The acquisition couples AkzoNobels strategic ambition to accelerate growth in Asia with our commitment to locate production closer to our customers, said Rob Frohn, AkzoNobels Executive Committee member responsible for specialty chemicals. Boxings leading market position in amines will complement AkzoNobels growing specialty surfactant business in Asia. The acquisition will also provide a strong local manufacturing operation in the region.

The business will be integrated into AkzoNobels Surface Chemistry business, which makes and supplies specialty surfactants, synthetic and bio-polymers additives. Bob Margevich, managing director of AkzoNobel Surface Chemistry, said The demand for amines and derivatives is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, with a third of the Asian demand for amines coming from China alone.

Lubricants Testing Business Bought
Intertek acquired Qinetiqs lubricant and fuel analysis and consulting business in the United Kingdom for 500,000 ($815,000) in cash. The business employs 18 people and will continue to operate at its current site in Farnborough, as part of Interteks chemicals and pharmaceuticals division.

Intertek said the acquisition expands its capabilities in research and development support for new lubricants, fuels, additive packages and specialist evaluations. Key client sectors include aerospace, renewable energy and defense industries. Intertek also expects it to add incremental sales volumes to its existing fuels and lubricants testing services in the U.K. and overseas.

Intertek also closed on purchases of Food Analytical Laboratory Ltd. in Stoke on Trent, U.K., and Recherche, Developpement & Consulting SA of Brussels, Belgium.

Conveyor Belt Lubes Firm Acquired
Brookfield, Wisc.-based Hydrite Chemical Co. purchased Choice Chemical for an undisclosed amount.

Choice Chemical of Visalia, Calif., manufactures products for the beverage industry, including lubricants for high speed conveyors.

Hydrite Chemicals products include a broad range of foam control products for the coolant, lubricant and metalworking markets. Its services include toll processing and custom blending.