The grandparent of RohMax Oil Additives adopted a new name last week – Evonik – but officials say that action will have little effect on the lubricant additive supplier.
RAG Beteiligungs-AG, parent of Dusseldorf, Germany-based chemical maker Degussa, changed its name to Evonik Industries AG Sept. 12 as part of its preparations to conduct a public stock offering next year. Degussa will serve as the name of Evoniks chemicals business for an undetermined period, and the company will use both names on advertisements and promotions during that time, but the Degussa name will be eliminated after a transition period.
In contrast, management intends to keep the RohMax name, although Evonik will precede it.
We feel that we have a good strategic position within Evonik, but this will not affect our operations, RohMax Vice President of Strategic Marketing Jean-Luc Herbeaux said yesterday. RohMaxs people and organization will remain the same.
RohMax, a subsidiary of Degussa, is based in Darmstadt, Germany, and markets additives such as viscosity index improvers and pour point depressants, primarily based on polyalkyl methacrylate technology.