Finning Expands in Parts & Services

Article Excerpt

FINNING INTERNATIONAL INC. $27 (Toronto symbol FTT; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 178.5 million; Market cap: $4.8 billion; SI Rating: Above average) has agreed to acquire Collicutt Energy Services Ltd., which makes and services gas compression equipment and power generators for oil and gas well operators in Western Canada. The $145 million price, payable in cash and stock, is equal to 69% of the $209.6 million or $1.16 a share that Finning earned in the first nine months of 2007. The deal gives Finning a large manufacturing facility in Red Deer, Alberta, as well as Collicutt’s skilled workforce. Finning estimated it will save up to $12 million by acquiring Collicutt rather than building similar new facilities. The purchase will also help Finning reach its goal of doubling its parts and service business by 2010. Finning is a buy. buy…