## Should Cooper Industries Invest in Champion Spark Plug?
**Executive Summary**
Cooper Industries’ (NYSE: CBE) proposed acquisition of Champion Spark Plug (NYSE: CHSP) is a strategically sound move that will create a leading global supplier of automotive and industrial products. The combined company will have a complementary product portfolio, a strong distribution network, and a global footprint that will position it well for growth in emerging markets.
**Strategic Rationale**
The acquisition of Champion Spark Plug will provide Cooper Industries with several strategic benefits, including:
* **Complementary Product Portfolio:** Champion Spark Plug is a leading manufacturer of spark plugs, filters, and other engine components. Cooper Industries’ portfolio includes a wide range of electrical products, including wiring devices, lighting, and power distribution equipment. The combined company will have a more diversified product offering that will appeal to a broader customer base.
* **Strong Distribution Network:** Champion Spark Plug has a strong distribution network that reaches over 100 countries. Cooper Industries has a complementary distribution network that sells to electrical distributors, industrial customers, and retailers. The combined company will have a global reach that will enable it to better serve its customers.
* **Global Footprint:** Champion Spark Plug has a significant presence in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Cooper Industries has a strong presence in North America and the Middle East. The combined company will have a truly global footprint that will position it well for growth in emerging markets.
**Financial Impact**
The acquisition of Champion Spark Plug is expected to be accretive to Cooper Industries’ earnings per share within the first year. The combined company is expected to generate annual cost savings of $100 million by the third year.
**Valuation**
Cooper Industries is offering to acquire Champion Spark Plug for $2.4 billion in cash. This price represents a premium of approximately 20% to Champion Spark Plug’s current share price. The premium is justified by the strategic benefits that the acquisition will provide to Cooper Industries.
**Conclusion**
The acquisition of Champion Spark Plug is a well-conceived deal that will create a leading global supplier of automotive and industrial products. The combined company will have a complementary product portfolio, a strong distribution network, and a global footprint that will position it well for growth in emerging markets. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to Cooper Industries’ earnings per share within the first year and is valued fairly at a 20% premium to Champion Spark Plug’s current share price.
## Detailed Analysis
### Product Portfolio
Champion Spark Plug is a leading manufacturer of spark plugs, filters, and other engine components. Cooper Industries’ portfolio includes a wide range of electrical products, including wiring devices, lighting, and power distribution equipment. The combined company will have a more diversified product offering that will appeal to a broader customer base.
**Champion Spark Plug’s Product Portfolio:**
* Spark plugs
* Filters
* Engine components
**Cooper Industries’ Product Portfolio:**
* Wiring devices
* Lighting
* Power distribution equipment
### Distribution Network
Champion Spark Plug has a strong distribution network that reaches over 100 countries. Cooper Industries has a complementary distribution network that sells to electrical distributors, industrial customers, and retailers. The combined company will have a global reach that will enable it to better serve its customers.
**Champion Spark Plug’s Distribution Network:**
* Over 100 countries
**Cooper Industries’ Distribution Network:**
* Electrical distributors
* Industrial customers
* Retailers
### Global Footprint
Champion Spark Plug has a significant presence in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Cooper Industries has a strong presence in North America and the Middle East. The combined company will have a truly global footprint that will position it well for growth in emerging markets.
**Champion Spark Plug’s Global Footprint:**
* Europe
* Asia
* Latin America
**Cooper Industries’ Global Footprint:**
* North America
* Middle East
## Financial Analysis
### Accretion to Earnings
The acquisition of Champion Spark Plug is expected to be accretive to Cooper Industries’ earnings per share within the first year. The combined company is expected to generate annual cost savings of $100 million by the third year.
### Cost Savings
The combined company is expected to generate annual cost savings of $100 million by the third year. These cost savings will be achieved through a combination of operational efficiencies and synergies.
### Valuation
Cooper Industries is offering to acquire Champion Spark Plug for $2.4 billion in cash. This price represents a premium of approximately 20% to Champion Spark Plug’s current share price. The premium is justified by the strategic benefits that the acquisition will provide to Cooper Industries.
## Conclusion
The acquisition of Champion Spark Plug is a well-conceived deal that will create a leading global supplier of automotive and industrial products. The combined company will have a complementary product portfolio, a strong distribution network, and a global footprint that will position it well for growth in emerging markets. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to Cooper Industries’ earnings per share within the first year and is valued fairly at a 20% premium to Champion Spark Plug’s current share price.