Ardian portfolio company Italmatch Chemicals Group is to acquire Solvay’s desalination and phosphonates and phosphonic acid-based water additives business.
The transaction, which is consistent with Italmatch Chemicals Group’s growth strategy, is designed to strengthens the company’s position as a global supplier of water management additives, traded under the Dequest brand name.
The acquisition covers all products, trademarks, patents and client portfolio from the division of the Belgian chemicals group, which boasts a 30-year experience in phosphonate-based technology as well as other chemistries. It comes one year after Italmatch’s takeover of Naples-based GRS Chemical Technologies, a centre of excellence for low/high molecular weight polymers and fuel additives, completed in December 2014.
“The signed agreement proves our commitment in pursuing a strong expansion strategy through not only internal growth, but also strategic acquisitions,” says Sergio Iorio, chief executive officer of Italmatch Chemicals Group. “Thanks to this agreement, we will be able to expand our water management additives product range and enter into new market segments, such as the Middle Eastern thermal desalination markets, exploiting Solvay’s long-standing experience and know-how in the field, combining and leveraging upon Italmatch expertise in reverse osmosis plants.”
