The Valspar Corporation (2.2%) (NYSE:VAL)(VAL – $107.02 – NYSE) is engaged in developing, manufacturing and distributing a range of coatings, paints and related products. The company operates through two business segments: Coatings and Paints. On March 31, 2016 Valspar announced an agreement with competitor Sherwin-Williams to be acquired in a transaction with an estimated value of $8.9 billion. The deal specifies that shareholders of VAL will receive $113 cash per share, and requires a shareholder vote along with regulatory approval. However, should the company need to make divestitures exceeding a specified threshold, then the consideration would be revised down to $105. We expect the deal to close in the early part of 2017.
From Mario Gabelli (Trades, Portfolio)'s first quarter 2016 ABC Fund shareholder commentary.
