Tronox buys FMC's alkali chemicals business for $1.64 bn

The US-based FMC Corporation has signed a definitive agreement to sell its alkali chemicals business to Tronox Limited for $1.64 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2015, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. In September 2014, FMC announced it was acquiring multinational agrochemical maker Cheminova A/S and would pursue a divestiture of the alkali chemicals business to reduce debt related to the company's pending acquisition.
 
Pierre Brondeau, president, CEO and chairman of FMC, said, “This is a natural fit for alkali chemicals, which will thrive as a new, strategic business at Tronox. This transaction allows FMC to maintain a strong balance sheet as our company focuses on global agriculture, health and nutrition with a portfolio that concentrates on high-growth markets.”
 
The alkali chemicals business is the largest global producer of natural soda ash with its mining and processing facilities located in Green River, Wyoming (USA). Alkali chemicals' products are used in glass manufacturing, water treatment, pulp and paper, textiles, food and pharmaceutical and cosmetics.
 
"With its industry-leading position in markets complementary to ours, the alkali chemicals group brings consistently strong operational and financial performance. Together, we will form a leading inorganic chemicals company with approximately $2.6 billion in sales with the scale, stability and financial strength to continue to pursue our strategic growth initiatives,” said Tom Casey, chairman and CEO of Tronox – one of the leading global players in the production and marketing of mineral sands, titanium dioxide pigment and electrolytic products.