Clariant AG is planning the acquisition of a controlling majority in Süd-Chemie AG. As part of the planned transaction, Clariant has come to agreements with the majority shareholder One Equity Partners (50.4 percent) and the family shareholders (approximately 46 percent). As a result, Clariant will acquire slightly more than 95 percent of the outstanding shares. According to Clariant, Süd-Chemie has a strong research and development pipeline for new business areas with substantial growth potential and has demonstrated high levels of innovation coupled with success in the commercialization of its products. “We are convinced that Süd-Chemie is the right strategic fit for Clariant,” said Hariolf Kottmann, CEO of Clariant. “It complements our portfolio with high growth businesses, less cyclicality and it provides Clariant access to new attractive market segments. Süd-Chemie will further drive our profitable growth forward in the coming years. The planned acquisition also offers clear advantages for both companies as our investment will strengthen our research in future markets such as new materials and biotechnology in a focused way.”