Clariant sells US specialty silicones business
The deal will include the Gainsville, Florida facility that forms the basis of the business and the acquisition officially takes effect from today, September 1.
The decision by Clariant forms part of its current business model to maintain sustainable growth in its key business area, specialty chemicals.
“We have decided to divest this business because its focus on developing complex but small-quantity silicone products is not closely aligned to Clariant’s business model and strategic direction,” said Ken Golder, who heads up the company’s North American business.
Speciality silicones for personal care
The facility and business provides specialty silicones to the personal care industry worldwide, as well as selling to the pharmaceutical, construction and electronics markets.
Currently the business employs a total of 120 people on its pay roll, all of whom are expected to be transferred over to the SiVance business.
Although terms and conditions of the deal were not revealed, SiVance has indicated that it will not be making any significant changes to the business in the short- to mid-term.
Clariant expands in China
Back in March of this year Clariant opened a production facility in Zhenjiang, Eastern China, aiming to tap into growing demand for key personal care ingredients in the country.
The plant underwent the final stages of completion and testing and went into full production of personal care fine chemicals in the middle of the year.
The facility now produces surfactants, primarily to serve strong growth in the country’s personal care market but also to serve demand from the paints, coatings and metal working industries.
Likewise, the plant will produce a range of chemicals for the homecare, textile, oil and mining industries.
