CIMIC Group says it has signed all relevant material documentation including financing agreements for the sale of 50% of Thiess, one of the world’s largest mining services providers, to funds advised by Elliott Advisors (UK) Ltd.

This encompasses the satisfaction of a number of conditions precedent, including the required regulatory approvals, CIMIC noted.

Back in October, CIMIC announced the deal with Elliott, one of the oldest fund managers of its kind under continuous operation, saying the transaction would strengthen CIMIC’s balance sheet by generating cash proceeds on completion of A$1.7-A$1.9 billion as well as reducing CIMIC’s factoring balance by around A$700 million and CIMIC’s lease liability balance by some A$500 million.

Thiess delivers open pit and underground mining in Australia, Asia, Africa and the Americas, providing services to 25 projects across a range of commodities, CIMIC says. It has a diverse fleet of plant and equipment of more than 2,200 assets, a team of around 14,000 employees and generates annual revenues in excess of A$4.1 billion.

CIMIC noted that transaction completion, including receipt of cash proceeds, is expected to occur prior to the end of 2020.

As previously advised, the price for 50% of the equity interest in Thiess implies an enterprise valuation of approximately A$4.3 billion ($3.3 billion).