Displaying items by tag: clariant

Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) and Clariant has announced they have completed the previously announced sale of their joint venture, ASK Chemicals GmbH headquartered in Hilden, Germany, to investment funds affiliated with Rhône, a London and New York-based private equity investment firm. The enterprise value of the transaction, before debt and assumed liabilities, amounts to €257 million. After adjusting for debt and assumed liabilities, total pre-tax proceeds to the sellers were €149 million, which includes €128 million in cash and a €21 million buyer note. Proceeds will be split evenly between Ashland and Clariant under terms of the 50/50 joint venture.

With 1,800 employees in 25 countries, ASK Chemicals is a leading foundry chemicals manufacturer. Its portfolio encompasses an exceptionally broad and innovative range of foundry resources such as binders, coatings, feeders, filters and release agents, as well as metallurgical products including inoculants, inoculation wires and master alloys for iron casting. In 2013, ASK Chemicals generated annual revenues of €513 million.

Clariant International Ltd, a world leader in Specialty Chemicals, and Wilmar International Limited, a leading Asian agribusiness group, have received the relevant merger clearances for the establishment of their 50-50 joint venture called "the global amines company", which is now in operation. 

The global amines company will be the global platform for production and sales of fatty amines and selected amines derivatives. The joint venture will be headquartered in Singapore with global sales, distribution and production affiliates. 

The joint venture has its own production capacities for amines in Germany and China, contributed by Clariant and Wilmar respectively, as well as access to amines capacities in Brazil and Mexico. For amine derivatives, the global amines company has access to around a dozen Multi-Purpose-Plants of Clariant all around the globe. Leveraging on the global reach and the individual strengths of Wilmar and Clariant, the global amines company will seek significant growth opportunities - in particular, in the markets of Industrial Care, Home Care and Personal Care. 

"The combination of Wilmar's integrated agribusiness model based on renewable materials and its strong position in oleochemicals with Clariant's technical experience and market presence in the downstream amines and derivative sector will position the global amines company as the first fully integrated and competitive player along the value chain of amines," states Stephan Lynen, General Manager of the global amines company.

Leveraging on their track record of technical and commercial reliability, both partners are dedicated to position the global amines company as a new leading player in the amines and amine derivatives market.

Swiss specialty chemicals group Clariant International AG acquired the nano-silver ink technology platform developed under the trademark Bayink® from Bayer Group (Germany). The transaction comprises all patents, know-how and materials related to Bayer's nano-silver ink technology. Clariant will continue to work closely with existing customers and cooperation partners to further develop nano-silver inks and its applications. "The acquisition will strengthen our portfolio of new materials for the electronics and energy markets", said Christian Kohlpaintner, Member of the Executive Committee. 

Nano silver inks are printable on various substrates like polymers, glas, or silicon. They are applicable in a wide variety of emerging applications for printed electronics, e.g., printed circuit boards, radio frequency identification devices (RFID) or photovoltaic panels. Nano-silver inks provide excellent conductivity by spending fewer amounts of precious metal using advanced printing technologies such as ink-jet or aerosol printing. 

“Nano silver inks are an important step to develop a sustainable innovation platform for functional inks in addition to our product portfolio for printing inks which will provide unique solutions to our customers using our core competencies in surfactants and formulation technology”, said Frank Küber, Head of New Business Development at Clariant.

Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, has signed an agreement to divest its Textile Chemicals, Paper Specialties and Emulsions businesses to SK Capital. The total consideration of the sale amounts to approximately CHF 502 million, out of which approximately 460 million in cash, equivalent to 6.3 times the estimated full year 2012 recurring EBITDA of those businesses. The divestment has been approved by the Boards of both companies. Subject to regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of 2013. 

“For Clariant the transaction marks a significant milestone in the execution of its profitable growth strategy, after the acquisition of Süd-Chemie in 2011”, CEO Hariolf Kottmann said. “I am pleased that we are able to execute this divestment faster than originally expected. By the end of 2013, Clariant will be an even more profitable company than today, generating a majority of sales in non-cyclical growth businesses.”

