NEWS
Combining strengths
BASF to strengthen global crop protection business with acquisition of Becker Underwood
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ASF plans to acquire Becker Underwood for a price of $1.02 billion (€785 million). The company, headquartered in Ames, Iowa, is one of the leading global providers of technologies for biological seed treatment, seed treatment colours and polymers, as well as products in the areas of biological crop protection, turf and horticulture, animal nutrition and landscape colourants and coatings. “We are impressed with Becker Underwood’s ability to translate growers’ needs into innovative, tailor-made solutions that can promote higher yields while conserving resources. Becker Underwood is to become part of BASF and we are
excited that together with our new colleagues we can continue expanding our competencies,” said Dr Andreas Kreimeyer, research executive director and member of BASF’s board of executive directors responsible for the Agricultural Solutions segment. Becker Underwood is expected to achieve sales of $240 million (€185 million) for fiscal year 2012, ending on September 30. As part of the acquisition, BASF’s Crop Protection division will create a strategic global business unit called Functional Crop Care. Becker Underwood’s animal nutrition business will be integrated into BASF’s Nutrition & Health division. Visit: www.basf.com
Westinghouse and Hutní montáže announce strategic cooperation W
estinghouse Electric Company has announced a strategic cooperation with Czech construction/installation company Hutní montáže a.s, in preparation for the potential construction of Westinghouse AP1000® nuclear power plants in the Czech Republic and regionally. If Westinghouse is awarded the AP1000 project in the Czech Republic, in response to its competitive tender submitted to Czech utility ČEZ, Hutní montáže would be responsible for performing the vast majority of the mechanical installation and corresponding construction testing, including assembly and installation of the containment vessel (CV). Hutní montáže could also provide heavy lifting cranes and rigging to offload, transport on-site and set components into the plant, including modules, the CV, and
major nuclear steam supply system (NSSS) and balance of plant equipment. The strategic partnership marks a further important milestone in Westinghouse’s ongoing initiative to develop local partners and deliver a highly competitive tender to ČEZ for the construction of two AP1000 reactors at the Temelín nuclear power plant site. Visit: www.westinghouse.com
Rio Tinto acquires BHP Billiton’s interests in Richards Bay Minerals
stake in this tier one asset further strengthens Rio Tinto’s titanium dioxide portfolio at a time when the long-term outlook remains robust. Demand for feedstocks is expected to grow strongly, needing the equivalent of a new operation the size of RBM to be built every two and a half years.” RBM is a South African mineral sands mining and processing operation located in
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io Tinto has doubled its holding in Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) following the completion of its acquisition of BHP Billiton’s entire interests. The purchase price paid by Rio Tinto on completion was $1.7 billion. Rio Tinto Diamonds & Minerals chief executive Alan Davies said: “Doubling our
18 Industry Europe
Nokia and Virgin Atlantic to partner in wireless charging technology
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okia has announced a deal with Virgin Atlantic to offer wireless charging facilities at its London Heathrow Clubhouse for passengers who want to recharge their phones before a flight. Stylish and colourful Nokia wireless charging plates will initially be introduced in the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London Heathrow later this year. Nokia and Virgin Atlantic also plan to expand wireless charging to the JFK Clubhouse at a later date. “Virgin Atlantic is putting passengers first by removing a major anxiety, particularly for business travellers – how to keep their phone charged throughout a long day,” said Jo Harlow, executive vice-president, Smart Devices, Nokia. “The Virgin deal is a first step in our plan to make wireless charging as ubiquitous as Wi-Fi is today.” Visit: www.nokia.com
Kwa-Zulu Natal. Rio Tinto manages the RBM business and markets all of its products. The remaining 26% of RBM is now owned by a consortium of local communities and businesses (24%) and RBM employees (2%), in line with South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment legislation. Visit: www.riotinto.com
