SANDERSVILLE, GA - Thiele Kaolin Co. and Imerys Performance Minerals jointly announced that they have entered into an agreement in which Thiele will acquire certain Imerys kaolin assets that primarily support the paper and board industry. Through the sale, Thiele will acquire mineral resources, as well as certain manufacturing assets, primarily supporting hydrous kaolin but also including some calcination capability.

These mineral and manufacturing assets are located in central Georgia, strategically situated near other Thiele assets. Imerys has retained assets in Sandersville, Georgia, and remains committed to the mining community in middle Georgia and its business in the region.

“This transaction supports Thiele’s future growth initiatives in global coated board and industrial products segments,” said J. Eric Tillirson, President & CEO, Thiele Kaolin Co. “These strategic assets enable Thiele to strengthen and expand our ability to deliver tailored mineral solutions that provide significant value for our customers, as we have done throughout our 75 year history.”

“We are sharpening our focus on value-added applications that leverage Imerys’ deep knowledge of minerals combined with our ability to innovate specialty formulations and environmentally-friendly technologies that address the unique needs of our customers and trends in the marketplace,” said Jim Murberger, Senior Vice President of Imerys Performance Minerals Americas. “Imerys remains committed to bringing new technologies into the markets we serve, and we look forward to working with Thiele to ensure a smooth transition for all.”

The transaction is expected to be completed early in the fourth quarter of this year, subject to customary closing conditions.

For more information about Thiele Kaolin Co., visit www.thielekaolin.com. Learn more about Imerys Performance Minerals at www.imerys.com.