Ashland recently announced it has completed its acquisition of privately owned International Specialty Products Inc. (ISP), a global specialty chemical manufacturer of innovative functional ingredients and technologies. The purchase was an all-cash transaction for $3.2 billion, subject to post-closing adjustments for changes in net working capital and certain other items.

“This defining transaction is expected to be immediately accretive and will significantly expand our position in higher margin, higher growth end markets, including personal care, pharmaceutical, food and beverage and energy,” said James J. O’Brien, chairman and CEO of Ashland. “We are excited about combining ISP’s technologies and capabilities with our own. This acquisition enhances our ability to satisfy the increasing global demand for more technologically advanced consumer and industrial products, and to continue to generate industry-leading innovation and solutions for our customers.”

ISP will be integrated into the Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients commercial unit, more than doubling the size of Ashland’s highest margin business. Effective immediately, the combined unit will be called Ashland Specialty Ingredients. Going forward, Ashland Specialty Ingredients is expected to contribute roughly half of Ashland’s EBITDA. In addition, approximately half of Ashland’s overall revenues will now be derived outside of North America.

An integration team with key representatives from both companies is being led by John Panichella, president of the new Ashland Specialty Ingredients business. Ashland anticipates approximately $50 million in annual run-rate savings by the end of the second year through the elimination of redundancies and the capture of operational efficiencies.

For more information, visit www.ashland.com.