Nexam Chemical Buys Plasticolor to Add Masterbatch Production Capability

Sweden’s Nexam Chemical Holding AB is acquiring 100 percent shares of the privately owned Plasticolor Sweden AB, a manufacturer of masterbatch products, and thereby adding masterbatch capability to its offerings.

The purchase price for the masterbatch producer, which has production facilities in four countries, was SEK116 million (11.6 million euros), of which SEK22.2 million (2.2 million euros) is paid through new shares in Nexam Chemical Holding AB.

The acquisition, said Nexam Chemical on Dec. 8, will ensures access to “high-class production capacity,” helping the company expand its product portfolio and accelerate growth.

As complementary businesses, the acquisition will allow for the introduction of Nexamite multifunctional masterbatch (NMMB), which combines a number of additives with Nexamite in a masterbatch.

“Nexamite multifunctional masterbatch is a more advanced masterbatch than we offer today. Our customers will be able to benefit from the performance improvements and the cost effectiveness of NMMB,” said Anders Spetz, CEO at Nexam Chemical, adding that the new product would help the company establish itself in new segments.

Lund-based Nexam Chemical develops cost-effective technology and products for improvement of production process and properties of plastics. Those properties include strength, toughness, temperature as well as chemical resistance.

The company currently focuses on three areas: polyethylene pipes, polyester foams and high performance applications, but expects the acquisition to help it target new market segments.

Also commenting on the takeover, Håkan Linné, CEO and co-founder of Plasticolor, said the two companies complemented each other “very well” and could create new value-added customer offers.

Lomma, Sweden-based Plasticolor is an established masterbatch manufacturer, with production and sales/marketing offices in six European countries.

The company currently employs around 30 persons and has annual sales of SEK86 million (8.6 million euros).