Colombes, France - French chemicals group Arkema is to acquire the speciality alcoxylates business of chemical company Seppic. This new product range will allow Arkema to extend its surfactant range and bolster its positions in industrial niche markets with high growth potential, the Arkema said in an 8 Nov news release.
The purchase includes the acquisition of a world-class industrial site located in Antwerp, Belgium. This business, which Arkema said generated sales of Euro 47 million in 2010 and concerns 50 employees, will become part of Arkema's performance products business segment and its speciality chemicals unit (CECA).
For polyurethanes, Seppic's alcoxylates offerings include special polyol polyethers (diols, triols and tetrols) for CASE (coating, adhesives, sealants & elastomers) uses as well as for foams and dispersions.
Arkema said that by integrating industrial facilities complementing its two sites at Feuchy and Châteauroux (France), CECA will expand its speciality surfactant range intended in particular for niche markets such as warm asphalt mix for road construction, industrial detergency, and the oil and gas business, which reports annual growth of some 5 percent.
Alcoxylates are key componets in making rheological additives used in paints and ultra-high- performance concrete additives for high-tech civil works engineering structures such as high-rise buildings and bridges. This acquisition will boost development of these products, currently made by Arkema's subsidiary Coatex, the company noted.
Implementation of the project is subject to consultation with the relevant trade unions, and approval of the antitrust authorities, Arkema added.
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