Update on Catalyst Technologies sale

Summary by AI BETAClose X

Johnson Matthey Plc has extended the long stop date for its Catalyst Technologies business sale to Honeywell to July 21, 2026, with a potential further extension to August 21, 2026, expecting completion by the end of August. The transaction's financial terms have been amended, with Johnson Matthey agreeing to sell the business for an enterprise value of £1,325 million on a cash and debt-free basis, reflecting the business's performance in 2025/26. Consequently, Johnson Matthey anticipates returning approximately £1,000 million to shareholders, comprising £800 million via a special dividend with share consolidation and £200 million through a share buyback programme. The company remains on track to deliver 2025/26 performance in line with guidance, including group underlying operating profit growth at the higher end of a mid-single-digit percentage range and positive free cash flow materially higher than the previous year.

Disclaimer*

Johnson Matthey PLC
23 February 2026
 

23rd February 2026

 

Johnson Matthey Plc

(the Company)

 

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION


Transaction update

On 22nd May 2025, Johnson Matthey Plc ("JM") and Honeywell International, Inc. ("Honeywell") announced an agreement to sell JM's Catalyst Technologies business ("CT") to Honeywell (the "Transaction").

JM and Honeywell have agreed to extend the long stop date for satisfaction of the closing conditions (the "Long Stop Date") from 21st February to 21st July 2026. In the event that the only remaining antitrust approval condition is not satisfied by the Long Stop Date, the Long Stop Date may be further extended to 21st August 2026, if certain conditions are met. JM and Honeywell expect to complete the Transaction by the end of August 2026.

In agreeing to extend the Long Stop Date, JM and Honeywell have also agreed to amend the financial terms of the Transaction to reflect CT's business performance during 2025/26, which includes the deferral of key sustainable solutions licensing projects and reduced profitability from the supply of catalysts due to the challenging market environment.  Accordingly, JM has agreed to sell the CT business to Honeywell for an enterprise value of £1,325 million on a cash and debt-free basis.

Consequently, JM now expects to return c.£1,000 million of net sale proceeds to its shareholders following completion of the Transaction, comprising £800 million through a special dividend with share consolidation, and £200 million through an on-market share buyback programme.

JM continues to make good progress on the implementation of its new cash-focused business model and is on track to deliver 2025/26 performance in line with guidance. This includes group underlying operating profit growth at the higher end of a mid single digit percentage range¹, and positive free cash flow that is materially higher than last year².

The person responsible for the release of this announcement is Simon Price, General Counsel and Company Secretary of JM.

ENDS

 

Enquiries: 



Investor Relations

 

 

Louise Curran

Head of Investor Relations

+44 20 7269 8235

Media



Sinead Keller

Guy Bates 

Group External Relations Director

Kekst CNC

+44 20 7269 8218

+44 7581 056 415

 

Johnson Matthey Plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (JMAT)

Registered in England & Wales number: 00033774
Legal Entity Identifier number: 2138001AVBSD1HSC6Z10

 

Notes:

1.       

Underlying operating profit is on a pro forma basis excluding CT and Value Businesses, and at constant precious metal prices and constant currency. 

2.       

Free cash flow defined as net cash flow from operating activities (excluding disposal related costs) after net interest paid, net purchases of non-current assets and investments and the principal elements of lease payments, adjusted to reflect the classification of Catalyst Technologies as a discontinued operation. 2024/25: £64 million inflow.

 

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