Linking up Combining strengths

NEWS

Combining strengths

BASF to acquire ultrafiltration specialist inge watertechnologies AG

BASF has signed an agreement with the investor group of Germany-based inge watertech nologies AG to acquire the company and its ultrafiltration membrane business. inge watertechnologies AG is a global leading provider of ultrafiltration technology, a membrane process used in the treatment of drinking water, process water, wastewater and sea water. It is headquartered in the town of Greifenberg near Munich in Germany and employs about 85 staff. With a global reach, the company’s range of products include highly-efficient ultrafiltration modules and cost-effective rack designs which are the core components of water treatment plants.

“This transaction is an important step in strengthening BASF’s technology and innovation driven business and is in line with our focus on addressing major global challenges. The deal will further improve BASF’s position in the water treatment industry, which is an attractive and fast-growing market and helps to improve quality of life everywhere,” said Dr John Feldmann, member of the board of executive directors of BASF and responsible for the Performance Products segment. Visit: www.basf.com

DSM to acquire Vitatene S.A.U.

Royal DSM, the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company, has signed an agreement with P&R Group (Italy) to acquire Vitatene S.A.U., based in León (Spain), a producer of natural carotenoids. The acquisition of Vitatene allows DSM to strengthen the natural carotenoids offerings of its nutrition business as consumer demand for natural products continues to grow.

Founded in 2004, Vitatene is a leader in the production and sale of a range of high-value natural carotenoid products derived from fermentation of the fungus ‘Blakeslea trispora’. The products are sold under the brand names Betanat and Lyconat. The products are an addition to DSM’s current portfolio of highly functional carotenoids, ranging from beta-carotene to lutein and zeaxanthin. Visit: www.dsm.com

Sustainable chemistry leader DRT acquires shares in Crown Chemicals,

Aglobal leader in the development of rosin and turpentine extracted from pine resin, DRT has announced the purchase of shares in Crown Chemicals, a company based in India, specialised in the manufacture of synthetic piperonal. This investment reaffirms DRT’s position as a major global player in the development of responsible chemistry.

Natural piperonal is obtained from Sassafras oil which is extracted from the roots of the Sassafras tree, a species of deciduous trees in the family ‘Lauraceae’. The massive commercial felling of Sassafras forests, and the absence of any significant replanting programs have forced authorities to protect the species, which is now in danger of extinction. Currently a high proportion of the Sassafras oil available in the world market is being sourced illegally from countries like Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

It is estimated that around 5 million trees are cut down each year to meet the worldwide demand for piperonal. Soon this resource will be completely wiped out.

These alarming figures drove Crown Chemicals to focus its efforts on developing a synthetic route to manufacture piperonal. Visit: www.drt.fr

Solvay and Rhodia to create a major player in chemicals

Solvay and Rhodia have signed a framework agreement according to which Solvay will launch a friendly cash offer for 100 per cent of the share capital of Rhodia. The creation of a new group will accelerate the shared ambition to create a large global chemical company committed to sustainable development.

The new group’s strategy is based on the following strengths: 90 per cent of its combined sales of €12 billion are realised in businesses where it is already among the top three worldwide. Solvay is a leader in high performance specialty polymers, in soda ash and hydrogen peroxide, while Rhodia holds leadership positions in speciality materials (silica, rare earths), products for consumer markets (surfactants, natural polymers, acetate tow) and engineering plastics based on polyamide 6.6. Visit: www.rhodia.com

LINKINGUP Daimler and Bosch to establish joint venture for electric motors

Daimler AG and Robert Bosch GmbH plan to expand their long-standing partnership and cooperate in the development and production of electric motors for all-electric vehicles in Europe. The companies have signed a letter of intent and begun negotiations to establish a 50:50 joint venture, which is likely to be concluded in the first half of 2011.

In pooling their competencies, the two companies aim to accelerate development advances in electric machines as well as to benefit from synergies. According to their letter of intent, joint production should start in 2012. It is envisioned that the electric motors developed will be used in Mercedes-Benz and smart electric vehicles from 2012. Subsequent sales to other automakers are to be handled by Bosch. The joint activities are planned to be located in the greater Stuttgart area and in Hildesheim, northern Germany. Visit: www.bosch.com

ASSA ABLOY has acquired FlexiForce, a world leader in components for industrial sectional doors and residential garage doors. FlexiForce specialises in the manufacturing and distribution of components for overhead doors with a strong position in R&D, distribution and a solid customer base. “I am very happy to welcome FlexiForce to our group. This is another important step in our strategy of growing our position within

entrance automation,” says Johan Molin, ASSA ABLOY acquires FlexiForce president and CEO of ASSA ABLOY. “This is an exciting and growing customer category where we see opportunities to develop even closer relationships with our customers. FlexiForce also adds a very well-reputed and competent management team and a dedicated workforce, whom we welcome to our group,” says Juan Vargues, executive vice-president of ASSA ABLOY and head of the Entrance Systems division. Visit: www.assabloy.com

Titan Europe buys out its JV partner in Turkey

The Board of Titan Europe is pleased to announce that Titan Europe’s whollyowned subsidiary, Titan Italia SpA, has acquired the remaining 50 per cent interest in its joint venture business, Titan Jantsa Jant Sanayi Ticaret ve Sanayi A. from JANTSA-Jant Sanayı ve Tıcaret A.S. The cash consideration paid for the shareholding is €8.5 million.

Titan Jantsa, established as a joint venture in 2005, serves the Turkish market and western European OEM customers principally for agricultural wheels up to 38-inch diameter. The Titan Jantsa operation currently manufactures 150,000 wheels per year and produces for CNH, Same, Landini and CLAAS in Europe and Turk Tractor in Turkey.

For the year ended 31 December 2010, Titan Jantsa recorded profit before tax of €1.0 million on turnover of €10.2 million. Visit: www.titaneurope.com