Evonik Industries AG, Essen (Germany) intends to strengthen its global catalysts business. On March 11, 2015, Evonik has signed an agreement with Monarch Catalyst Pvt. Ltd., Dombivli (India) to acquire 100% of the company’s shares. The transaction is expected to close during the first half year of 2015 after the required approvals have been received. The parties have agreed to keep the purchase price confidential.

Evonik with its Business Line Catalysts is a global leader in producing specialty catalysts, custom catalysts and catalysts components for the Life Sciences & Fine Chemicals, Industrial & Petrochemical and Polyolefines market segments. This bolt-on acquisition in India with annual sales in the low double-digit million € range complements Evonik’s leading positions in activated base metal catalysts and precious metal catalysts. Monarch’s global oils & fats hydrogenation catalysts business is a broadening of the Evonik catalysts portfolio. Monarch Catalyst has about 300 employees.