PERSTORP,
Sweden - Perstorp, the Swedish chemicals Group, has received legal approval for
the takeover of the acquired activities within Rhodia Organics and Lyondell
Chimie. The acquisition is the sixth in a short period as the Perstorp Group
continues its fast growth with sales of SEK 7 billion in 2006 to SEK 16 billion
in 2008 (pro forma).
The
acquisition increases Perstorp’s sales and operating profit by over 30 percent
and increases its number of employees to 2,700. Perstorp already has production
in 11 countries in North and South America, Europe, and Asia, and is now
gaining two new production plants, one in Le Pont-de-Claix, France, and one in
Freeport, TX.
During
2007 the acquired businesses had sales of around SEK 4.7 billion. They produce
special chemical products TDI and HDI, which are used in the coatings, auto and
furniture industries and represent a strategically important addition to the
Perstorp product portfolio. These products are used as hardeners in the coating
industry and in foam products in the auto and furniture industries. TDI is used
as a crosslink in polyurethane foam and in the production of, among other
things, mattresses, fillings and car seats. HDI and its derivatives are used in
coatings, elastomers and in applications that require stiff resistance,
lightweight and stability in outdoor environments.
The new
business will strengthen Perstorp´s existing product portfolio considerably, especially
for the coatings industry while providing synergies in sales, production and
development. Perstorp and the acquired business share many customers that will
now benefit from a stronger product range.
Christophe
Gas, who has worked for the Rhodia Group since 1988, will be responsible for
the new business. Perstorp has recently completed a number of key acquisitions,
including Solvay’s caprolactones production in the UK and Lonza’s production of
isophtalic acid in Singapore. In the UK, Perstorp is now investing to double
production of caprolactones. Perstorp is planning to build on its recent
acquisitions with further strategic acquisitions and through continued organic
and innovation-driven growth.
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