Rhodia announced Friday that it sold its metal organics division, including its grease thickening business, to metal-based specialty chemical manufacturer OM Group Inc.
Cleveland, Ohio-based OMG said the deal would expand its international presence and – because the transaction included factories in Bethlehem, Pa., and Manchester, U.K. – increase its manufacturing capabilities. But the company added that it may yet spin off part of what it purchased.
Its too early to say, Director of Corporate Communications Carolyn Carr said. Were still evaluating how to integrate these activities with our existing business.
Paris-based Rhodia is one of the worlds leading specialty chemical companies. In its own announcement of the sale, the company said it had decided that the metal organics operations did not offer enough synergies with its other activities.
The metal organics division includes KOLATE aluminum complex thickener systems, as well as water repellants and adhesion promoters for the coatings, ink and tire industries.