Linking up Combining strengths

NEWS

Combining strengths

Avantium acquires Liquid Light Blue Water BREB: logistics specialist for the wind industry

Avantium, 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 A 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

The 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

mutares completes the acquisition of Balcke-Dürr

Mutares 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 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

LINKINGUP

Valmet Automotive and CATL partner in electric vehicle solutions

Valmet Automotive and Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL), a leading global provider of battery and energy storage solutions, have entered into strategic partnership in electric automotive solutions. Simultaneously CATL has subscribed to new shares issued by Valmet Automotive for a 22% ownership in the company.

CATL is a private Chinese company developing, manufacturing and providing after-sales services of lithium-ion battery solutions for electric vehicles and energy storage markets. It is among the three leading electric vehicle battery providers globally and the clear market leader in China with a large portfolio of world class customers. It has a strong aspiration to enlarge its footprint and further expand its business in the fast evolving European electric vehicle market. At the end of 2016, CATL employed over 10,000 employees worldwide.

Competences and businesses of Valmet Automotive and CATL are strongly complementary. The companies will together build capabilities to support the leading European automotive manufacturers and their suppliers by engineering electric vehicle drive train solutions and supplying battery packs to them. The partnership also strengthens CATL’s position to enter the fast evolving European electric vehicle market. Visit: www.valmet-automotive.com

Vattenfall to acquire ‘Atlantis I’

Vattenfall has signed an agreement to acquire the project company PNE WIND Atlantis I GmbH from PNE WIND AG. PNE WIND Atlantis I GmbH is the owner of the offshore wind project ‘Atlantis I’, which is located in the German North Sea 84km north-west off the island of Borkum and the project site allows a potential for up to 73 wind turbines of multi megawatt class. PNE WIND AG will remain involved in the further development of project Atlantis I as a long-term service provider, contributing its expertise and knowledge about Atlantis I.

“After our successful participation in the tender rounds in Denmark last year where we could reinforce our offshore wind portfolio with another 950 MW, we are now well on track in the German market as well. We can now apply our know-how in terms of cost reduction for offshore wind in this country as well – for the benefit of the electricity customers and thus for the further acceptance of this effective way to produce green energy,” says Gunnar Groebler, senior vice-president and head of Business Area Wind at Vattenfall. Visit: www.vattenfall.com

Certex and Forankra expanding jointly in the UK

With the acquisition of cargo control specialists Pritchard Tyrite, Axel Johnson International’s business group AxLoad opens up for an important expansion within cargo securing and lifting equipment in the UK. Pritchard Tyrite will be managed by Certex UK but also establish the first UK base for Certex’s sister-company, cargo securing products and services supplier, Forankra.

Pritchard Tyrite is one of the UK’s leading importers, manufacturers and distributors of cargo control equipment. Pritchard Tyrite’s focus on the transport sector neatly aligns with Certex’s wider focus on wire ropes and lifting gear in the offshore, ports, crane and other major markets.

In addition, the deal includes also Pritchard Tyrite’s sister company TRS Motorsport Equipment, distributors and manufacturers of FIA approved motorsport safety harnesses, road harnesses, vehicle accessories and carbon fibre products.

“With Certex UK we have the local management in place to take the lead in this process but also in supporting the establishment of our cargo securing specialist Forankra in the UK,” says Martin Malmvik, CEO and president of Axel Johnson International. Visit: www.certex.co.uk

Lesjöfors acquires Spiralspecialisten

Beijer Alma’s subsidiary Lesjöfors has acquired Spiralspecialisten AB, a company that produces customised springs for the engineering industry in northern Europe and has its manufacturing operations in Stockholm. The company has long-standing customer relationships with well-known Swedish and European engineering companies.

“Through this acquisition, we have added another well-managed, profitable spring manufacturer to the group and further strengthened our market position in the Nordic region,” says Bertil Persson, president and CEO of Beijer Alma.

Over the years, Lesjöfors has conducted a number of acquisitions and established strong platforms in the Nordic region, other areas of Europe, North America and Asia. Including Spiralspecialisten, the company now has 25 production units in 12 countries.

“Spiralspecialisten is now part of a global group of companies with the broadest combined offering of springs and flat strip components in the market,” says Kjell-Arne Lindbäck, president of Lesjöfors. Visit: www.beijeralma.se