ICI Synetix Acquires Catalyst Business from Celanese
ICI Synetix has taken a further step towards becoming one of the world’s leading catalyst producing companies with the acquisition of the ‘CelActiv’ catalyst business from the German manufacturer, Celanese chemicals Europe GmbH which includes the manufacturing assets also associated with the ‘Hoecat’ catalyst business.
Synetix had previously acquired the ‘Hoecat’ catalyst business, which serves the oleochemicals and edible oils markets, in October 1999. ‘CelActiv’ catalysts are used in the world’s chemicals markets in the manufacture of amines, oxo alcohols and agrochemicals. Synetix will continue to supply the ‘CelActiv’ and ‘Hoecat’ portfolio to existing customers.
The ‘CelActiv’ and ‘Hoecat’ businesses which are based in Oberhausen, Germany, about 60km from Synetix’s Emmerich site have annual sales of about DM 27 million (£9 million). Some 50 Celanese employees will transfer to ICI when the deal is completed early in 2001. The transaction is valued at less than one per cent of ICI Group net assets.
Bob Coxon, Chief Executive of Synetix, said: “This deal will allow us to produce improved products and meet the increased demands of our customers worldwide. There are clear synergies in combining the different catalytic technologies and it brings us ever closer to our aim of creating one of the world’s leading catalyst companies.”
Synetix is a global business with around 5,000 customers in over 85 countries. The company employs around 800 people worldwide and has production facilities in Germany, India and the UK and sales teams across the globe. It is headquartered in Billingham,Teesside, UK. Synetix plans to grow its share of the profitable segments of the global $8 billion catalyst market.
High performing catalysts from Synetix are the key technology in the manufacture of chemicals, oleochemicals, edible oils, pharmaceutical intermediates, polymers, oil and gas, ammonia and methanol.
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