Barry Siadat, a Managing Director of SK Capital, noted, “We are delighted to partner with the management and employees of these businesses to build upon their strong technology, brand, and leading market positions to more efficiently serve their large and growing global markets and customers. We believe these businesses provide an attractive platform to capitalize on their overlaps in technology, manufacturing, supply chain and logistics.”

Repositioning the company’s portfolio is an essential part of Clariant’s profitable growth strategy. To achieve the targets set for 2015, Clariant will focus on markets with future perspectives and strong growth rates and on businesses that have a competitive position, resulting in strong pricing power. In this context, the company has announced in early 2012 to look for strategic options for the Business Units Textile Chemicals, Paper Specialties and the Business Line Emulsions until year-end 2013. Also subject to this process but in a second phase are the Business Unit Leather Services and the Business Line Detergents & Intermediates.

In 2012, the divested businesses will generate an estimated CHF 1.2 billion in sales, equaling approximately 15 % of total Group sales, and an estimated EBITDA of CHF 80 million. The three businesses employ around 3,000 employees (14% of total workforce) in 35 countries around the globe. 
 
SK Capital is a private investment firm with a disciplined focus on the specialty materials, chemicals and healthcare sectors, located in New York, NY (USA) and Boca Raton, FL (USA). The company has a strong track record in chemicals investing, in transitioning non-core divisions of larger corporations to standalone entities and in acquiring global businesses.

CEO Hariolf Kottmann: “Given the further deterioration of the global economy, in which slower emerging markets growth could not offset anymore a weakening in Europe, Clariant achieved a solid performance in the last three months. This was driven by a stable development of most core businesses, manifesting the consequent execution of our profitable growth strategy. Although the short-term economic challenges are expected to persist, Clariant’s mid-term guidance until 2015 remains intact.”

• Stable profitability in the core businesses despite pronounced economic weakness in Europe. Good progress in portfolio management and the integration of Süd-Chemie.
• Q3 2012 sales increased 3% to CHF 1.923 billion from CHF 1.865 billion in Q3 2011.
• EBITDA before exceptionals fell 7% to CHF 201 million from CHF 216 million in Q3 2011, affected by lower volumes and investments into growth.
• Cash flow from operations rose to CHF 181 million, compared to CHF 127 million in Q3 2011.
• For the full-year 2012, Clariant expects flat sales growth in local currencies and an EBITDA margin before exceptionals slightly ahead of the level after nine months.

Third Quarter Performance
Muttenz, October 31, 2012 - Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, today announced sales of CHF 1.923 billion in the third quarter 2012, up 3% compared to CHF 1.865 billion in the previous-year period. In local currencies, sales were 3% lower. 

In the third quarter, the global economy has not stabilized as expected. While Latin America continued on a solid growth path and North America remained stable, the downturn in Europe spread from the Southern countries across the continent. At the same time, the major economies in Asia/Pacific and Middle East & Africa started to soften. 

At group level, volumes decreased 5% year-on-year. Although volume reductions affected most businesses, the Catalysis & Energy, Functional Materials, Industrial & Consumer Specialties and Masterbatches Business Units performed solidly in this environment and are on track to achieve their full-year targets. The Oil & Mining Services Business Unit continued to grow double-digit in local currencies. On the other hand, the particularly pronounced weakness in the electronics, coatings and increasingly in the automotive industries severely affected the Additives and Pigments Business Units. Leather Services, Textile Chemicals and Paper Specialties recovered from the low previous-year’s levels and posted robust single-digit sales growth in local currencies. 
 
