International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG) has entered exclusive negotiations with Nippon Soda and made what it said is a “firm and binding offer” to acquire the Japanese group’s offshoot Métaux Spéciaux (MSSA), a sodium metal specialist.
The proposed transaction is subject to consultation with MSSA’s French employee representative body and approval from the German, Spanish and Portuguese competition authorities.
ICIG said the plans represents a further step in developing its chlor-alkali chemicals portfolio by expanding into sodium metal and mercury-free sodium methylate derivatives.
Wiith production facilities at Pomblière and La Rochelle, France, and a US terminal at Pasadena, Texas, MSSA is the largest global and only non-Chinese producer of purified sodium metal, special alkali metals, such as potassium and lithium and associated chemicals.
The company is regarded a world leader for sodium metal and vanadium-based catalysts. As the sole player with capacity to produce the highest purity grade of sodium metal, it is the supplier of choice for sophisticated pharmaceutical and industrial applications, ICIG said.
Under its new owner, MSSA is expected to continue to market its products and services under its own brand in close collaboration with the German holding’s Vynova Group.
Achim Riemann, director of ICIG, said MSSA has undergone a “significant transformation” during Nippon Soda’s ownership, and the current setup will allow the next phase of growth by accelerating expansion investments and further advancing its technology strategy.
Founded in 2004, ICIG operates more than 20 independent chemicals and pharmaceutical businesses, all of which originated as part of major global chemical or pharmaceutical companies. The group employs around 4,500 people in more than 28 manufacturing facilities in Europe and US that are focused on fine chemicals, chlorovinyl and diverse other fields.
By Dede Williams
Source: chemanager-online.com
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