Chemical Consulting: Transaction and M&A Support

Robust company, market and industry analysis, authored by highly credible and experienced consultants, is critical to effectively define the scope, understand viability and successfully execute and close a transaction.

Built on IHS Markit reputation for integrity and our extensive industry intellectual capital and proprietary information, our consulting team are leaders in providing both commercial and technical due diligence to support M&A transactions. From risk advisory to business plan projections, we provide advice and support on all aspects of the lending, purchasing and selling process. Whether you are involved in asset valuations, mergers and acquisitions, project economics or technical analysis, we can streamline your decision-making process.

Combining the unmatched breadth and depth of the information and insight provided in our multi-subscriber databases and reports, with our consultants' first-hand industry experience, we are well placed to understand the issues, concerns and considerations whilst evaluating the deployment of capital for a potential transaction.

We can help answer:

What is the potential upside and downside of a transaction?
How does the IHS Markit forecast compare with the company's business plan?
How can we better understand the integrated structure of a competitor's business?
Are there premium products and what is the outlook for margins?
How does the company differentiate itself from competitors?
How strong is the company's IP position?
How well maintained are the assets?
What are the risks associated with this transaction?

Our capabilities include:

Technology and IP position assessment
Commercial and technical due diligence
Target acquisition screening
Buy-side and sell-side analysis
Risk advisory
Cash flow and profit margin projection
Operational and financial sustainability
Business performance assessment
Mergers & acquisition support

Qualifications and Experience

This list is not exhaustive and is intended to serve as an introduction to Chemical Consulting’s breadth of services offered:

Project Name	Project Description
Buy-side Due Diligence on a Major Regional Petrochemicals Producer	For a private equity firm, IHS Markit performed buy-side commercial and technical due diligence analysis of a major regional gas, NGLs, petrochemicals and rubber producer. IHS Markit combined teams from Energy, Downstream and Chemicals covered the operations and value chains served by the Target company. Our project teams carried out site visits to assess production facilities, developed market and price outlooks for all of the energy and chemical products of the Target, and reviewed the commercial (cost, price, volume) inputs to the 5-year business plan including maintenance and logistics costs. An IHS Markit report documented the full technical and commercial assessment of the business, risks to the business plan and critical valuation drivers.
Technical Due Diligence	Chemical Consulting at IHS Markit was retained by an international bank to provide a technical due diligence on the buy side of a Russian petrochemical company’s divestment of its fertilizer assets. The Chemical Consulting team visited the sites and attended the Management Presentation to gather operating information and management views. IHS Markit presented its view on the operational state of the assets and prepared a report for the bank and the eventual buyer.
Restructuring of a Chemical Producer	Chemical Consulting at IHS Markit was retained by a creditor bank to analyze the business and financial situation of a chemical producer on the verge of bankruptcy. The Chemical team advised the bank, the Client Company, and the bankruptcy court, valued the assets, and commented on financial statements and vendor lists.
Investment / Sell Side Analysis for a Portfolio	For a mid-tier private equity firm, IHS Markit developed an analysis of future US and USGC industrial activity for 2015 through 2020. This work was based on the IHS Markit outlook for energy and chemical supply, demand and capacities, and energy and chemical prices. The project estimated industrial capital and maintenance expenditures, and was also based on IHS Markit Global outlook for GDP by country and region, and the Energy team's outlook for oil and gas production and prices.
Profit Outlook for a Major Petrochemical Company	For a private equity firm focused on equity and credit investments, IHS Markit developed an outlook for each of its many products, including a SWOT analysis (demand growth, industry consolidation, product substitution, cost competitiveness and technologies), and developed a detailed “bottoms up” operating cash flow model consistent with IHS Markit's forecasts for energy and chemical price.

Case Studies

Chlor-Alkali Independent Engineering

Challenge: Chemical was retained as an independent technical advisor to the project sponsors of a venture to construct a US chlor-alkali facility.

Solution: We advised the lenders on the major technical issues that could lead to delay, cost overruns, performance shortfalls and any other technical or operating risks that could have an impact on the sponsor’s ability to service its debt.

Results: The client received multiple services, including technical reviews, plant operations, construction, cost schedules, site integration, permitting, contracts, environmental compliance and financial analysis. As a result of our site visits to monitor construction, the project sponsor received updates.

