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SIRVA Sharpens its Strategic Focus on Relocation Solutions and
Network Services
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Announces intention to exit
logistics-based businesses globally
Signs definitive agreement to sell
North American Specialized Transportation business
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CHICAGO, September 10, 2004 — SIRVA,
Inc., (NYSE: SIR), a global relocation services provider, has
reached a definitive agreement to sell its Specialized
Transportation business in North America to a group of its North
American Van Lines agents.
SIRVA also announced its intention to
sell its European Specialized Transportation business and its
Transportation Solutions business. The company has retained an
investment banker and is actively marketing these two operations.
SIRVA’s Board of Directors approved the divestiture plan on
September 9, 2004.
These three businesses combined
accounted for approximately 16 percent of SIRVA operating revenue
and generated a small operating loss in the first half of 2004. The
asset-light Allied Special Products Division will be retained as
part of the Allied moving business.
This effectively exits SIRVA from its
asset-intensive logistics businesses globally. Effective for third
quarter reporting, SIRVA will classify these businesses being held
for sale under a “Discontinued Operations” heading on the income
statement and separately classify the assets and liabilities on the
balance sheet. Additional historical financial information
reflecting this change will be provided when SIRVA announces third
quarter results.
“We will now focus all of our talent
and financial resources entirely on our high-growth, high-return
Relocation Solutions and related Network Services segments,” said
Brian Kelley, President and CEO. “These are our core strategic
businesses where we have competitive advantage and can deliver
continued strong growth in revenue, earnings and cash flow.”
The company expects the total
divestiture plan, once completed, to be cash flow positive. In
connection with the divestitures, SIRVA expects to record up to $65
million of one-time charges, with up to $30 million to be recorded
in the third quarter, up to $25 million to be recorded in the fourth
quarter, and the remainder to be incurred during 2005. These charges
are comprised of the following:
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Approximately
$32 million in impairment charges related to logistics warehouses
and trailers under lease.
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Approximately
$11 million related to IT and other contract termination costs.
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Approximately
$12 million of non-cash goodwill and software impairment charges.
-
Approximately
$10 million of severance.
Under the terms of the Specialized
Transportation agreement, which is estimated to close by October 31,
SIRVA will receive a nominal cash payment and will retain the
pre-closing working capital of approximately $20 million. In
addition, the buyer will assume certain liabilities, including
obligations under existing agency and customer contracts. It is
expected that most of the employees of the business will transfer to
the new company.
“This transaction is a win for our
customers, our North American agents, our employees and drivers, and
for our shareholders,” Kelley added. “We continue to gain momentum
in the marketplace in our core strategic businesses, and we are
confident as ever in our ability to deliver on our long term
financial objectives.”
Outlook
The company expects 2004 EPS from
continuing operations in line with its previously stated range of
$1.15 - $1.18. And for 2005, the company expects continuing
operations to exceed its stated long-term objectives of plus 10
percent net revenue growth and plus 20 percent EPS growth.
About SIRVA, Inc.
SIRVA, Inc. is a leader in providing
relocation solutions to a well-established and diverse customer base
around the world. The company is the leading global provider that
can handle all aspects of relocations end-to-end within its own
network, including home purchase and home sale services, household
goods moving, mortgage services and insurance. SIRVA conducts more
than 365,000 relocations per year, transferring corporate and
government employees and moving individual consumers. The company
operates in more than 40 countries with approximately 8,000
employees and an extensive network of agents and other service
providers. SIRVA’s well-recognized brands include Allied,
northAmerican, Global, and SIRVA Relocation in North America;
Pickfords, Huet, Kungsholms, ADAM, Majortrans, Allied Arthur Pierre,
Rettenmayer, and Allied Varekamp in Europe; and Allied Pickfords in
the Asia Pacific region. More information about SIRVA can be found
on the company’s Web site at
www.sirva.com.
Forward-Looking
Statements
This release includes forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not
historical, but are made based on management’s current expectations
and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential
effects upon SIRVA, Inc. and its subsidiaries. There can be no
assurance that future developments affecting us will be those
anticipated by management. These forward-looking statements are not
a guarantee of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties
and other factors, including without limitation those described
under the caption “Business-Investment Considerations” and other
risks described in our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q. We do not intend, and are under no obligation,
to update any particular forward-looking statement included in this
release.
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