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Abu Dhabi's ADNOC to buy German chemicals business Covestro for $18 bln

Abu Dhabi state oil giant ADNOC stated on Tuesday that it has actually consented to purchase German chemicals producer Covestro for 15.9 billion euros ($ 18 billion). consisting of financial obligation, sending out Covestro shares up 4% in early trade.

The deal represents one of the most significant foreign takeovers by. a Gulf state as Abu Dhabi and other countries in the region seek. to decrease their economies' heavy reliance on oil in the face. of the worldwide energy shift.

It follows drawn-out settlements in between the 2 companies. and will see ADNOC pay 62 euros per Covestro share, equal to. 14.7 billion euros consisting of about 3 billion euros in debt.

Adnoc added it would likewise purchase 1.17 billion euros worth of. new shares in Covestro, a former Bayer system, from a. capital boost to improve financing of the takeover target.

The deal marks a foundation for ADNOC's strategies to grow its. petrochemicals service along with gas and renewable energy.

ADNOC has likewise remained in talks with Austria's OMV for more. than a year to combine their petrochemical joint ventures Borealis. and Borouge. ADNOC took a 24.9% stake in OMV from Abu Dhabi. sovereign fund Mubadala in February.

Covestro, which makes plastics and chemicals for the. automotive, building and engineering sectors, was created in. 2015 after being spun off from Bayer. It opened its books to. ADNOC in June - a year after ADNOC's preliminary interest was. reported.

Covestro reported a bottom line of 72 million euros in the. initially 6 months of the year, compared to 46 million euros. revenue in the previous year.

The arrangement highlights an increase in dealmaking in between. the Middle East and Europe, as Gulf financiers are drawn to. business evaluations that lag those in the United States, an. easier regulative backdrop for purchasers from the area, and where. financial investment requires make them more welcome, consultants and experts. have told Reuters.

It is the Middle East's 2nd biggest acquisition after. Israel's Teva Pharmaceuticals relocate to purchase Allergan's generic. drugs organization for around $40 billion in 2015, according to. Dealogic information.

(source: Reuters)