Independent Engineering for South American Plant

Challenge: Chemical was retained to act as independent engineer for a chlorine, caustic and calcium chloride facility in South America.

Solution: We performed technical due diligence to include reviews of project design, construction and operating plans, completion tests and guarantees, along with project operations and maintenance. We visited the site to assess suitability and reviewed all project agreements as well as the status of project permits and licenses. The client provided project proforma, and we assessed capital costs to confirm reasonableness of assumptions and accuracy of results.

Results: We confirmed project compliance from an environmental and social standing and were subsequently engaged to monitor monthly construction, performance and operations.

Business and Asset Valuation of Major Integrated Fibers Producer

Challenge: Chemical was hired to provide market and business analysis, as well as asset valuations for the combined assets of two integrated fibers producers. The two companies’ assets included nylon, spandex and polyester resins and fibers, as well as their respective intermediates products.

Solution: We worked with the financial advisors and the sponsor to create asset valuation models based on discounted cash flows and factored replacement costs. The business and market evaluation included competitive cost comparisons, market share evaluations and market segment analysis.

Results: The analysis was used to syndicate the debt offering.

Due Diligence Support of an Engineering Resins Business

Challenge: A private equity firm hired Chemical to help assess a global plastics styrenics business.

Solution: We conducted a multi-phase due diligence approach that encompassed analysis of raw materials, markets, manufacturing and economics. We provided an in-depth market analysis along with a company analysis focused on assessing management projections, restructuring plans, product development and development of a financial model. We developed a market evaluation and competitive assessment for five global engineering plastics business lines. We developed market profiles and cost and margin models for the engineering plastics, as well as for integrated upstream positions in feedstocks and intermediates. We subsequently performed an in-depth data room review followed by multiple manufacturing site visits and assessments in the US, Europe and Asia. Our investigation focused on manufacturing asset condition, operability, technical proficiency in manufacturing, and associated product and process development capability.

Results: Each phase was completed with a diligence presentation designed to meet the needs of financial institutions.

Middle East Technical Consulting Review

Challenge: Chemical was retained to witness the construction of a petrochemical project in an industrial development in the Middle East.

Solution: In this capacity, we discussed with senior management the current progress and toured the site to witness construction.

Results: The client received multiple reports that kept senior management updated on current progress and summarized key findings of site visits.

Propylene Splitter Feasibility Project

Challenge: Chemical was retained to help a financial institution understand the overall viability of financing a US$100 million propylene purification splitter in Latin America.

Solution: We developed a financial model of the splitter.

Results: The client received 15-year cost and revenue projections, scenarios of potential periods of cash flow deficiencies and recommendations on hedging risks associated with the product-to-feedstock gross margin. The client also received our commentary on market fundamentals, competitors, expected end-use markets and potential propylene derivative investments.

Customer Stories

IFI Advisory uses reliable risk assessments to sustain highly competitive position in the international marketplace

IFI Advisory is a global leader in risk management consulting and supports companies in their development projects. In this brief video, IFI Advisory CEO Romolo Pacifico explains why he trusts Jane’s by IHS Markit to provide accurate and up-to-date information, and what Jane’s means to his business.

View Video

National Oil Company Develops Informed Strategies for Growing Chemical Business in Changing Global Market

This national oil company wanted to give investors confidence so they developed a two-pronged strategy to grow its core oil business and set the stage for launching a new chemical business, while staying abreast of market changes and avoiding up to $4 billion in potential costs/risk to its reputation.

Learn more about our client’s successes

Latin American Petrochemical Company Makes Investment Decisions to Grow Market Share

Listen to Rina Quijada, Senior Director of Latin America for chemical, explain how a petrochemical company expanded its market share through solid, long-term investments in multiple countries using IHS Markit data and forecasting across the entire supply chain. From feedstocks to end-use products, company leaders are making informed business decisions that set the stage for long-term growth.

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Braskem Idesa builds advantage with bold strategy and largest petrochemical investment in Mexico in 30 Years

For its landmark Etileno XXI project, this company -- a joint venture of the premier thermoplastic resins producer in the Americas and one of Mexico’s leading petrochemical groups -- secured a total investment of $4.5B to build the largest petrochemical facility in the Americas, capable of producing 1+ million tons of ethylene and polyethylene annually.

SEE CASE STUDY