to Milacron's closing stock price on July 11, 2019, and a premium of approximately 38% to Milacron's 30-day volume-weighted average price as of the close on July 11, 2019. Upon closing, Hillenbrand shareholders will own approximately 84% of the combined company, and Milacron stockholders will own approximately 16%.

Milacron manufactures, distributes, and services engineered and customized systems in the approximately $30 billion plastics technology and processing industry, as well as fluid technologies and processing systems. Milacron operates in three segments: Melt Delivery & Control Systems, which designs and manufactures highly engineered, technically advanced hot runner and process control systems, mold bases, and components; Advanced Plastics Processing Technologies, which designs and manufactures plastics processing equipment and systems, including injection molding, extrusion, and auxiliary systems; and Fluid Technologies, which manufactures products that are used in a variety of metalworking processes.

This transaction represents a pivotal step in Hillenbrand's vision to become a world-class global diversified industrial company by adding new strategic businesses in hot runner systems and injection molding to Hillenbrand's portfolio through Milacron's leading brands, including Mold-Masters and Milacron injection molding. Together, the combined company will have increased scale and meaningful product diversification, enhancing its ability to serve customers through complementary technologies across the plastics value chain, including plastic base resins production, compounding, processing both extruded and injection-molded products, and recycling.

Joe Raver, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hillenbrand, said, "This transaction meaningfully transforms our portfolio and product offering by adding Milacron's leading technology solutions and sizable installed customer base to help us drive long-term growth. Milacron aligns with our profitable growth strategy and acquisition framework and we expect the additional capabilities from its high-performing segments to accelerate free cash flow generation and improve margins across the business. I have great respect for Milacron's talented employees and look forward to welcoming them to Hillenbrand as we embark on this next step in our strategy and create enhanced value for our shareholders, customers, employees, and communities."

Tom Goeke, Milacron Chief Executive Officer, said, "After careful review, our Board unanimously concluded that a combination with Hillenbrand represents a unique opportunity to provide Milacron stockholders with significant and immediate value and the ability to benefit from the upside potential of the combined company. Hillenbrand has a tremendous track record of growing and driving value across its portfolio of highly engineered products. Together, we will continue to provide customers with breakthrough products and customized systems. This combination is a result of the Milacron team's tremendous progress in enhancing our position as a global leader in plastics technology and processing. I am confident we have found a strong partner in Hillenbrand and look forward to a seamless transition."