At 26.3%, the gross margin was higher than the previous year’s 26.1%. Sales prices decreased sequentially by 1% but raw material costs also weakened significantly. Year-on-year, prices increased by 2% while raw material costs decreased by 1%. The positive contribution from pricing was partially offset by unabsorbed production costs due to lower volumes, and an unfavorable product mix development. In addition, the contribution from new production capacities for battery materials and flame retardants was much lower than expected earlier. Under the current economic conditions, a slower market adoption of these new innovative products and technologies has been observed, therefore leading to low capacity utilization rates in those two plants.

The EBITDA before exceptional items contracted to CHF 201 million from CHF 216 million in Q3 2012. Therefore the EBITDA margin before exceptionals stood at 10.5% compared to 11.6% in the previous-year period. While the underlying EBITDA of the Business Units was stable, the lower margin was the result of higher SG&A costs that were mainly related to the integration of Süd-Chemie, a lower positive contribution from one-time items and higher R&D costs, including start-up costs for the bioethanol plant near Munich. Restructuring and impairment costs were lower at CHF 9 million versus CHF 23 million in the third quarter 2011 and were mostly related to the integration of Süd-Chemie. Net income fell to CHF 49 million from CHF 81 million in the same period one year ago, mainly due to foreign exchange rate effects in the financial result and slightly higher financing costs. 

Operating cash flow was strong with CHF 181 million in the quarter compared to CHF 127 million one year ago, following the normal seasonality with a build-up in inventories in the first half of the year followed by a reduction in inventories and therefore cash flow generation in the second half-year.

Net debt stood at CHF 1.934 billion and was therefore lower compared to the CHF 1.984 billion at the end of June 2012, but higher than the CHF 1.740 billion reported at year-end 2011. Consequently, the gearing, reflecting net financial debt in relation to equity, improved to 64% from 67% recorded at the end of the second quarter 2012, but increased from 58% at the end of 2011.

Outlook 2012
In the third quarter, the expected stabilization of the global economy did not materialize. The European economy deteriorated further, with the Southern European weakness spreading to other countries, affecting various industries. Unlike in the second quarter, growth in the rest of the world was not able to offset the decrease in Europe with growth dynamics slowing mainly in Asia/Pacific and Middle East & Africa. The further path of the global economy remains uncertain. In this economic scenario, raw material costs are expected to be unchanged in full-year 2012 versus full-year 2011, while exchange rates should remain at the levels of the beginning of the year.
 
Clariant remains committed to its mid-term targets 2015 despite a softening of the global economy and the short-term impact from a massive volume reduction in Europe. The confidence in achieving those targets is based on the growth and performance of the core Business Units, a disciplined pricing approach, the progress in the integration of Süd-Chemie, further cost benefits, and successful portfolio management.

For the full-year 2012, Clariant expects flat sales growth in local currencies and an EBITDA margin before exceptionals slightly ahead of the level after nine months. 

For more details, please download the PDF of the press release vis this link

Clariant Ltd, a world leader in specialty chemicals, and Wilmar International Limited, a leading Asian agribusiness group, have, through their respective subsidiaries, signed an agreement to establish a 50-50 joint venture as the global platform for production and sales of amines and selected amines derivatives. The joint venture will be headquartered in Singapore with global sales, distribution and production affiliates. Subject to receipt of regulatory approvals, including merger clearances, the joint venture is expected to be operational in spring of 2013. "Wilmar and Clariant will leverage on their companies' individual strengths to create a global platform with significant growth opportunities. With this first step, both partners are dedicated to creating a new leading player in the global amine and amine derivatives market. For Clariant it is also an important next move on our way to further optimizing our portfolio", said Clariant CEO Hariolf Kottmann. "This collaboration combines Wilmar's integrated agribusiness model and our large presence in basic and downstream oleochemicals with Clariant's technical expertise and established market presence in amines. The joint upstream and downstream strengths of our businesses make the merits of this venture very compelling", said Kuok Khoon Hong, Chairman & CEO of Wilmar.

