By David Reed, UT EditorMiddlebury, Connecticut-There is another new name in the chemical sector: Chemtura, covering the businesses of Crompton Corp. and Great Lakes Chemical Corp-once their merger is finalised. This is expected to close by mid-year, according to a 9 May statement issued by Crompton.The name was selected by a committee made up of Crompton and Great Lakes senior leaders and communications personnel, from a list drawn up by Siegel & Gale, a New York City firm that specialises in brand strategy and identity."We selected the name 'Chemtura' to represent the chemical company of the future, an organisation whose vision is to become the world's best specialty chemicals company," said Crompton chairman and CEO Robert Wood, who will serve in the same capacity for the new entity."We will not be Crompton. We will not be Great Lakes. We will be the Chemtura team, focused on the future," he said, in the 9 May statement.As a Delaware corporation, Crompton must abide with the Delaware law requirement that changes to its certificate of incorporation, including a name change, must be approved by a majority of shareholders entitled to vote. Crompton shareholders will vote on whether or not to approve the Chemtura name at the same time that shareholders of both companies vote on the merger.Crompton, with 2004 sales of $2.500 million, is a producer and marketer of speciality chemicals and polymer products including the Adiprene/Vibrathane range of polyurethane prepolymers. Great Lakes is the world's leading producer of certain specialty chemicals for such applications as water treatment, household cleaners, flame retardants, polymer stabilisers, fire suppressants, and performance products. Flame retardants for polyurethanes are part of its portfolio."
