Marathon and Ashland Sign Closing Agreement With Internal Revenue Service
Posted: 23 May 2005
Marathon Oil Corporation and Ashland Inc. announced that the companies have entered into a closing agreement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which provides for the treatment of certain tax issues related to the transaction in which Marathon will acquire Ashland's 38 percent interest in Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC (MAP). The companies also have been informed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that it has granted early termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act waiting period. Finalization of the agreement with the IRS and the FTC early termination satisfy two of the conditions necessary for the closing of the transaction. Remaining closing conditions include Ashland shareholder approval, and Ashland public debt holder consents.
On April 28, 2005 , Marathon and Ashland announced that the companies had entered into a modified agreement under which Marathon will acquire Ashland 's interest in MAP and certain other complementary Ashland businesses for total consideration of an estimated $3.7-3.9 billion. The companies anticipate closing the transaction on June 30, 2005 , subject to the satisfaction of the conditions listed above. Following the closing of this transaction, Marathon will become the sole owner of MAP.
In addition to acquiring Ashland's minority interest in MAP, Marathon also will acquire Ashland's maleic anhydride business, including the company's plant located in Neal, West Virginia, adjacent to MAP's Catlettsburg (Kentucky) refinery, as well as a portion of its Valvoline Instant Oil Change business, consisting of 60 retail outlets located in Michigan and Ohio. While not part of MAP, these additional businesses are complementary to MAP's business.
This release contains forward-looking statements with respect to the completion of the acquisition of Ashland 's 38 percent interest in MAP and certain other businesses. Some factors that could affect the acquisition include Ashland shareholder approval, Ashland public debt holder consents, and updated Ashland solvency opinions. The foregoing factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward- looking statements. In accordance with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Marathon Oil Corporation has included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, and subsequent Forms 10-Q and 8-K, cautionary language identifying other important factors, though not necessarily all such factors, that could cause future outcomes to differ materially from those set forth in the forward- looking statements.
Posted by Editor Pipeline Magazine
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