Metallurgy / Chemicals / Rubber & Plastics

Arkema plans to acquire Polimeros Especiales, Mexico's leading producer of emulsion resins. The planned acquisition of the leader in solvent-free waterborne acrylic resins will strengthen Arkema's position in this fast-growing region.

Polimeros Especiales is an established Mexican private company producing high performance waterborne resins for a wide range of markets including architectural and decorative coatings, textiles, pressure sensitive adhesives and construction. The company has become a major emulsion manufacturer in the region, with sales of about $40 million in 2021 and 230 employees.

This planned acquisition is fully in line with Arkema's strategy to expand its coating solutions segment in growing markets and low VOC solutions. Aqueous is one of Arkema's main solvent-free technologies, used with powder, UV/LED/E-beam and high solids systems.

"Thanks to the acquisition of Polimeros Especiales, Arkema will open up new markets in the Mexican market, which is experiencing strong growth," said Manuel Garcia, General Manager of Arkema Mexico. "This acquisition will ensure continued strong support for our customers and will enable Arkema to expand its product offering locally."

"We welcome Polimeros Especiales and his team to the Group, as this leading company already has a strong customer base and technical know-how. Its solid manufacturing assets and logistics platform will strengthen our expertise and service quality in the region," A added Neil Tariq, global business director of Comar Coating Resins.