Laporte absorbs Perchem organoclays

摘要

UK-based Laporte Absorbents has ILJ completed the purchase of the Perchem organoclays business from Akzo Nobel Chemicals Ltd. Perchem, which is based at Littleborough in Lancashire, is a leading supplier of organoclays to the European coating materials industry and also enjoys a strong supply position in relation to the oilwell drilling industry. Laporte feels that Perchem's products complement the existing range of organoclay products manufactured by US-based Southern Clay Products, the North American arm of Laporte's Absorbents division. Under the terms of the agreement, Akzo will continue to maintain production at the Littleborough site on behalf of Laporte, although products will be marketed under Laporte's trade name. The purchase helps to increase the company's European market share, in addition to providing increased opportunities for expanding its markets in both the Middle and Far East, where it is felt that there is good growth in many of the newly industrialised economies. In addition, the acquisition propels Laporte into being the world's second largest player in the organoclays sector, behind USA-based Rheox Inc.