LONDON - ICI has agreed to acquire the Celanese emulsion powders business for $25.5 million in cash. The business recorded sales of €32 million and operating profit of €1.9 million in 2004, has about 50 employees, and is based in Frankfurt, Germany. The value of the gross assets being acquired is €11 million.

The acquisition of the Celanese emulsion powders business will extend the range of National Starch's Elotex end markets and applications and will provide additional growth opportunities and increased geographic coverage.