Business News

ALTANA acquires wax additives business of Clariant

Tuesday 25. November 2008 - The specialty chemicals Group ALTANA signed a contract to acquire the Dutch manufacturer of wax additives, Dick Peters B.V. The company, which is located in Denekamp, the Netherlands, is a subsidiary of the Swiss specialty chemicals company Clariant. In 2007, Dick Peters B.V. achieved sales of about €24 million.

Through its BYK Additives & Instruments’ division, ALTANA will acquire the major part of the wax additives business with sales of about €20 million; the remaining part of the business stays with Clariant. At the same time ALTANA takes over the production site in Denekamp as well as its staff of about 35 employees. Within the ALTANA Group, Dick Peters B.V. will be integrated into BYK Cera B.V., which is also located in the Netherlands. The purchase price amounts to about €17.5 million. The acquisition is subject to approval by the antitrust authorities.

Dick Peters produces wax additives, which are used, for example, in molds for the steel and mechanical engineering industries, in adhesives and printing inks.

“With the acquisition of Dick Peters ALTANA continues its growth strategy,” stated Dr. Matthias L. Wolfgruber, CEO of ALTANA AG. “In addition to organic growth we pursue bolt-on acquisitions within the four existing divisions which must supplement our portfolio, strengthen our market position, be profitable and therefore create more value.”

“The acquisition of Dick Peters is an excellent supplement to our position in the wax additives business, which so far has been held by BYK Cera alone, and which now will be significantly strengthened,” said Dr. Roland Peter, President Division BYK Additives & Instruments. He further stated that the product portfolio of Dick Peters would enable new applications and therefore make new market segments accessible. “We are strategically well positioned to further expand our position also in the wax additives business and to offer our customers a high degree of innovative ability and service.”




This press release contains forward-looking statements, i.e. current estimates or expectations of future events or future results. These statements are based on beliefs of ALTANA as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to ALTANA. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. ALTANA does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update forward-looking statements to reflect facts, circumstances or events that have occurred or changed after such statements have been made.