Germany. Lanxess recently announced the acquisition of the American company Verichem Inc. which will allow it to strengthen its position in the material protection market in that country and in the process expand its global network of biocide manufacturing.
The German firm will now have access to a complementary portfolio of biocides, as well as active ingredients registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Biocides are used to protect coatings, adhesives, building materials, as well as cellulose and paper; prevent deterioration and discoloration of materials caused by microorganisms.
Verichem, located in Pittsburgh, is a company that employs around 20 people. Its net sales record in 2010 was approximately US$10 million and it will become part of the business unit known as Material Protection Products (MPP).
"This transaction highlights Lanxess as a key provider of High-Tech solutions for the megatrend of urbanization. This is the second acquisition we achieved in the U.S. Which reinforces our goal in the North American market," said Rainier van Roessel, a member of Lanxess' executive circle.
