Renewable Energy Group Closes Acquisition of Imperium Renewables

Renewable Energy Group is the new owner of the 100-million gallon nameplate biodiesel refinery (center) and terminal operations at the Port of Grays Harbor near Hoquiam, Washington. The plant will now be called REG Grays Harbor, LLC. (Photo: Business Wire)

AMES, Iowa--()--Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGI) completed its acquisition Wednesday of substantially all the assets of Imperium Renewables, Inc., the Company announced today.

REG paid Imperium $15.0 million in cash and issued 1.675 million shares of REG common stock in exchange for substantially all of Imperium’s assets, including the 100-million gallon nameplate biodiesel refinery and terminal at the Port of Grays Harbor, WA. For two years post-closing, Imperium may receive up to $0.05/gallon for biodiesel produced and sold at Grays Harbor. REG assumed $5.2 million of Imperium’s debt from Umpqua Bank, which has agreed to provide the newly-named REG Grays Harbor, LLC with an additional loan capacity of up to $5.0 million to fund capital expenditures and improvements at the facility. In addition, Imperium retained its net working capital value of approximately $25 million.

“We are excited to now offer high-quality REG-9000 biomass-based diesel produced at Grays Harbor to better serve new and existing customers along the west coast and other low-carbon fuel markets,” said REG President and CEO Daniel J. Oh. “The transition at Grays Harbor has been seamless so far thanks to the dedicated team at Imperium who we are now proud to have as members of the REG family.”

Most of Imperium’s employees have agreed to stay on with REG. The Grays Harbor location includes 18 million gallons of storage capacity and a terminal that can accommodate feedstock intake and fuel delivery on deep-water PANAMAX class vessels as well as possessing significant rail and truck transport capabilities. A formal grand opening will be announced at a later date.

About Renewable Energy Group

Renewable Energy Group, Inc. is a leading North American advanced biofuels producer and developer of renewable chemicals. REG utilizes a nationwide production, distribution and logistics system as part of an integrated value chain model to focus on converting natural fats, oils and greases into advanced biofuels and converting diverse feedstocks into renewable chemicals. With 11 active biorefineries across the country, research and development capabilities and a diverse and growing intellectual property portfolio, REG is committed to being a long-term leader in bio-based fuels and chemicals.

For more than a decade, REG has been a reliable supplier of advanced biofuels which meet or exceed ASTM quality specifications. REG sells REG-9000™ biomass-based diesel to distributors so consumers can have cleaner burning fuels that help diversify the energy complex and increase energy security. REG-9000™ biomass-based diesel is distributed in most states in the US. REG also markets ultra-low sulfur diesel and heating oil in the northeastern and midwestern US. For more information on REG visit our website at www.regi.com.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as amended, including statements regarding the potential benefits of the transactions. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections that are subject to change, and actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to REG’s ability to integrate Imperium’s business with its own; whether REG Grays Harbor would be able to produce biodiesel profitably; changes or events affecting the business, financial condition or results of operations of either REG or Imperium prior to or following the closing of the transaction; and other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in REG's quarterly reports on Forms 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2015, annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and other periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and REG does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements based on new developments or changes in our expectations.

Contacts

Renewable Energy Group, Inc.
Anthony Hulen, 703-822-1972
Executive Director, Corporate Affairs
anthony.hulen@regi.com

Release Summary

Renewable Energy Group has completed its acquisition of Imperium Renewables assets, including a 100-million gallon biodiesel refinery at the Port of Grays Harbor, Washington.

Contacts

Renewable Energy Group, Inc.
Anthony Hulen, 703-822-1972
Executive Director, Corporate Affairs
anthony.hulen@regi.com