Şişecam Group: historic step on the path to merger

Following approval by the Capital Markets Board (CMB), shareholders also approved the merger of all operations under a single entity by Şişecam Group, a global player in all core areas of the glass industry and in the field of chemicals comprising soda and chromium compounds.

The Group opted for simplification of its legal entity and shareholding structure. January 30, 2020, were initiated the procedures to consolidate the publicly listed (BIST) main subsidiaries of the Group – namely, Anadolu Cam, Denizli Cam, Soda Sanayii and Trakya Cam along with Paşabahçe Cam – under the Şişecam umbrella. The official application was made to the CMB on April 27, 2020, and the regulatory authority’s approval was received on July 23, 2020.

Extraordinary General Assembly meetings were held on August 26-28, 2020 with the specific agenda of the merger following the CMB’s approval. Shareholders approved the merger of Anadolu Cam Sanayii A.Ş., Denizli Cam Sanayii ve Ticaret A.Ş., Paşabahçe Cam Sanayii ve Ticaret A.Ş., Soda Sanayii A.Ş. and Trakya Cam Sanayii A.Ş. by taking over by Türkiye Şişe ve Cam Fabrikaları A.Ş. as a whole with all their assets and liabilities. Following the approval decisions taken at the General Assembly meetings, the merger process is expected to be completed by the end of September, pursuant to relevant legal and regulatory provisions.

“Şişecam Group operates internationally, with production activities across 14 countries on four continents, and sales in over 150 countries. At the beginning of this year, we set out to consolidate all Şişecam Group operations under a single entity in order to enhance the maturity of our global organization. The unanimous approval of the merger, which will bolster Şişecam’s competitive edge globally, by our shareholders attending the General Assembly has further encouraged us to take this important step toward building Şişecam of the future.

“We would like to thank all our stakeholders – especially our shareholders who have provided unwavering support – as well as our employees, customers and business partners, for their valuable contributions to this process and for their trust and loyalty to Şişecam. As an exemplary company that creates sustainable value, Şişecam will more swiftly achieve its global objectives with the great strength derived from its stakeholders,” Prof. Ahmet Kırman, Şişecam Group Vice Chairman and CEO, said in his statement.

“A historic milestone in line with our competitive goals in global markets”

“When the merger transaction is completed, Şişecam will be our only company to be publicly traded on BIST. As a result, our free float ratio and trading depth will increase. With the market value of publicly traded shares exceeding 1 billion USD, a single Şişecam stock that is more attractive to investors will be traded on BIST. Şişecam will be included in major indices in the coming period, including the MSCI Index. Şişecam will become more of a focus for international funds and investors.

“Thanks to the merger, we aim to reap cost advantages by centralizing our main functions, such as supply chain, production, sales and marketing. In addition, Şişecam will create synergy between its business lines and make its decision-making processes more effective. Ultimately, we will demonstrate a higher share performance for investors by boosting our revenues and profitability,” Kırman noted.

Kırman also stated that Şişecam’s merger is a historic milestone in line with the Group’s long-term strategies and competitive goals in global markets, “The Şişecam merger enables more effective management of a geography spanning four continents across different business lines. The merger will bring about an agile, swift and lean global structuring. It will further strengthen Şişecam’s perception and position in global capital markets, while contributing greatly to our competitive edge and the economic value we create as a company.

“Şişecam is taking firm steps to achieve its ambitious global goals in its 85th year. We will complete the merger as planned with the strength we derive from Şişecam’s long-standing past. In the coming period, in line with our growth strategy of creating sustainable value, Şişecam will take strategic steps to boost its efficiency in its main business lines. In addition, we will capitalize on investment opportunities in new business areas that we believe to be promising. As a player in the global arena, Şişecam will continue to create value for all its stakeholders,” Kırman concluded.