Altana acquires effect
pigment business of USBP
The Altana Group signed a contract to acquire the effect pigment business of United States Bronze Powders Inc. (USBP). In 2007, USBP achieved sales of approximately $8 million in this business area. USBP retains its powder business as well as its aluminum pigments business. Within the Altana Group, the acquired business will be integrated into the Eckart Effect Pigments division, a manufacturer of metallic and pearlescent pigments. The acquisition is subject to approval by the antitrust authorities. The acquired business mainly comprises the production of copper pigments, bronze pigments, stainless steel pigments, as well as press-ready metallic printing inks. No manufacturing site and no employees are included under the agreement with USBP; the production for this business will be transferred to Eckart’s U.S. affiliate, Eckart America in Painesville, OH and to its main factory in Günthersthal, Germany.