Global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group and DuPont today announced that they have signed a definitive agreement whereby Carlyle will purchase DuPont Performance Coatings (DPC) for $4.9 billion in cash. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter 2013, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

DPC is a global supplier of vehicle and industrial coating systems with 2012 expected sales of more than $4 billion and more than 11,000 employees. The investment will be funded with equity from Carlyle Partners V and Carlyle Europe Partners III.

“DuPont Performance Coatings is a leader in the automotive and industrial coatings sectors with world-class products and customer service. The business continues to grow and deliver solid results. After a careful review, however, we have determined that DPC’s full growth potential would be best realized outside DuPont and through the sale to Carlyle,” said DuPont chair and CEO Ellen Kullman. “This transaction is consistent with our vision to be the world’s most dynamic science company and long-term strategy of driving competitive advantages in agriculture and nutrition, advanced materials and biotechnology, which represent high-growth, high-margin opportunities.”

“DuPont Performance Coatings is a successful business with attractive market positions, next-generation technology and established brands,” said Greg Ledford, Carlyle managing director and head of the industrial and transportation team. “Through targeted investments we will support DPC’s product development and growth objectives as it transitions to a stand-alone company. We look forward to working with management to fully realize DPC’s great potential.”

“DuPont Performance Coatings is a technology innovator and we look forward to building on its strong market presence to accelerate growth in emerging markets, particularly in China and Brazil,” said Gregor Böhm, managing director and co-head of Carlyle’s Europe buyout team.

Kullman stressed that DuPont remains committed to serving the automotive industry. Following the closing of this transaction, DuPont will generate more than $3 billion in sales of advanced materials to the auto industry. “We will continue to work closely with automotive customers to apply our science-powered innovations related to light weighting of vehicles, revolutionary and environmentally friendly refrigerants, biobased seat fabrics and headliners, and next-generation biofuels,” Kullman said.

Beginning with the third quarter 2012, DuPont will classify and report results of DPC as discontinued operations on a retroactive basis. 

Carlyle’s industrial and automotive investments include Allison Transmission, Hertz and PQ Corporation, as well as recent commitments to invest in Hamilton Sundstrand Industrial, Sunoco’s Philadelphia refinery and regional rail freight operator Genesee & Wyoming.