Clariant will contribute its Industrial & Consumer Specialties (ICS) Business Unit's sales activities of relevant amines and defined derivatives to the joint venture as well as its amines plant in Germany and production output from its amines plant in Brazil. Headquartered in Muttenz, Switzerland, ICS has the highest sales volume in the Clariant Group and is one of the largest providers of specialty chemicals and application solutions for consumer care and industrial markets. Wilmar will contribute a new plant in China as well as its oleochemical expertise, including access to renewable raw materials. Wilmar is among the world's largest processors and merchandisers of palm and lauric oils. "Due to its strong roots in Asia combined with plans to expand the business globally, Wilmar is an excellent partner for Clariant to support our customer base in all parts of the world", said Michael Willome, Head of Business Unit ICS.

Clariants ecological and economical solutions to the performance demands of China's paper industry will take center stage at Booth 3300 during China Paper 2012, September 10 - 12, in Shanghai.

 Under the theme “Sustainability meets Performance”, the specialty chemicals expert will demonstrate its commitment to support Papermakers’ efforts to be both more efficient and environmentally-compatible in their production of high quality finished paper.

Clariant will showcase process materials which lower costs and simplify production through reduced machine maintenance, improved efficiency and lower energy consumption. Highlights will include new Cartaspers® deposit control solutions, Cartabond® crosslinkers for improved quality in offset printing and converting, and Clariant’s pioneering yellow dye for packaging and newsprint.

Cartaspers® PSM and Cartaspers® SCH: the latest additions to Clariant’s deposit control range reduce the build-up of stickies and pitch deposits on machine wires and felts extending the time between clean-ups, maintaining better drainage and reducing downtime. The use of cleaning solvents (VOCs) is minimized or even eliminated resulting in a cleaner work environment for the mill personnel along with a reduced environmental impact. Both Cartaspers PSM and SCH are FDA compliant and fulfill the criteria for NORDIC SWAN and EU Eco-label (EU Flower). 

Cartabond® crosslinkers: Clariant offers a full range of cross-linkers which improve surface strength, offering improved converting and offset printability through reduced dusting and better water hold-out. 

Cartasol® Yellow M-GLC: the brand new Cartasol® Yellow M-GLC liq. combines superior technical performance with an improved health, safety and environmental profile. Designed to work on all fiber types Cartasol Yellow MGLC offers high bleed and light fastness combined with near-neutral pH and low COD. Clear backwaters are achieved due to its high substantivity. Cartasol Yellow MGLC is certified for use in food contact papers.

“Clariant’s innovative paper solutions fulfill ecological and performance demands, making them an attractive option for Papermakers in China focused on raising their productivity potential and environmental profile, and the overall quality of their finished paper materials,” comments Damrong Roonkaseam, Head of Sales Asia Pacific, Clariant. 

• Germany's largest cellulose ethanol plant inaugurated in Straubing
• CEO Hariolf Kottmann: A milestone in the strategy for sustainable products and processes
• Federal Minister of Research Annette Schavan: National Research Strategy BioEconomy 2030
• Biofuel of the future cuts CO2 emissions by 95% without competing with food production

Clariant, the Swiss specialty chemicals company, today inaugurated Germany's biggest pilot plant for the production of climate-friendly cellulose ethanol from agricultural waste. Located in Straubing, Bavaria and supported by the Bavarian government and the Federal Ministry for Education and Research, the futuristic project will produce up to 1,000 tonnes of cellulose ethanol from around 4,500 tonnes of wheat straw based on the sunliquid® technology developed by Clariant. It represents an investment of around 28 million euros. Studies show that Germany potentially has around 22 million tonnes of straw that could be used for energy production without compromising essential soil regeneration. This would be sufficient to cover around 25% of Germany’s current gasoline requirements.

In the presence of Federal Minister Annette Schavan and the Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs, Martin Zeil, Clariant CEO Hariolf Kottmann declared: "The inauguration of the new plant marks an important milestone in the production of a climate-friendly biofuel that can also be used as a raw material for the chemical industry." Kottmann appealed to politicians and industrialists to draw lessons from the failed start-up of biofuel E10 and to seek open dialogue with all interested parties. "Only when society recognizes the environmental benefits of climate-friendly biofuels can second-generation bioethanol be successful ." Kottmann called for stable and reliable framework conditions and an extension of the tax exemption status for second-generation biofuels beyond 2015.

