Engelhard Corporation (NYSE: EC) and
Süd-Chemie AG,
Munich announced the sale of Süd-Chemie´s
fats and
oils
catalyst business to
Engelhard. Terms of the transaction
were not disclosed.
The acquisition broadens Engelhard's catalyst technology
offering to oleochemical markets. These technologies play
a vital role in the manufacture of
fats and oils derived from
agricultural feedstocks such as soybean oil,
fish oil, palm
oil and
corn oil, among others. Their diverse end markets
include foods,
detergents,
personal care products,
lubricants and fabric softeners.
Engelhard purchased Süd-Chemie's fats and oils catalyst
technology, trade names and some manufacturing
equipment. No employees or manufacturing
plants were
included in the transaction.
"This acquisition supports our strategy of leveraging
Engelhard's core competencies in surface and materials
science," said Barry W. Perry, Engelhard's chairman and
chief executive officer. "Broadening the technology we
offer and expanding our base of served markets is key to
our growth."
"Süd-Chemie has decided to divest this business as part of
its strategy to streamline its portfolio development
towards other strategic catalyst areas, where Süd-Chemie
sustains and further enhances its market leading
positions," said Dr. Jürgen F. Kammer, chief executive
officer of Süd-Chemie AG.
Engelhard and Süd-Chemie are working together to ensure
a seamless transition for customers. Eventually, Engelhard
will incorporate
production of its newly acquired product
line into existing facilities currently producing similar
products.
Süd-Chemie is creating performance technology as a
leading producer and service provider in
catalysts and
adsorbents and
additives with some 60 production and
sales companies throughout Europe, America, Africa and
Asia.