NEWS
Combining strengths
Avantium acquires Liquid Light Blue Water BREB: logistics specialist for the wind industry
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vantium, a leading chemical technology company and forerunner in renewable chemistry has acquired the assets of Liquid Light Inc., a renowned developer of electrochemical processes. Liquid Light has developed proprietary process technology to make major chemicals from low-cost, globally-abundant carbon dioxide (CO2). The acquisition combines the technologies of both Liquid Light and Avantium to develop a world leading electro-catalysis platform and to commercialise new process technologies using CO2 as feedstock to produce sustainable chemicals and materials. The technology and patent portfolio of Liquid Light will be integrated into Avantium’s Renewable Chemistry business unit and its existing R&D programme in electrochemistry. The combination of Liquid Light’s expertise in electrochemistry with Avantium’s expertise in catalysis and process engineering will be the basis of an unrivaled technology platform to develop novel production technologies for converting CO2 to chemicals and materials. Tom van Aken, CEO of Avantium, said: “The acquisition of Liquid Light will extend our capabilities beyond catalytic conversion of biomass. This acquisition will enable the development of a powerful technology platform on the basis of carbon dioxide feedstock, meaning it turns waste into valuable products such as chemicals and plastics.” Visit: www.avantium.com
mutares completes the acquisition of Balcke-Dürr
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utares AG has completed the acquisition of the international equipment manufacturer Balcke-Dürr from SPX Corporation. Balcke-Dürr manufactures components for energy efficiency and the reduction of emissions in the chemical and power generating industry. The company is based in
16 Industry Europe
joint venture between the two well-established shipping and transport companies, Blue Water Shipping and BREB (Bremer Reederei E&B), has been founded with main focus on servicing the wind turbine industry in Germany. Since 2008, BREB ((Bremer Reederei E&B) has been active in the German offshore wind industry. Today the company has offices in Bremen, Cuxhaven, Sassnitz-Mukran and on Heligoland, and BREB is one of the leading German port agents for the wind industry. BREB has joined forces with the international, Danish-owned transport and logistics company Blue Water Shipping. For more than 20 years, Blue Water has been providing services to the wind industry both on- and offshore. The company is headquartered in Esbjerg, Denmark, with more the 60 offices worldwide.
“Blue Water BREB has a unique set-up, combining the knowledge and expertise of two strong companies – and with this joint venture, we can now offer all types of transport and logistical services at all key locations for the German offshore wind industry,” states Arne Ehlers, Managing Director and Partner of BREB. Visit: www.bws.dk
CERATIZIT Group acquires majority share of Best Carbide Cutting Tools
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he carbide specialist CERATIZIT SA has announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary CERATIZIT USA, Inc. has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake of the Californian solid carbide round cutting tool manufacturer Best Carbide Cutting Tools, LLC.
Jacques Lanners, co-chairman of the CERATIZIT executive board: “Best Carbide Cutting Tools gives CERATIZIT an exceptional chance to strengthen our network in the USA and build on nationwide top distributors. Best Carbide is known for the quality of its tools, with a strong focus on high-end micro tools.” Mark Nunez, president of Best Carbide: “Through this partnership, Best Carbide will have access to CERATIZIT technologies and expertise that will help the company to improve its manufacturing process, technical capabilities and quality of tooling – with the goal of ultimately adding greater value for our customers. For the first time in its 37-year history, Best Carbide becomes part of a global cutting tool organisation.” Visit: www.ceratizit.com
Dusseldorf, Germany, and has further engineering and production sites in Germany, Italy, Poland, Hungary, China and India. In 2015, it generated revenues of €142 million with 650 employees. The future strategy for Balcke-Dürr is based on the development of its market position with the goal to access new international customers and industries.
Balcke-Dürr will be part of mutares’ engineering & technology segment in which mutares enjoys attractive market dynamics. Hence, mutares will further invest in this segment and is convinced that Balcke-Dürr will be an ideal platform investment, being a renowned brand in the industry. Visit: www.balcke-duerr.com