Federal Minister Annette Schavan said “This plant clearly demonstrates that products traditionally based on petroleum can be manufactured to the same standard using biomass. Thus this new plant serves as an important contribution to a sustainable Bio-Economy”.

As far as Bavarian economics minister, Martin Zeil, is concerned, there is no better place for the pilot plant than Straubing. “Here at Bavaria’s competence center for renewable raw materials, we don’t just have the raw material straw but above all also the necessary scientific backup in the form of both university and non-university research facilities. If we can make the breakthrough here using the sunliquid technology, it will create a raft of new options in terms of jobs and earnings potential in what is essentially a rural area. And from a global perspective, there’s no ‘food or fuel’ issue when plant waste is recycled.”

The plant at the Bavarian BioCampus in Straubing is logistically well-located right next to the Donau harbour, and will procure its raw materials largely from the Straubing region. The Mayor of Straubing, Markus Pannermayr, welcomed Clariant’s involvement in the area, describing it as the “most innovative major ‘green chemistry’ company at the Bavarian BioCampus.” He also underlined his willingness to work with district administrator Alfred Reisinger toward the sustainable provision of biomass for industrial utilization in the context of the “Green Chemistry Belt” strategy for the Danube region.

Professor Andre Koltermann, Head of Clariant's Biotech & Renewables Center, added: "We have been developing the sunliquid technology since 2006 and have been testing the method on a pilot scale since 2009." In an area encompassing approximately 2,500 square meters, all the process steps will be performed that will later be used in an industrial-scale plant; the aim of which is to confirm the technological feasibility of the sunliquid technique. "The results we obtain in Straubing will enable us to plan industrial production plants efficiently and economically, and ultimately to realize such plants in cooperation with partners," continued Koltermann.

The sunliquid process is an innovative biotechnological method that turns plant waste products such as grain straw and corn straw into second-generation cellulose ethanol. 

We are pleased to present our company’s new branding. Clariant has undergone a fundamental change in recent years. After successfully completing a restructuring phase, we have resolutely aligned ourselves for profitable growth. We want to become the global leader in specialty chemicals – competitive, innovative, and sustainable, with outstanding value creation for all of our stakeholders and partners. An open and constructive dialog with the media and society is a special priority to us in this.

We want this approach to be visible to everyone. So the evolution of our look is a logical step. Our new branding translates this approach into three clear values:

Performance. People. Planet.

We are placing these values at the heart of our actions. They describe the way we do business and the values that are our top priority in our interactions with each other, with our partners, as well as with the environment and society. They give us direction and define our corporate culture.

We cordially invite you to explore and get to know our new branding on our homepage at www.clariant.com.

Dr. Hans-Joachim Müller, member of the Executive Committee of Clariant, has decided to leave the company on June 30, 2012, for personal reasons. His current responsibilities will be transferred to the other members of the Executive Committee.

Hans-Joachim Müller was appointed member of the Executive Committee in July 2011. His responsibilities include Environment Safety & Health Affairs, Innovation Excellence, and the Business Units Catalysis & Energy, Emulsions, Detergents & Intermediates, and Oil & Mining Services. Until March 31, 2012, he was a member of the Managing Board of Süd-Chemie AG Munich, Germany. In this position, Hans-Joachim Müller was responsible for the entire Süd-Chemie operations since 2011. He initially joined the Managing Board of Süd-Chemie in 2007.

“I want to thank Hans Joachim Müller for his commitment and dedication during his time with our company, in particular for his contributions to the integration of Süd-Chemie during the recent 12 months,” said Hariolf Kottmann, CEO. “I wish him all the best and continued success in his future endeavors.”