Arkema has announced plans to divest parts of its impact modifiers and processing aids businesses to Indian specialty chemicals group Praana, continuing its push to refocus on higher-value strategic activities.
The proposed transaction covers Arkema’s global Methyl Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene (MBS) copolymer operations, as well as its acrylic copolymers (AIMPA) businesses in Europe and Asia. These activities, which sit within Arkema’s Coating Solutions segment, generated €44 million in sales in 2024.
As part of the deal, Arkema would sell its production facility in Vlissingen, the Netherlands, which employs around 50 people. The group will retain its Mobile, Alabama site in the United States, along with its entire American AIMPA operations.
The businesses involved produce plastic additives used to improve impact resistance and boost productivity in extrusion and molding processes, particularly for PVC profiles, pipes and packaging, as well as for certain composites used in construction and packaging applications.
Praana is a major Indian player in specialty chemicals and composite materials, bringing together Sterling Specialty Chemicals, Galata Chemicals, Artek Surfin Chemicals and 3B Fibreglass. The group supplies advanced solutions to construction, textile, automotive, cleaning and personal care markets, as well as a wide range of industrial sectors.
The proposed divestment is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and a mandatory information and consultation process with employee representative bodies in the Netherlands.
With this move, Arkema is stepping up active portfolio management as it sharpens its focus on strategic, higher value-added activities within its Specialty Materials segment.
