Economy

Oil States Sells Tubular Business to Marubeni-Itochu Steel
Written by Sandy Williams
September 10, 2013
Sooner Inc., the largest U.S. distributor of pipes for oil and gas, has been purchased by Tokyo-based Marubeni-Itochu Steel Inc. for $600 million in cash. MISI subsidiary Marubeni-Itochu Tubulars America, Inc., will gain a 100 percent of share of Sooner Inc. The two companies are both based in Houston.
“We are pleased to complete this transaction, which allows us to invest further in our accommodations, well site services and offshore products segments while at the same time accelerating the return of capital to shareholders,” said Cindy B. Taylor, president and CEO of Oil States.
In connection with the sale of Sooner, Oil States has increased the share repurchase program from $200 million to $500 million until September 1, 2014. The Company currently has 55.2 million shares of common stock outstanding.
Sooner Inc. reported sales of $1.8 billion in 2012.

Sandy Williams
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