BASF has signed an agreement to sell its bleaching clay and mineral adsorbents businesses to EP Minerals, a worldwide leader in industrial minerals, for an undisclosed amount. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2017, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.
The bleaching clay and mineral adsorbents businesses are currently part of the process catalysts business unit of BASF’s global catalysts division. The divestiture includes a production site and a clay mine in Mississippi, and the mineral rights sublease associated with a mine in Arizona. The transaction will affect approximately 70 employees.
“In the process of focusing our portfolio on strategic growth areas we are divesting the businesses to a strategic buyer, EP Minerals. This is the best course of action for the further development of the businesses and the impacted employees,” said Detlef Ruff, BASF senior vice president, process catalysts.
Gregg Jones, president and CEO, EP Minerals, added, “We’re excited about this opportunity to acquire the bleaching clay and mineral adsorbents business from BASF. It’s a strategic move to strengthen our portfolio of industrial minerals and position EP Minerals for future growth and innovation.”
EP Minerals is one of the leading players in diatomaceous earth (DE), clay and perlite. These unique minerals are used as filter aids, absorbents and functional additives serving dozens of diverse markets including food and beverage, biofuels, swimming pool, landscape, sports turf, paint, plastics and insecticides. EP Minerals also produces patented water purification media and arsenic removal products.
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