Specialty chemicals company Arkema (Colombes, France) recently announced its planned acquisition of Polimeros Especiales (Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico), a leading privately-owned producer of high-performance waterborne resins for a broad range of applications.
The planned acquisition of this well-established player in solvent-free waterborne acrylic resins will strengthen Arkema’s position in Mexico, particularly in markets such as architectural and decorative paints, textiles, pressure sensitive adhesives, and construction. Polimeros Especiales has become a key manufacturer of emulsions in the region, employing 230 people and achieving sales of around $40 million USD in 2021.
Arkema’s acquisition is fully in line with the company’s strategy to expand its coating solutions segment in growing markets and in low-volatile organic compound (VOC) solutions. Waterborne is one of Arkema’s key solvent-free technologies, along with powder, ultraviolet/light emitting diode/electron beam, and high-solid systems.
“Thanks to Polimeros Especiales, Arkema will develop new positions in the Mexican market, which is experiencing robust growth,” says Manuel Garcia, general manager of Arkema in Mexico. “The acquisition will ensure continuous strong support to our customers and will enable Arkema to broaden its product offering locally.”
“We welcome the addition of Polimeros Especiales and its teams to the group as this leading company has developed strong customer proximity and technical know-how,” adds Neil Tariq, global business director, Arkema Coating Resins. “Its solid manufacturing assets and logistics platform will strengthen our expertise and quality of service in the region.”
“We are proud to be joining forces with Arkema and together, we will further develop innovative waterborne solutions for more sustainable resin offerings in the dynamic American market,” the directors of Polimeros Especiales said in a statement.
The acquisition, which is subject to approval by antitrust authorities, is expected to be finalized in the third quarter of 2022.
Source: Arkema, www.arkema.com.