ATLANTA – J.M. Huber Corp., through its Huber Engineered Materials (HEM) division, has reached an agreement to acquire the Martinswerk mineral flame retardants and specialty chemicals businesses of Albemarle Corp. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in early 2016.

The Martinswerk businesses will become part of HEM’s Fire Retardant Additives (FRA) business unit.  The following product groups are included in the acquisition: Martinal^® precipitated and ground alumina trihydrate and Magnifin^® premium precipitated magnesium hydroxide. Also part of the acquisition is a variety of specialty chemical products including Martifin specialty hydrates for paper, Martoxid^® aluminum oxide primarily for ceramics, Pergopak^® flatting agents primarily for coatings, and Compalox^® granulated activated alumina.

Acquiring these product lines complements Huber’s existing portfolio of fire retardants and smoke suppressants while expanding its geographic presence and reach globally. As part of this transaction, Huber will also acquire a 50 percent position in Magnifin, a joint venture at Breitenau, Austria, which produces magnesium hydroxide.