ALTANA Acquires Imaginant Inc. to Expand BYK Division and Enter Semiconductor Industry Growth Market

ALTANA, a leading international specialty chemicals group, has recently acquired the business of Imaginant Inc., a US-based company specializing in the development and manufacturing of ultrasound-based testing and measurement instruments. Through this acquisition, ALTANA strategically expands its BYK division and enters the growing market of the semiconductor industry. Imaginant, headquartered in New York, will be integrated into BYK-Gardner.

Imaginant's testing and measurement instruments are used for quality assurance in various industrial applications. For instance, these instruments are capable of non-destructive testing to determine the thickness of multi-layered coatings in automotive and other industries. In the semiconductor industry, Imaginant's equipment is used for scanning acoustic microscopy to detect layering, cracks, and voids within electronic components.

Imaginant offers unique measurement capabilities through its PELT® coating thickness gauges. This innovative product range enables the measurement and inspection of each layer's thickness in multi-layered coating systems. For example, in automotive coatings, the PELT® gauge can be used to determine if the film thickness of electronic coatings, primers, basecoats, or clearcoats is within specifications. The special feature of this ultrasound-based technology is its applicability not only to metallic materials but also to non-metallic materials such as carbon fiber, plastics, glass, wood, and composite materials.

The patented technology of the PELT® system can be used in handheld measurement devices as well as in robot-controlled systems for automated measurements. Both devices offer precise control of the coatings applied to production components.

As part of the acquisition, BYK-Gardner will also take over the production facility of Imaginant located in Rochester, New York. The company, founded in 1986, has a workforce of 34 employees and its products are sold on all continents.

"Imaginant's technological expertise in the development and manufacturing of high-frequency ultrasound measurement instruments complements the strengths of BYK-Gardner as an innovative high-tech instrument expert for testing color, gloss, and physical properties," said Dr. Tammo Boinowitz, Member of the Management Board of ALTANA AG and President of the BYK division. "By integrating these measurement technologies into our software and services, we intend to further simplify our customers' production processes and drive the digitization of the industry."

Dr. Todd Jackson, CEO of Imaginant, stated, "The acquisition by BYK-Gardner will enable us to develop new innovative testing and measurement instruments and fully exploit the potential of our ultrasound technology. This will benefit both our customers and employees."

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. The parties have agreed not to disclose the acquisition price.

ALTANA is a global leader in specialty chemicals. The group provides innovative and environmentally friendly solutions for coating manufacturers, paint and plastics processors, the printing and packaging industry, the cosmetics industry, as well as the electrical and electronics industry. Its product range includes additives, specialty coatings and adhesives, effect pigments, sealants and compounds, impregnating resins and varnishes, as well as testing and measurement instruments. ALTANA's four independent operating divisions, BYK Additives & Instruments, ECKART Effect Pigments, ELANTAS Electrical Insulation, and ACTEGA Coatings & Sealants, are market leaders in terms of quality, product expertise, innovation, and service in their respective target markets.