PPG sells Silica Products business to QEMETICA for $310 million

PPG has completed the sale of its Silica Products business to QEMETICA, a privately held manufacturer of soda ash, silicates and other specialty chemicals based in Warsaw, Poland, for approximately $310 million in pre-tax proceeds.

PPG’s Silica Products business manufactures and supplies precipitated silica products as performance-enhancing additives to major companies around the world. The Silica Products business represents 1-2% of PPG’s total net sales in 2023. The transaction includes PPG’s precipitated silica manufacturing facilities in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Delfzijl, the Netherlands. In addition, QEMETICA will lease silica manufacturing and R&D operations at PPG facilities in Barberton, Ohio, and Monroeville, Pennsylvania, respectively. The Silica Products business is led by approximately 400 employees.

“We are pleased to complete this transaction with QEMETICA and I would like to thank the employees of the Silica Products business for their dedication and commitment to the business and PPG’s customers over the years,” said Tim Knavish, PPG Chairman and CEO.

QEMETICA is a leading European chemical manufacturer with best-in-class European production capabilities for soda ash, evaporated salts and silicates. The company’s growth strategy focuses on building a global presence through strategic acquisitions and expansion outside of Europe, with the goal of diversifying its product portfolio and opening new markets, combining a modern approach to business with a commitment to sustainability.

The transaction is the result of PPG’s evaluation of strategic alternatives for the business, which was first announced on January 9, 2024. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as financial advisor to PPG and Hogan Lovells served as legal advisor.