ARNHEM, The Netherlands -- Akzo Nobel Coatings has acquired Qu¿ca Borden Ecuatoriana S.A., reported to be the top producer of adhesives and resins for the woodworking industry in Ecuador, from Borden Chemical Holding Inc. of the United States. Akzo Nobel said the acquisition represents a key step in its plan to expand its adhesives operations in South America. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"From a strategic point of view, this acquisition is the next logical step following the successful integration of Interqu¿S.A. in Colombia, the industrial resins and adhesives business we bought in 1998," said Rudy van der Meer, the Akzo Nobel board member responsible for coatings. He said the acquisition also provides "a broader market for our dispersion-based adhesives products for the woodworking industry."

Borden Chemical Inc., based in Columbus, OH, is a producer of resins and adhesives and formaldehyde-, melamine- and UV-cure coatings for a range of industrial applications.