BROOKFIELD, NEWS, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (NYSE:BBU) (TSX:BBU) ("Brookfield Business Partners"), together with institutional partners (collectively "Brookfield"), announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of Westinghouse Electric Company ("Westinghouse" or "the Company"), a leading global provider of infrastructure services to the power generation industry, which is currently owned by Toshiba Corp.

The transaction provides for a purchase price of approximately $4.6 billion, expected to be funded with approximately $1 billion of equity, approximately $3 billion of long-term debt financing and the balance by the assumption of certain pension, environmental and other operating obligations.

"Westinghouse is a high-quality business that has established itself as a leader in its field, with a long-term customer base and a reputation for innovation," said Cyrus Madon, CEO of Brookfield Business Partners. "We look forward to bringing our significant expertise and reputation as a long-term owner and operator of critical infrastructure in the U.S. and globally, as well as our deep facilities management capabilities, to enhance the Company's position as a leading global infrastructure services provider to the power generation industry."

Business Overview:

Westinghouse is among the world's leading suppliers of infrastructure services to nuclear power generating facilities. The Company provides sophisticated engineering, maintenance, facilities management and repair services to its global customer base. 

Business highlights:

• Strong market position. Westinghouse is a leader in its field, as the largest service provider to the world's nuclear power facilities. The Company operates within a complex regulatory and licensing environment requiring depth of expertise and capability.
   
• Global, diversified customer base. Westinghouse has a well-established installed base of long-term customers globally.
   
• Attractive revenue and cash flow profile. The majority of the Company's profitability is delivered through regularly scheduled services which are provided under long-term contracts.  Westinghouse's core business has generated stable margins and consistent free cash flow.
   
• Strong reputation driven by focus on innovation. An iconic American company, Westinghouse offers a full suite of specialized parts and components, many of which are licensed or patented, as well as industry-leading engineering and other services that enhance the safety, efficiency and reliability of its customers' facilities. 

Funding

Brookfield Business Partners will commit to fund approximately 50% of the equity on closing using existing liquidity. Prior to or following closing, a portion of Brookfield Business Partners' investment may be syndicated to other institutional investors.

Transaction Process

Closing of the transaction remains subject to Bankruptcy Court approval and customary closing conditions including, among others, regulatory approvals. Closing is expected to occur in the third quarter of 2018.

Brookfield Business Partners is a business services and industrials company focused on owning and operating high-quality businesses that benefit from barriers to entry and/or low production costs. Brookfield Business Partners is listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges. Important information may be disseminated exclusively via the website; investors should consult the site to access this information.  

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION

Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the expected completion of the transaction described herein and the anticipated timing thereof, and the future performance and operation of the acquired business.