Arch Chemicals announced that it is making a formal cash offer for all issued shares of Hickson International plc.

NORWALK, CT — Arch Chemicals Inc. announced that it is making a formal cash offer for all issued shares of Hickson International plc, a UK-based manufacturer of biocides, urethanes for furniture applications, agricultural herbicides and fine chemicals. The offer amounts to approximately $150 million (U.S.).

Hickson’s operations include three businesses — Wood Protection, Furniture Coatings and Organic Chemicals. Arch said it would sell the Organic Chemicals business, which it said is not considered to be a “strategic fit.”