HEXPOL has signed an agreement to acquire 70% of the shares in Almaak International Gmbh from the existing owners Olaf Eichstädt and Thomas Schmeinta. Almaak is a specialist in high quality recycled engineered polymer compounds based in Germany.

 

The acquisition is fully in line with the HEXPOL´s M&A strategy with desired growth in thermoplastic compounding and specialty engineered polymers with high level of recycled materials. Furthermore, the acquisition strengthens our market position in Europe. Olaf Eichstädt and Thomas Schmeinta will stay with the company and further drive growth and technical excellence.

 

“The acquisition of almaak is fully in line with our growth strategy and we welcome the almaak team to the HEXPOL Group. almaak’s focus and expertise on high quality recycled engineered compounds also fits very well into our sustainability development”

 

Georg Brunstam, CEO HEXPOL Group said, “We see the merger with HEXPOL Group as the ideal combination of integrating our businesses into a globally operating, innovative and extremely well positioned company and the very good opportunity to continue our successful business strategy and philosophy around sustainability in connection with engineering compounds. We are looking forward to a very good and successful cooperation and the further expansion of business opportunities”

 

Olaf Eichstädt and Thomas Schmeinta, CEOs almaak said, "During the last few years, almaak has made significant investments in equipment and technology to secure the company’s continued growth and meet the increased demand for sustainable products."

 

“almaak is very well positioned in a growing market with a high level of specialty expertise. Together with HEXPOL’s knowledge and resources, we see many opportunities for accelerated growth. I look forward to working with Olaf and Thomas to achieve this.“ said Jan Wikström, President HEXPOL Thermoplastic Compounding.

 

almaak’s turnover in 2021 amounted to €75 million with a profitability level just below the HEXPOL Group. almaak operates two sites in Germany with some 190 employees. The main end user segment is the European automotive industry where the interest for recycled compounds is high.

 

The acquisition price amounts to approximately €70 million on a cash and debt free basis and is funded by a combination of cash and existing bank facilities. Pursuant to the agreement, HEXPOL has an option to acquire the remaining shares, and Olaf Eichstädt and Thomas Schmeinta have the option to sell their remaining shares to HEXPOL. The transaction will close after regulatory approval which is estimated to the second quarter of 2022.