As part of the agreement, Rhein Chemie (a Lanxess AG subsidiary) acquires the rights to related product formulations, as well as existing segment-specific contracts and inventories. Furthermore, WACKER will continue to supply Rhein Chemie with the required silicone raw materials, among other products. In 2010, WACKER generated tire-release-agent sales in the mid one-digit-million range.
“This divestiture streamlines our portfolio of products and solutions,” said Carlos Weise, president of the WACKER SILICONES division. “In contrast to Rhein Chemie, WACKER does not focus on tire-industry applications. Moreover, a multiyear agreement ensures that Rhein Chemie will continue to be supplied with our silicones for the manufacture of tire-release agents.”
WACKER SILICONES
WACKER SILICONES is one of the largest silicone manufacturers worldwide with over 3,000 highly specialized and innovative products. The division’s portfolio ranges from silicone fluids, emulsions, resins, elastomers and sealants to silanes and pyrogenic silicas. These products stand out due to their significant value-adding potential – enhancing both the benefits and performance of customers’ end products. Products from WACKER SILICONES find application in such sectors as construction, chemicals, cosmetics, textiles, automotive, paper and electronics. In 2010, WACKER SILICONES generated some 33 percent of Group sales.
About Rhein Chemie
Rhein Chemie develops, produces and sells additives, specialty chemicals and service products for the rubber, lubricant and plastics industries. In 2010, Rhein Chemie achieved sales of €283 million and has approximately 1,000 employees worldwide. The company is headquartered in Mannheim, Germany, and operates production facilities in Europe, Asia and North and South America. Rhein Chemie is a wholly owned subsidiary of the specialty chemicals group LANXESS based in Leverkusen, Germany.
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions and estimates of WACKER’s Executive Board. Although we assume the expectations in these forwardlooking statements are realistic, we cannot guarantee they will prove to be correct. The assumptions may harbor risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual figures to differ considerably from the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such discrepancies include, among other things, changes in the economic and business environment, variations in exchange and interest rates, the introduction of competing products, lack of acceptance for new products or services, and changes in corporate strategy. WACKER does not plan to update the forwardlooking statements, nor does it assume the obligation to do so.