The Chinese new yearthat begins Jan. 22 is 4071, the Year of the Monkey. It will also be the year that Chinese motor oil companies take to the nations television airwaves. One year after the first motor oil ads ran on nationally broadcast China Central Television, lube companies have become some of the biggest purchasers of prime time slots for the coming year. Industry observers say the surprise trend reflects a belief that television offers access to a rapidly swelling pool of potential custom...

Swedish vegetable oil refiner Karlshamns Group announced recently that subsidiary Binol AB has acquired Raisio Chemicals biodegradable lubricants business. Binol said the acquisition, which took effect Jan. 1, will enhance its position in the Nordic market, even as the company works to increase exports to other regions. The acquisition is entirely in line with our strategy and further consolidates Binols position as number one in the market for vegetable technical oils, Binol President Magnus Jo...

Fresh out of bankruptcy, Safety-Kleen Corp. announced last week that it is looking for a captain to chart its course. The Plano, Texas, used oil rerefiner announced Jan. 14 that Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Ronald A. Rittenmeyer has informed the companys board of directors that he intends to resign. Rittenmeyer agreed to stay on for six to nine months while the board searches for his replacement. Rittenmeyer joined Safety-Kleen in August 2001, 14 months after the company ente...