ADNOC and OMV advance formation of Borouge Group International AG
- New agreement to allow Borouge Plc to market volumes from Borouge 4, delivering $400 MM cumulative net profit over three years and approximately 10% earnings annual accretion after full ramp up
- Key arrangement to enhance operational flexibility for Borouge Group International AG, creating significant value for shareholders and supporting future dividend payments
- Borouge Group International AG is expected to receive strong investment grade ratings from S&P, Moody’s and Fitch, underpinning its robust financial position
- Timing of Borouge Group International AG’s proposed listing will align with company’s future equity raise, maximizing value for all shareholders
- Strong progress towards transactions close, anticipated by the end of March 2026
- Borouge Plc intended annual dividend 16.2 fils per share unchanged
ADNOC and OMV Aktiengesellschaft have announced strong progress towards the formation of Borouge Group International AG, including the signing of an Asset Usage Agreement for the Borouge 4 (B4) production complex. The formation of Borouge Group International AG, through the combination of Borouge Plc and Borealis, and acquisition of Nova Chemicals, is progressing according to plan, with the transactions close expected by the end of March 2026, subject to customary conditions.
B4 is a new integrated polyolefins production complex with a 1.5-metric MMt ethane cracker and 1.4-metric MMt of polyethylene capacity, with the first plant expected to startup this quarter. Boasting the latest, proprietary Borstar® technology to produce advanced, high-premium polyethylene, B4 is 70% owned by ADNOC and 30% by OMV, and forms part of the Borouge production site, set to become the world’s largest single-site polyolefins complex.
The agreement enables Borouge Plc, and subsequently Borouge Group International AG, to operate and market the volumes of B4 in return for an at-cost asset utilization fee. It will provide both entities with financial flexibility while delivering an estimated $400 MM in cumulative net profit over the next three years, representing approximately 10% annual accretion to Borouge Plc earnings post ramp up. It is anticipated that the Agreement for B4 will be maintained until Borouge Group International AG acquires the asset from its current owners, which is currently not expected before 2029, thereby providing flexibility on the timing of future capital outlays.
B4 operations are expected to ramp up progressively throughout 2026 and with the signing of the Agreement, Borouge Group International AG will have access to 13.6 MMt of nameplate production capacity across Europe, the Middle East and North America, positioning the company as the world’s fourth largest polyolefins producer. The combined entity is expected to continue delivering a best-in-class margin profile and generate significant synergies.
Robust capital structure recognized by strong credit ratings. Borouge Group International AG is expected to receive A (Negative) / Baa1 (Stable) / A- (Stable) ratings from S&P, Moody’s and Fitch, respectively, confirming its strong financial position and capital structure. ADNOC and OMV are committed to maintaining investment grade credit ratings for Borouge Group International AG.
Borouge Group International AG will benefit from one of the most geographically diversified platforms in the polyolefins sector, integrating production across three continents and serving customers internationally. This truly global reach, combined with long-term shareholders and a robust capital structure, will deliver resilience throughout the business cycle and an unmatched ability to drive sustainable shareholder returns.
Timing of tender offer and equity raise. ADNOC and OMV reaffirm the importance of the previously announced planned tender offer to create a simplified structure that will enable value creation from the new global growth platform. The timing of the proposed tender offer, which will convert Borouge Plc shares to Borouge Group International AG shares, will align with the new company’s future equity raise, to maximize value for all shareholders. The tender offer is expected to take place in 2027, subject to market conditions and approval by the UAE Capital Market Authority. Until then, Borouge Group International AG will be privately held and Borouge Plc shares will remain listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). The recently received credit ratings factor in the impact and flexibility on timing of both the future equity raise and the planned acquisition of B4 at cost by Borouge Group International AG.
Borouge Plc shareholders and Borouge Group International AG’s owners, ADNOC and OMV, will benefit from the accretion provided by the Agreement. Borouge Plc shareholders are expected to also benefit from intended annual dividend commitment of 16.2 fils per share, which will be maintained by Borouge Group International AG, post completion of the proposed tender offer.
Upon completion, ADNOC’s stake in Borouge Group International AG will be transferred to XRG, a wholly owned subsidiary of ADNOC, complementing XRG’s Global Chemicals Platform, and fully supporting its ambition to become a top three global chemicals investor.
Borouge Group International AG will be jointly controlled as an equal partnership between XRG and OMV AG, each holding a 50% stake at completion. As long-term, value-creating owners, both companies are committed to unlocking the full potential of Borouge Group International AG, including the realization of synergies.
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