PEORIA, Ill., April 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: [ CAT ]) announced today the company has reached an agreement with WesTrac Pty Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Seven Group Holdings Limited, to acquire from Caterpillar the distribution and support business formerly operated by Bucyrus in Western Australia, Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales. The transaction is valued at approximately USD $400 million.

"We are pleased to announce this agreement with WesTrac today as we continue to make excellent progress in the transition of the product distribution and support of former Bucyrus machinery to Cat dealers around the world," said Steve Wunning, Caterpillar group president with responsibility for Resource Industries. "Through our longstanding relationship with WesTrac, we look forward to working together to deliver the best equipment solutions in the industry to our mining customers."

"The acquisition of the Bucyrus distribution and support business will enhance our leading position in the supply and service of heavy equipment to the mining and construction sectors in Western Australia, Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales," said Jim Walker, chief executive of WesTrac Group. "The Bucyrus product line and large installed base are a logical addition to our current range of Cat products and will provide us with significant opportunities for future growth with our mining customers."

Following completion of the acquisition, approximately 430 former Bucyrus employees and contractors are expected to transition to WesTrac. Subject to customary closing conditions, it is anticipated that the transaction will close by June 30, 2012.

Discussions are continuing between the companies in relation to the former Bucyrus distribution and support businesses in the WesTrac dealership territories in North Eastern China. Caterpillar also continues to hold discussions with other Cat dealers that have mining activity in their territories and will continue to operate the former Bucyrus distribution business until the transitions have occurred in a given territory. In addition to the agreement with WesTrac, Caterpillar closed the transaction with Sime Darby Industrial in the fourth quarter of 2011 and has also announced an agreement with Finning International Inc.

About Caterpillar:
For more than 85 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent. With 2011 sales and revenues of $60.138 billion, Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. The company also is a leading services provider through Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services, Caterpillar Logistics Services and Progress Rail Services. More information is available at: [ http://www.caterpillar.com ].

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release relate to future events and expectations and are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "believe," "estimate," "will be," "will," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "project," "intend," "could," "should" or other similar words or expressions often identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding our outlook, projections, forecasts or trend descriptions. These statements do not guarantee future performance, and we do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements.

Caterpillar's actual results may differ materially from those described or implied in our forward-looking statements based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to: (i) global economic conditions and economic conditions in the industries and markets we serve; (ii) government monetary or fiscal policies and infrastructure spending ; (iii) commodity or component price increases and/or limited availability of raw materials and component products, including steel; (iv) our and our customers', dealers' and suppliers' ability to access and manage liquidity; (v) political and economic risks and instability, including national or international conflicts and civil unrest; (vi) our and Cat Financial's ability to: maintain credit ratings, avoid material increases in borrowing costs, and access capital markets; (vii) the financial condition and credit worthiness of Cat Financial's customers; (viii) inability to realize expected benefits from acquisitions and divestitures, including the acquisition of Bucyrus International, Inc.; (ix) international trade and investment policies; (x) challenges related to Tier 4 emissions compliance; (xi) market acceptance of our products and services; (xii) changes in the competitive environment, including market share, pricing and geographic and product mix of sales; (xiii) successful implementation of capacity expansion projects, cost reduction initiatives and efficiency or productivity initiatives, including the Caterpillar Production System; (xiv) sourcing practices of our dealers or original equipment manufacturers; (xv) compliance with environmental laws and regulations; (xvi) alleged or actual violations of trade or anti-corruption laws and regulations; (xvii) additional tax expense or exposure; (xviii) currency fluctuations; (xix) our or Cat Financial's compliance with financial covenants; (xx) increased pension plan funding obligations; (xxi) union disputes or other employee relations issues; (xxii) significant legal proceedings, claims, lawsuits or investigations; (xxiii) compliance requirements imposed if carbon emissions legislation and/or regulations are adopted; (xxiv) changes in accounting standards; (xxv) failure or breach of IT security; (xxvi) adverse effects of natural disasters; and (xxvii) other factors described in more detail under "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 21, 2012 for the year ended December 31, 2011. This filing is available on our website at [ www.caterpillar.com/secfilings ].

SOURCE Caterpillar Inc.

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Caterpillar to Sell Part of Bucyrus Distribution Business to Cat Dealer WesTrac

Caterpillar to Sell Part of Bucyrus Distribution Business to Cat Dealer WesTrac

Transition to WesTrac to provide broad and unmatched support to mining customers