The merger of Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan Inc. and Agrium Inc. will create one of Canada’s largest corporations and a company run by one of the country’s youngest chief executive officers.
Chuck Magro, 46, who has been Agrium’s CEO since 2014, was instrumental in leading the $12.5 billion transaction announced Monday. The zero-premium deal, described by both sides as a merger of equals, will create a fertilizer company with investments spanning 18 countries. It’s the biggest Canadian corporate deal this year after Enbridge Inc.’s $30 billion plan to buy Spectra Energy Corp., which was disclosed last week.