International Chemical Investors (ICIG) has made a firm and binding offer to acquire sodium metal specialist Métaux Spéciaux (MSSA) from Nippon Soda. Based on this offer, ICIG has entered into exclusive negotiations with Nippon Soda with respect to the envisaged purchase of MSSA. The envisaged transaction is subject to consultation with the MSSA French employee representative body and approval from the German, Spanish and Portuguese competition authorities.

MSSA with production facilities located in Pomblière and La Rochelle, both France, as well as a terminal in Pasadena, TX, United States, is the largest global and only non-Chinese producer of purified sodium metal, special alkali metals (such as potassium and lithium) and associated chemicals. As the sole player that can produce the highest purity grade of sodium metal, MSSA is the global supplier of choice for sophisticated pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

The acquisition is a further step in developing ICIG’s chlor-alkali chemicals portfolio by expanding into sodium metal and mercury-free sodium methylate derivatives. With ICIG as future partner, MSSA and its current management will continue the successful growth story by leveraging MSSA’s existing strengths under new corporate ownership within the ICIG network.

MSSA is expected to continue to market its products and services under its own brand in close collaboration with ICIG’s Vynova Group.

“We are very pleased to have the possibility to acquire this exceptional business that will expand our specialty chlor-alkali operations,” says Dr. Achim Riemann, Director of ICIG. “MSSA has undergone a significant transformation during Nisso’s ownership and the current setup will allow the next phase of growth by accelerating expansion investments and further advancing its technology strategy.”

ICIG is advised during this transaction by PwC (Financial & Tax), Value Partner (Commercial), Shearman & Sterling (Legal) and ERM (Environmental).