Swiss specialty chemicals group Clariant is accelerating the growth of its Industrial and Consumer Specialties Business Unit (ICS) through important investments.
Naturals portfolio
The group is expanding its naturals portfolio with the acquisition of CRM (Cosmetic Raw Materials) International, a French based manufacturer of natural ingredients for the personal care industry.
The acquisition of CRM, which provides naturally derived ingredients based on olive oil, is consistent with Clariant’s goal to strengthen its position in sustainable, high performance solutions. CRM’s product portfolio contains emollients, active ingredients, butters and natural alternatives to silicones.
Financial details of the acquisition, which is expected to close by the end of March 2013, have not been disclosed.
New plant in Mexico
Clariant also invested over 20 million dollars in a new production site located at Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. The new plant will produce several chemical specialties and technological solutions for different markets, including personal care, crop protection, metalworking, construction and painting.
“With the opening of this site in Coatzacoalcos, Clariant will strengthen the competitive solutions for which we are known by our clients around the world. Mexico is a key player for our operations in Latin America,” Hariolf Kottmann, Clariant CEO.
