Company Dynamic

Hempel announces the launch of Hempaguard NB, a high-performance silicone hull coating designed specifically for newbuildings, further expanding its market-leading Hempaguard range.

• Hempel

BASF has officially launched the sale of its coatings division, which is expected to fetch up to €6 billion ($6.8 billion), according to Bloomberg.

• BASF

Asahi Kasei announced on May 27 that it will exit methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer, cyclohexyl methacrylate (CHMA), PMMA acrylic resin and SB latex businesses.

• Asahi Kasei

In a bold step toward sustainability, COSMAX, the world’s leading cosmetics ODM company, has introduced a biodegradable hot melt adhesive that could transform how beauty products are packaged.

On May 29, Merck announced a major management change for its China and Japan operations. Anna Van Acker, currently Senior Vice President and President of Merck China, will step down effective July 1.

Seven major pharmaceutical firms reported year-over-year revenue declines in Q1, with Viatris—a leading generics player—hit hardest by an 11% drop.

On May 27, Eli Lilly announced a strategic move to acquire SiteOne Therapeutics in a deal worth up to $1 billion, underscoring its commitment to expanding non-opioid pain therapies.

Kuraray is preparing to roll out its 100% biomass-based ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) under the name “Circular Eval” before the end of 2025.

On May 28, BASF announced the full acquisition of Alsachimie, taking over the remaining 49% stake from partner Domo Chemicals. The joint venture, founded in 2020, was previously split with BASF holding 51%.

Dow announced on June 2 that it has signed a sale and purchase agreement to sell its 50% stake in Dow Advanced Composites Holdings Ltd. (DowAksa) to Aksa Akrilik Kimya Sanayii A.Ş., a subsidiary of Akkök Holding.

• Dow
• DowAksa

BASF and DOMO Chemicals have signed an agreement giving BASF the right to acquire DOMO Chemicals’ 49% stake in the Alsachimie joint venture, subject to consultation with the relevant social institutions of Alsachimie in accordance with applicable laws.

• BASF
• DOMO Chemicals
• Alsachimie

Despite navigating a volatile global environment, Nouryon delivered a standout performance in fiscal 2024, driven by a sharp focus on profitability and strategic realignment.

On May 28, 2025, Eli Lilly announced its acquisition of SiteOne Therapeutics, a privately held biopharmaceutical company, in a deal valued at up to $1 billion.

MMA monomer, CHMA, acrylic resins, and SB latex—due to persistent low profitability and oversupply issues driven by Chinese competition and surging input costs.

A major shake-up in China’s fine chemicals sector is underway as Yantai Wanha Flavor Co., Ltd. is officially established with a registered capital of 2 billion yuan.

On May 26, Japanese chemical giant Mitsui Chemicals announced it will terminate its nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) operations by the end of March 2026, with all product sales to conclude within the same year.

The Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC), a subsidiary of Kuwait Petroleum Company, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China's Wanhua Chemical Group on May 25.

• PIC
• wanhua chemical

Huntsman Corporation announced that it has completed a strategic review of its European maleic anhydride business.

• Huntsman

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. has decided to exit the nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) business. Currently, the business is produced by its wholly-owned subsidiary Shimonoseki Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

• Mitsui chemicals

On May 21, WACKER announced the completion of its largest single expansion in 15 years at its Zhangjiagang site, officially launching new specialty silicone production lines.