LEVERKUSEN, Germany/PITTSBURGH – LANXESS has acquired Verichem Inc., Pittsburgh, PA. As a result, the German specialty chemicals company will significantly bolster its position in the U.S. material protection market and broaden its global biocide manufacturing network. LANXESS will gain access to a complementary portfolio of biocides, as well as active ingredients registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. The products are used to protect coatings, adhesives, construction materials, and pulp and paper.

Verichem is a privately owned company currently employing around 20 people. It recorded sales of roughly $10 million in 2010. Verichem's production site is located close to LANXESS’ U.S. headquarters in Pittsburgh. Verichem will be integrated into the LANXESS business unit Material Protection Products (MPP).