Arch Coal has completed its acquisition of International Coal Group through a merger, with ICG becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Arch. The aggregate value of the transaction totalled $3.4 billion. The acquisition adds nearly 13 Mt of low-cost Appalachian thermal coal production to Arch’s vast domestic thermal coal portfolio, solidifying the company’s number two position among US-based coal miners. With expected metallurgical coal sales of 11 Mt in 2011, Arch also becomes the second largest US metallurgical coal producer and a top ten global supplier to steelmakers. By capitalising on expansion opportunities, Arch expects to boost its metallurgical coal output to nearly 15 Mt by 2015.

The company stated that it expects to leverage its dedicated throughput capacity, logistics capabilities and strategic relationships to expand export shipments via the East Coast, West Coast and Gulf of Mexico to further penetrate and participate in the global growth markets. “We are pleased with the swift and successful completion of the ICG transaction, which will add tremendous value for Arch’s stakeholders in the coming years,” said Steven Leer, Arch’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “This acquisition extends Arch’s reach into every major US coal supply basin, enhances our low-cost and leadership position in core operating regions and creates a world-class global thermal and metallurgical coal franchise poised for growth.”