Altana extends additives portfolio

Specialty chemicals group Altana has signed an agreement to acquire the global rheology business of Rockwood Holdings.

Altana logo

The rheology unit, currently part of Rockwood’s performance additives business unit, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of rheology additives that optimize the flow characteristics of various materials.

Rheology additives are, amongst others, used in coatings, construction materials and personal care products. They can, for example, ensure that coatings have the right viscosity and that they can be applied without forming droplets or bubbles.

Altana is to integrate the business into its BYK additives and instruments division. With the acquisition, Altana’s sales are expected to reach about €1.9 billion; it achieved sales of €1.7 billion in 2012.

It will also add four additional production sites: Gonzales and Louisville in the US, Widnes in the UK and Moosburg, Germany.

With the acquisition, costing US$635 million, Altana is expanding its existing additives portfolio.

‘The acquisition of Rockwood’s rheology business is fully in line with our focus on true specialty chemicals and opens up new growth opportunities,’ said Altana chief executive officer Dr Matthias Wolfgruber.

Currently about 40 percent of Rockwood’s rheology sales are generated in North America and Europe.

Dr Christoph Schlünken, president of Altana’s BYK additives and instruments division, added: ‘The acquisition is associated with an attractive growth potential. We will, for example, use the existing BYK structure to grow the acquired rheology business in Asia.’