Mitsubishi Chemical and Arkema announced acquisitions one after another!

Mitsubishi Chemical

On December 15, Mitsubishi Chemical announced its decision to acquire all shares of C.P.C. SRL, an automotive parts manufacturing and sales company, with the aim of strengthening and expanding the vertically integrated supply chain and accelerating the long-term development of the carbon fiber business. Subject to regulatory approval, the acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

It is reported that Mitsubishi Chemical invested in C.P.C. SRL in 2017, C.P.C. SRL is a professional company engaged in the manufacturing of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP).

This acquisition will make full use of C.P.C. SRL's design capabilities, molding technology, development capabilities, proposal capabilities, and business network established with European and American automobile manufacturers to further accelerate sheet molding compound (CF-SMC) and prepreg compression molding (PCM) and other carbon fiber composite materials in automotive parts.

In addition, the partnership between the two companies will not stop at these near-term goals, and the two companies also plan to further cooperate to provide sustainable solutions for the future, such as the development of bio-based and recycled carbon fiber intermediate materials.

Franco Iorio, C.P.C. SRL CEO & major shareholder, said: "Mitsubishi Chemical Group and C.P.C. SRLC will do their best to ensure a seamless transition. The two companies have been working together for 10 years, and the final integration in the form of acquiring all shares means that we will be united , providing customers with the best solutions and driving industry innovation through a fully vertically integrated supply chain system."

Akema

On December 13, Arkema announced the acquisition of Irish company Arc Building Products, which produces a portfolio of construction adhesives and sealants including polyurethane wood adhesives and polyurethane foam sealants.

Arkema said the acquisition provides industrial and commercial synergies. By integrating Arc Building Products’ product range, Arkema’s Bostik business will expand its value-added product portfolio for the Irish construction market. The growth of this market is driven by the rising demand for sustainable housing and renovations.

In addition to this, driven by the growing demand for sustainable housing and renovation, Bosch Glue will expand its product portfolio of high value-added solutions and the demand for renovation, and will make significant investments at the Arklow site to increase the local production of solutions.

Vincent Legros, executive vice president of Arkema's Adhesive Solutions business, said: "This transaction is consistent with Bostik's commitment to deliver consistently high-quality, sustainable products while cultivating strong customer relationships."

It is reported that the acquisition is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2024.