Credit Bulletin
December 12, 2018 | Mumbai
HCL Tech's rating to remain unchanged despite the $1.8 billion proposed acquisition of IBM's software products
 
CRISIL's corporate credit rating of 'CCR AAA/Stable' on HCL Technologies Limited (HCL Tech) remains unchanged following its announcement to acquire seven software products of IBM Corporation Ltd (IBM) for US$1.8 billion (about Rs 12,500 crore).
 
The transaction is expected to be closed by mid-2019. As per the terms of the deal, about 48% of the acquisition price (about Rs 6,000 crore) will be paid at the time of closure of the deal, while the remaining will be paid out a year later, in mid-2020. HCL Tech plans to fund the acquisition primarily through accrual and cash balances, and debt of about US$300 million (about Rs 2,120 crore). 
 
CRISIL believes the acquisition will help HCL Tech enhance its revenue and profit, as well as provide access to new business opportunities. HCL Tech is already in a licensing partnership with IBM for five of the seven products to be acquired. The acquisition is expected to incrementally contribute about 10% to HCL Tech's current turnover.
 
As part of the transaction, HCL Tech will gain access to a large, addressable market in marketing, commerce, security, and collaboration verticals and about 5,000+ clients across geographies. Besides, the current sales force and development team handling the products at IBM will also be transferred to HCL Tech.
 
The acquisition is in line with HCL Tech's medium-term strategy to complement its product offerings and build momentum across business verticals.
 
HCL Tech's liquid surplus should temporarily moderate but is expected to gradually increase, supported by healthy annual cash accrual of almost Rs 6,000 crore. Liquid surplus was Rs 11,572 crore as on September 30, 2018, but the company completed share buyback of Rs 4,000 crore in October 2018. Financial risk profile will continue to be healthy, with low leverage and strong credit metrics.
 
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Links to related criteria
CRISILs Approach to Financial Ratios
Rating Criteria for Software Industry
CRISILs Criteria for Consolidation

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