3M and Ceradyne, Inc.announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement for 3M’s acquisition of Ceradyne, Inc. for $35.00 per share. The proposed transaction has an aggregate value of approximately $860 million, or approximately $670 million net of cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and debt acquired.

Ceradyne is a worldwide leader in the development and production of advanced technical ceramics for demanding applications in the automotive, oil and gas, solar, industrial, electronics and defense industries. The unique characteristics of advanced technical ceramics offer significant advantages over traditional materials such as metals and plastics.

The combination of Ceradyne and 3M will enable new technologies and innovation for uniquely tailored materials requiring advanced ceramics. Ceradyne will join the 3M Energy and Advanced Materials Division within 3M’s Industrial and Transportation Business. The 3M Energy and Advanced Materials Division provides valued materials for lightweight solutions and materials for performance in harsh environments to customers in a broad array of growth industries.