Merger of PotashCorp and Agrium Includes $2.8 Billion in Active Projects

Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The merger of Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Incorporated (PotashCorp) (NYSE: POT) (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) and Agrium Incorporated (NYSE:AGU) (Calgary, Alberta) will encompass more than 100 projects worth nearly $2.8 billion that are being tracked by Industrial Info.

The two Canadian fertilizer giants announced plans Monday to merge, creating the world's largest crop nutrient company and third-largest natural resources company in Canada. Subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, the as-yet-to-be-named company will have a potash production capacity of roughly 20 million tons per year, nearly 20,000 employees, operations and investments in 18 countries and a pro forma enterprise value of $36 billion. The combined company encompasses Agrium's retail distribution network and production capacities, as well as PotashCorp's production capacities. The companies produce nitrogen and phosphates, as well as potash.

The merged agro-giant is expected to generate up to $500 million of annual operating synergies during its first two years, primarily from distribution and retail integration, production and selling, general and administrative (SG&A) optimization, and procurement, Agrium and PotashCorp's top executives said during an investor conference call Monday.

Agrium Chief Executive Officer Chuck Magro and PotashCorp Chief Executive Officer Jochen Tilk each said their respective companies have effectively completed their major potash capacity expansions, positioning the combined operation to benefit when global potash demand picks up.

Industrial Info is tracking active PotashCorp projects worth $1.72 billion. This includes a $600 million urea unit addition at the company's Geismar fertilizer plant in Louisiana. Construction kicked off earlier this year, with completion planned for the end of December 2018. The 730,000 ton-per-year liquid urea unit will replace an existing unit.

Industrial Info is also tracking active Agrium projects worth $1.07 billion, including a $220 million urea unit addition at its agricultural ammonia and urea facility in Borger, Texas. Completion of the 610,000 ton-per-year unit is set for first-quarter 2017.

Industrial Info Resources (IIR), with global headquarters in Sugar Land, Texas, five offices in North America and 10 international offices, is the leading provider of global market intelligence specializing in the industrial process, heavy manufacturing and energy markets. Industrial Info's quality-assurance philosophy, the Living Forward Reporting Principle™, provides up-to-the-minute intelligence on what's happening now, while constantly keeping track of future opportunities. Follow IIR on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn. For more information on our coverage, send inquiries to info@industrialinfo.com or visit us online at http://www.industrialinfo.com/.