AkzoNobel to Integrate Specialty Polymers Group into Existing Businesses

"The integration of the Personal Care and Alco businesses considerably boosts our position in the market," explained Frank Sherman, Manager of AkzoNobel's Surfactants business. "The union with these two units will create a group which spans technologies in natural polymers, synthetic polymers and specialty surfactants under one roof. We see this as a significant step forward in our strategy to become a more valued strategic partner to our key customers."

Added Bob Margevich, Manager of AkzoNobel Functional Chemicals: "We already have good relationships with most of Elotex's key customers, which is an important factor in being able to successfully integrate the business into our operations. Our immediate task is to sit down with our new colleagues and find the external synergies, as well as working out the various day-to-day internal business processes and harmonizing them with ours. From what we have seen so far, we expect a smooth integration."

The integration process will start immediately.