Celanese and Blackstone to Form Joint Venture in Acetate Tow
Celanese Corporation and funds managed by Blackstone announced a definitive agreement to form a JV that will create a global acetate tow supplier. Celanese and Blackstone will own 70 percent and 30 percent of the JV, respectively.
Transaction Overview
Under the terms of the agreement, Celanese will contribute its Cellulose Derivatives business unit, including its equity interest in existing JVs with China National Tobacco Corporation, and Blackstone will contribute its Rhodia Acetow business unit, which it recently acquired from Solvay. The new company is expected to generate 2017 annual pro forma revenue of approximately $1.3 billion with around 2,400 employees. The JV will have an extended global footprint that includes eight wholly-owned manufacturing facilities and three existing JV sites.
The new company will be well positioned to meet customers’ current and evolving needs efficiently while providing the highest level of quality and service. The complementary nature of the tow businesses and a combination of technology expertise will result in synergies mainly from optimization of supply chain networks and procurement of raw materials, energy, equipment, and other services.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Celanese to partner with Blackstone in a way that creates significant value for all stakeholders. The combination of these tow assets will enhance our ability to serve customers more efficiently and reliably from a global production footprint while also creating growth opportunities for employees,” said Mark Rohr, chairman and chief executive officer of Celanese. “Celanese has delivered strong results in the last several years through differentiated business models. This transaction gives us the opportunity to partially monetize Cellulose Derivatives and reallocate significant capital to higher growth businesses within Celanese to accelerate our growth momentum.”
Lionel Assant, Head of Private Equity Europe at Blackstone, said: “The combination of these two companies provides an excellent opportunity to create a new, international business focused on innovation and growth to the benefit of its customers and employees. We are excited to work with Celanese on this strategic development.”/en/
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