DUSSELDORF, Germany -- The Henkel Group has acquired Solyplast S.A., Barcelona, Spain. Solyplast S.A. produces and markets acrylate and silicone sealants, as well as adhesives for the craftsmen and DIY market.

"By purchasing Solyplast, the Henkel Group is not only strengthening its market position but also acquiring expertise that ideally complements our existing business," explains Alois Linder, executive vice president, Consumer and Craftsmen Adhesives, of the Henkel Group.

The company also acquired Cemedine U.S.A., Inc., a one hundred-percent North American subsidiary engaged in the automotive industry, from Cemedine Co., Ltd., Tokyo. Since late 1999, Henkel and Cemedine have been developing, manufacturing and marketing adhesives and sealants for the automotive industry in their joint venture, Cemedine Henkel Co., Ltd., Tokyo.

"Cemedine U.S.A., Inc. develops and manufactures first-class products tailored to the needs of our customers. With this acquisition, we will be expanding our adhesives and sealants portfolio to specifically serve Japanese automobile manufacturers operating in the North American markets," explains Ramon Bacardit, corporate vice president, Henkel Surface Technologies of the Henkel Group.

For more information, visit www.henkel.com.