Clariant, a sustainable specialty chemical company, announced that it has completed the acquisition of BASF’s U.S.-based Attapulgite business assets for $60 million. Structured as an asset deal, the transaction includes the transfer of land, as well as mining rights, the processing facility, and inventories, which will be integrated into Clariant’s Functional Minerals business. The finalized deal also includes an agreement for the long-term supply of attapulgite-based products to BASF. Clariant reports that the transaction will improve the EBITDA margin profile of its Business Area Natural Resources, while supporting the company’s path towards reaching its 2025 targets. With this acquisition Clariant’s Functional Minerals business will increase its production capacity and subsequently its footprint in the attractive North American market.

“This acquisition is a perfect example of our disciplined approach to bolt-on acquisitions as it provides tangible synergies, strengthens one of our core segments, and brings us closer to our 2025 targets,” said Conrad Keijzer, chief executive officer at Clariant. “At the same time, the acquisition is another step forward in the energy transition away from fossil-based fuels.”

The newly acquired attapulgite business is one of the largest miners and producers of attapulgite in North America. It encompasses mining operations in Georgia, as well as Florida, and processing operations in Quincy, Florida. This business is well recognized in the industry for its combination of mineral quality, mine reserve size, and strategic location. It produces attapulgite-based products for a wide range of applications and end markets, and generated sales of approximately $36 million in 2020.

“We are very pleased with the completion of this acquisition in the U.S.,” said Angela Cackovich, president of Adsorbents & Additives at Clariant. “Along with a strategically valuable business, we also welcome 75 highly qualified professionals. Our increased presence in the region will allow for greater customer proximity, and enhances our ability to meet the demands of an attractive, rapidly expanding market.”

For more information, visit: www.clariant.com.