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Petrochemicals

FMC closes deal for European persulfates business

US-based chemical company FMC Corp. has completed its previously-announced acquisition of the European persulfates business of RheinPerChemie GmbH from Unionchimica SpA. The acquisition strengthens FMC Peroxygens' global reach and immediately broadens the company's product portfolio for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, it said.

Saudi Aramco, Dow see “significant progress” on chemical venture

The establishment of Sadara Chemical Company, a planned joint venture under formation between Dow Chemical and the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco), is making significant progress following the authorization by both companies in late July, officials from Dow said on Tuesday.

MAN Diesel to supply compressors for China plant

MAN Diesel & Turbo has secured an order for 24 compressor units for an integrated chemical complex in Chongqing, China, the company said on Wednesday. The order size is about €50 million.

RPM buys Europe fire protection, insulation group

RPM International said Wednesday that its performance coatings group has acquired the Grupo P&V group of companies, a leading European vertically integrated supplier of passive fire protection and insulation products. Headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, and with manufacturing in Villarana, Grupo has annual sales of approximately $23 million.

Quaker Chemical buys US lubricant firm G.W. Smith

US-based process chemicals firm Quaker Chemical has acquired G.W. Smith, a leading manufacturer and supplier of die cast lubricants. The acquired business has net sales of approximately $14 million.

Europe chemicals growth lags forecast - report

European Union (EU) chemicals production in July grew by 0.8% compared with July 2010, according to the latest chemicals trends report released by the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC). However, that figure continues a trend of slower-than-expected growth, the group said.

NPRA to change name in 2012 to American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers

Charles T. Drevna, president of the US-based National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA) trade group, announced on Tuesday that NPRA will change its name in January 2012 to the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM).

Dow, OxyChem form chlorocarbon venture to meet rising refrigerants demand

Dow Chemical and Occidental Chemical (OxyChem) intend to form a joint venture to manufacture and market a new chlorocarbon solution that is a building block for advanced climate-friendly refrigerants, initially for use in automobile air conditioning systems.

Dow to spend $25mn/yr on US university R&D work

Dow Chemical has increased its investment in research and development programs with leading US universities with a $25 million/year commitment for 10 years. The investment will be distributed among 11 institutions to strengthen research in traditional scientific fields important to Dow and to the nation’s future, the company said.

PolyOne to buy specialty additives firm ColorMatrix

US-based specialty polymers firm PolyOne has agreed to acquire ColorMatrix, a leading global innovator in liquid colorants, additives and fluoropolymers, in a deal worth $486 million.