Coatings World - August 2013

unit, currently part of Rockwood’s “Performance Additives” segment, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of rheology additives that optimize the flow characteristics of various materials. With approximately 340 employees at four production sites in the U.S., the UK and Germany the rheology business generated sales of $191 million in 2012. After approval by the relevant antitrust authorities, ALTANA will integrate the business into its BYK Additives & Instruments division.

The purchase price amounts to $635 million. The closing of the transaction is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2013.

With the acquisition ALTANA is ex-
panding its existing additives portfolio.
“The acquisition of Rockwood’s rhe-
ology business is fully in line with our
focus on true specialty chemicals and
opens up new growth opportunities,”
ALTANA CEO Matthias L. Wolfgruber
said. 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 form-
ing droplets or bubbles.

Clariant Capacity
Expansion for
Pigments Approved

Clariant is proceeding with a

50 percent expansion in capacity at its Azo pigments and pigment preparations plants in Roha, India. This recently approved investment will also enhance the capabilities and output at the site in a sustainable manner by reducing energy consumption and expanding the range of low VOC-containing pigments preparations offered to the market, according to the firm.

These latest investments are intended to support the strong market growth in India. They also mark another step in Clariant’s efforts to enhance its on-the-ground presence and offer more intimate customer service to customers in the emerging Indian and Asian markets. Clariant is in the process of doubling its marketing and sales organization in India, China and Indonesia throughout 2013. CW

International Exhibition & Congress for the paint, printing ink, varnish, glue and adhesive industries 22 - 24 October PIACENZA - ITALY PiacenzaExpo - Hall 1