Apollo, an investment firm, agreed to acquire U.S. Silica, a diversified industrial minerals company, for for $1.85bn. "We have tremendous respect for U.S. Silica and its talented management team and employees, and are thrilled to partner with them to unlock the Company's next phase of growth. U.S. Silica's industrial minerals and sand mining and logistics businesses each are proven leaders in their respective markets. We believe there are many opportunities to grow and expand these businesses and we look forward to using our significant industry experience to build on and extend the Company's legacy of excellence to new frontiers," Gareth Turner, Apollo Partner.