ALTANA Signs Agreement to Acquire Polymer Modifier Producer Kometra

The specialty chemicals Group ALTANA has signed an agreement to acquire Kometra Kunststoff-Modifikatoren und - Additiv GmbH. Kometra produces so-called polymer modifiers in Schkopau, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. These modifiers are specific surface-active copolymers which are used as impact modifiers and adhesion promotors in many applications. Polymer modifiers are applied in the refinement of standard plastics and are particularly used in technical applications, for example in the automotive industry. The company will be integrated into ALTANAs BYK Additives & Instruments division.

"The acquisition of Kometra underlines our strategy of value creation which includes both organic growth as well as targeted acquisitions in order to expand our market leadership in technologically demanding markets," stated Dr. Matthias L. Wolfgruber, CEO of ALTANA AG.

"With Kometras technology there are new fields of business which ideally complement and expand our existing activities," said Dr. Roland Peter, President Division BYK. He added that BYKs global sales network is particularly well suited to open up new market potential for the polymer modifier technology worldwide.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, i.e. current estimates or expectations of future events or future results. These statements are based on beliefs of ALTANA as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to ALTANA. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. ALTANA does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update forward-looking statements to reflect facts, circumstances or events that have occurred or changed after such statements have been made.