The disposal will see KPS Capital Partners take a 50% stake in the new entity, which will consist of Tate & Lyle’s Primary Products business in North and Latin America and its interests in the Almidones Mexicanos and DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio-Products Company. The new venture, named NewCo, has an enterprise value of US$1.7bn, equivalent to a multiple of 5.1 times EBITDA. KPS will have board and operational control.

Tate & Lyle expects to receive gross proceeds of around UD$1.2bn (£0.9bn) after adjustments and transaction costs. Of this, the company said £0.5bn will be returned to investors through a special cash dividend.

The balance will be retained to strengthen Tate & Lyle’s balance sheet, provide flexibility to invest to accelerate growth, the company said.

“Today’s announcement represents the next phase in the evolution of Tate & Lyle. Our one strong company will become two stronger businesses, both in a position to pursue new and exciting growth opportunities in their respective markets,”​ Tate & Lyle CEO Nick Hampton commented.

Tate & Lyle increasing focus on fast-growth specialities unit

By strengthening the balance sheet Tate & Lyle suggested it is creating a platform to re-focus capital towards both organic and inorganic growth opportunities, hinting at potential future portfolio adjustments.

The company has set itself the target of growing organic sales in the mid-single digits, while also expanding its operating margin by 50-100 basis points and delivering an organic return on capital employed improvement of 50 basis points.