Archroma opens HQ
Archroma has relocated its new Haus der Wirtschaft headquarters to Pratteln , near Basel , which is home to a wider business hub . The existing site at Reinach will revert to its original R & D function as a ‘ tech hub ’ supporting the various competence centres ( CCs ) in Switzerland : CC Textile Finishing , CC Textile Repellents , CC Paper Coloration and CC Paper Whiteness .
More for M Ventures
Merck KGaA is to allocate an additional € 600 million to its corporate venture capital arm , M Ventures , over the next five years . This is the third increase in financial commitment since the creation of M Ventures in 2009 . The increase will be used to grow both the number and size of investments further . To date , M Ventures has been involved in over 80 investments .
Enzymatic carbon capture
Novozymes and Italy ’ s Saipem have agreed to collaborate on developing and commercialising the latter ’ s enzymatic carbon capture process . This is a biological alternative to traditional amine-based carbon capture , using carbonates and biological components at lower temperatures , without solvents and with no need to clean wastewater as it leaves no harmful waste products .
Aragen acquires Intox
CDMO Aragen Life Sciences has agreed to acquire Punebased Intox , a GLP-certified pre-clinical CRO , whose facilities have conducted over 15,000 GLP studies for the ( bio ) pharmaceuticals , plant protection and other sectors . Aragen said that this will expand its end-toend integrated discovery and development platform , enabling it conduct safety assessment studies to US and EU standards .
Arxada creates antimicrobials giant
Arxada , the former Lonza Specialty Ingredients ( LSI ), has merged with Troy Corporation in a move that will make a major force in antimicrobials . Private equity funds Bain Capital and Cinven , which bought LSI from Lonza in July , are the majority owners , with Troy ’ s owners also investing . The firm described the move as “ a logical next step in Arxada ’ s strategy to strengthen its offering and enhance the capabilities of its Microbial Control Solutions ( MCS ) business ”. It will create “ a comprehensive and innovative offering in microbial control ”, the firm added . The merger also brings Arxada production sites in Newark , New Jersey ; Horhausen , Germany ; Moerdijk , Netherlands ; and Kabinburi , Thailand . Troy is among the world ’ s largest players in industrial preservation , notably in the paints and coatings , wood protection and preservation , home and personal care , plastics and textiles , energy and metal
working fluids markets . Among its key products is 3-iodo propynyl butyl carbamate , which LSI did not previously make . Arxada subsequently announced plans to invest CHF 20 million in its industrial biotechnological plant in Kouřim , Czech Republic , which serves the CDMO part of its Specialty Products Solutions business . This , it said “ provides important infrastructure debottlenecking in connection with expanded technological options and the addition of significant formulation capacity necessitated by Arxada ’ s growing customer base ”. The company has also acquired Enviro Tech Chemical Services , another maker of antimicrobials and biocides . It said that this will create a complementary business line in the MCS business , focusing on peracetic acid , bromines and speciality products , notably for the food and beverage , agriculture and wastewater treatment segments .
Seqens confirms change
CDMO Seqens has confirmed that its planned change of ownership has been completed , with SK Capital , a private investment firm focused on the specialty materials , chemicals and pharmaceuticals sectors , becoming the majority shareholder . In parallel , the company has merged with SK ’ s existing subisidiary Wavelength Pharmaceuticals , an API manufacturer . Two new long-term institutional investors , Bpifrance and Nov Santé are also taking stakes , alongside the management and existing minority shareholders Mérieux Equity Partners , Ardian and Eximium . Bpifrance is the French national investment bank . In addition , Seqens is divesting its non-core sodium bicarbonate , soda ash and sodium silicate production facilities in France and Singapore . These will remain under the control of Eurazeo and other historical shareholders .
14 SPECIALITY CHEMICALS MAGAZINE ESTABLISHED 1981