Arkema has announced a project to acquire the industrial applications specialty alcoxylate business of SEPPIC. This new product range would allow Arkema to extend its surfactant range and bolster its positions in industrial niche markets with high growth potential.

The project to acquire SEPPIC’s specialty alcoxylate industrial business entails in particular the acquisition of a world-class industrial site located in Antwerp, Belgium. This business, which generated sales of ¤ 47 M in 2010 and concerns 50 employees, would become part of the Performance Products business segment and its Specialty Chemicals BU (CECA).

By integrating industrial facilities complementing its two sites at Feuchy and Chí¢teauroux (France), CECA would expand its specialty surfactant range intended in particular for niche markets such as warm asphalt mix for road construction, industrial detergency, and the oil and gas business which reports annual growth of some 5%.

Alcoxylates also represent a key component in the manufacture of certain rheological additives used in paints and ultra high performance concrete additives for high-tech civil works engineering structures such as high-rise buildings and bridges. This acquisition would boost the major development of these products currently manufactured and marketed by the Arkema subsidiary Coatex.

Implementation of the project is subject to the legal information and consultation process involving the trade unions in the countries concerned, and to the approval of the antitrust authorities.