Arkema has announced a project to acquire the industrial applications specialty alcoxylate* business of SEPPIC**. This new product range would allow Arkema to extend its surfactant range and bolster its positions in industrial niche markets with high growth potential.
The project to acquire SEPPIC’s specialty alcoxylate industrial business entails in particular the acquisition of a world-class industrial site located in Antwerp, Belgium. This business, which generated sales of € 47 M in 2010 and concerns 50 employees, would become part of the Performance Products business segment and its Specialty Chemicals BU (CECA).
By integrating industrial facilities complementing its two sites at Feuchy and Châteauroux (France), CECA would expand its specialty 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%.
Alcoxylates also represent a key component in the manufacture of certain 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 would boost the major development of these products currently manufactured and marketed by the Arkema subsidiary Coatex.
Implementation of the project is subject to the legal information and consultation process involving the trade unions in the countries concerned, and to the approval of the antitrust authorities.
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* SEPPIC’s alcoxylates are specialty polyols and alcoxylated surfactants for the paint resins, coatings and adhesives markets.
** SEPPIC, a subsidiary of the Air Liquide Group, designs and manufactures specialty ingredients, essentially dedicated to the health and well being markets (personal care, vaccine adjuvants, pharmacy-nutrition).
CECA, a subsidiary of the Arkema Group, is a world player in Specialty Chemicals. CECA constantly strives to improve its customers’ performance by creating and developing adsorbents, chemical intermediates, and additives. CECA operates an extensive network of industrial facilities, together with two research centers (GRL and CRRA) dedicated to Customer innovation.
Coatex, a subsidiary of the Arkema Group, is a global producer of rheology additives, These environmentally sound high performance additives are used in a large number of applications, e.g. paint, paper, mineral treatment, detergent, concrete, plaster, ceramics, and water treatment.
A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema is building the future of the chemical industry every day. Deploying a responsible, innovation-based approach, we produce state-of-the-art specialty chemicals that provide customers with practical solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials. With operations in more than 40 countries, 15,700 employees and 9 research centers, Arkema generates annual revenue of €5.9 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands. The world is our inspiration.