CUI Global, Inc. Closes Acquisition of Utility-Scale Solar EPC Company, Reach Construction Group, for Approximately $37 Million in Debt and Equity

CUI Global, Inc. announced the closing of the acquisition of Reach Construction Group, a privately held engineering, procurement, and construction company, specializing in utility-scale solar construction throughout North America, effective April 1, 2020.

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The acquisition offers significant synergies for revenue growth, including Reach’s deep expertise in renewable energy project delivery, particularly solar farms, site preparation, and public utility construction. Headquartered in Apex, NC, Reach has successfully executed over 40 projects in excess of 450 megawatts. The business is a recognized leader in the solar construction industry with over 50 years of combined experience in the delivery and management of both commercial and renewable energy construction projects. Reach develops and relies upon repeatable processes to provide its customers a safe, high quality, predictable result at the lowest cost.

In addition, Reach’s in-house engineering capabilities, supply chain relationships and industry expertise are expected to complement and accelerate the growth of other divisions within CUI Global, including its Orbital Gas Systems integration capabilities and its new electric transmission and distribution services operation branded as Orbital Power Services.  Anticipated cost synergies include leveraging existing sales, integration and distribution infrastructure for cross-selling opportunities. Reach has a contractual backlog for FY2020 in excess of $100 million in North American projects. The acquisition will immediately add significant revenues and contribute positive net earnings to CUI Global.

Terms of the acquisition include the issuance of 2 million restricted shares of CUI Global’s common stock (the shares are restricted for a 12-month period) and $35 million in Seller’s debt.  The Seller’s debt is in the form of two Promissory Notes due at between 18 and 36 months from the effective date of the transaction. Additional terms include an earnout provision, based on specific EBITDA targets.

Effective immediately, Reach will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of CUI Global. Brandon Martin will continue as chief executive officer (“CEO”) of Reach, reporting directly to CUI Global’s CEO, Jim O’Neil. CUI Global expects no organizational changes to Reach’s operations in North America or elsewhere.

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“This transaction effectively positions CUI Global for even more accelerated growth,” said Jim O’Neil, CUI Global’s vice-chairman & CEO. “Reach’s talent base of technical employees and their world-class management and support team, as well as their sterling reputation within the renewable energy industry, will help drive increased growth across our company portfolio. We believe both Reach and CUI Global will see tremendous benefits, using our joint network of iconic customers to market our combined portfolio of energy capabilities and products to a much larger audience.”

“This is a significant company milestone for Reach,” explained Reach’s CEO, Brandon Martin.  “With the combination of these two companies, we will now be able to expand our programs and services for our existing customer base, while at the same time pursue growth opportunities across a much broader market. As part of a global entity, we expect enhanced visibility in the market and heightened awareness for our company offerings.”