Joy Global Inc, the global supplier of high-productivity mining solutions, has announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement under which Komatsu America Corp, a subsidiary of Komatsu Ltd, will acquire Joy Global in a transaction valued at approximately $3.7 billion, including Joy Global’s outstanding indebtedness.

Komatsu intends to operate Joy Global as a separate subsidiary of Komatsu and retain the strength of the Joy Global brand names. The companies will align the organisation and operation for optimal customer support from Joy Global’s headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “Komatsu and Joy Global’s products and services are highly complementary and the combined organization will continue to focus on safety, productivity and life cycle cost improvement for customers. Komatsu plans to leverage both companies’ leading technologies to pursue product and service innovation to enhance mine safety and productivity. In addition, the companies employ complementary strategies and are committed to an integrated direct sales and service model.”

“This is a compelling transaction that delivers substantial and certain value to our stockholders as well as expanded options for our customers and employees going forward,” said Ted Doheny, President and Chief Executive Officer of Joy Global. “We believe this is the right partnership to meet the evolving needs of our customers while furthering our ability to lead the mining industry with game-changing technologies and best-in-class products. Joy Global’s Board of Directors, in making its determination, considered the challenging market conditions the company believes are likely to persist. The mining industry continues to face cyclical headwinds from oversupplied commodities and reduced end user demand resulting in cash flow restrictions for most producers, creating an increasingly challenging environment. We are also seeing structural changes in the US and China coal industry.

“Our companies share similar cultures and values,” Doheny continued, “and we expect many Joy Global employees to benefit from exciting career opportunities as part of an even larger, more diversified company. On behalf of the Joy Global Board and management team, we thank our dedicated employees for their continued hard work and commitment to solving mining’s toughest challenges.”