Arkema finalizes the acquisition of Bostik

Regulatory News:

Arkema (Paris:AKE) finalized the acquisition of Bostik, the world’s no. 3 in adhesives, on 2 February. With this acquisition, the Group reaches a new milestone in its development, and confirms its ambition to become a world leader in specialty chemicals and advanced materials. Bostik’s growth prospects and the complementarities identified between the two groups will sustain the success of this high value creating project.

With the acquisition of Bostik, Arkema fulfils a project that is perfectly aligned with its strategy to reinforce its position in specialty chemicals and further develop its High Performance Materials segment. Bostik, which will constitute a new business unit of this segment, holds leadership positions in most of its markets, has internationally recognized brands and technologies, and achieves around €1.5 billion* sales with 4,900 employees in over 40 countries.

"It is with great pleasure that we welcome the Bostik teams. I firmly believe in the quality and the development potential of this company which represents a promising growth platform for the future. I also want to thank everyone who, through their true professionalism, has helped finalize quickly the operation and its financing,” stated Thierry Le Hénaff, Arkema Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

In a steadily growing adhesives market, Bostik’s development drive and the synergies identified between the two groups will enable Arkema to continue strengthening its profile as well as its resilience to changes of the economic environment.

The financing of this operation was successfully finalized early 2015 with a €700 million bond issue with a 1.5% coupon, and complements the hybrid bond issue conducted in October 2014 and the share capital increase completed in December 2014.

With the acquisition of Bostik, the new entity achieves sales of around €7.6 billion** and employs some 19,000 people around the world.

* Estimate based on information received as part of the acquisition process
** 2013 pro forma consolidated sales for Arkema and Bostik

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema is building the future of the chemical industry every day. Deploying a responsible, innovation-based approach, we produce state-of-the-art specialty chemicals that provide customers with practical solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials. With operations in close to 50 countries, some 19,000 employees and research centers in North America, France and Asia, Arkema generates pro forma annual revenue of some €7.6 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands.

ARKEMA
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