10 May 2022
Exchange Income buys Northern Mat & Bridge for CAD 325m
On May 12, 2022, Winnipeg's Exchange Income Corporation (EIC), a company with interests in manufacturing and aerospace, completed its biggest acquisition by purchasing Calgary's Northern Mat & Bridge for $325 million. Northern Mat, known for being Canada's leading provider of access mats and temporary bridges, caters to industries such as energy, forestry, and construction. Their products are environmentally friendly, serving as alternatives to traditional gravel roads and offering sustainable wood sourced from certified vendors.
This acquisition aligns with EIC's strategy to invest in companies committed to environmental sustainability. Mike Pyle, EIC's CEO, emphasized that the purchase satisfies both strategic and financial objectives, marking EIC's entry into acquiring sustainable-focused firms.
The financial aspects of the deal included EIC issuing $35 million in common shares to Northern Mat's employees and paying the remaining $290 million in cash. Darren Francis, the President and CEO of Northern Mat, expressed enthusiasm about becoming part of EIC's group of companies, citing the alignment of values, especially regarding Indigenous partnerships and cultural practices.
EIC's purchase announcement coincided with their first-quarter results, which reported a record $400 million in revenue. The transaction represents a significant expansion for EIC, particularly in sectors where environmental considerations are increasingly paramount.