Croda International Plc, who create, make and sell speciality chemicals for some of the biggest, most successful brands in the world, today announced that it has acquired IonPhasE for €24m. IonPhasE is an innovative technology supplier of static electricity protection products headquartered in Tampere, Finland.
Operating in some of the fastest growing segments within the plastics market, IonPhasE has developed a unique range of anti-static additives that help to prevent damage to electrical components, increase the safety of chemical and food packaging and improve the long term appearance of consumer appliances. Focused on Electrostatic Discharge Protection (ESD) and Inherently Dissipative Polymers (IDPs), IonPhasE’s products use the most advanced technologies in the static electricity protection market, which work to release static electricity in a controlled way.
Maarten Heybroek, President Performance Technologies at Croda said: “This acquisition supports our growth strategy within high technology, consumer driven material markets. We are delighted that IonPhasE is bringing its industry leading knowledge in the rapidly growing market for Electrostatic Discharge Protection to Croda”.
IonPhasE’s products are a natural extension to Croda’s existing product portfolio and, by bringing together the expertise of both research and development teams, Croda will be able to offer a broader and more diverse range of products to its customers through its dedicated global marketing and sales force.
Heybroek continued, “The acquisition of IonPhasE presents a significant opportunity for us at Croda, with its differentiated and patented product range, operating in a niche, high value sector of the polymer market. The experience and knowledge of the IonPhasE management team, coupled with our innovation strength, global sales reach and complimentary technologies, will allow us to better meet the needs of our customers within our Smart Materials sector.”
Claus Carlsen, Chief Executive Officer at IonPhasE said: “For over 15 years, we have focused on developing our technology in response to the needs of our customers. We are looking forward to developing this further with Croda’s support and expertise, whilst being able to reach existing and new customers faster through a higher level of customer intimacy. All of the team here at IonPhasE is excited about our future within Croda.”
Heli Ahlroos, Director at Tesi said: “Tesi has been involved in financing IonPhasE’s growth and internationalisation since 2012. Now that the company has joined forces with a strong industrial player, IonPhasE will have significant resources to accelerate its global growth. We believe this transaction will support the development of IonPhasE’s technology and personnel in Finland well into the future.”
For more information:
Heli Ahlroos, Director, Tesi,
heli.ahlroos@tesi.fi, +358 40 077 2833
Jill Ullathorne, Global Marketing Manager – Polymer Additives
Croda Europe, Cowick Hall, Snaith, Goole, East Yorkshire, DN14 9AA, UK
jill.ullathorne@croda.com
About Croda – www.croda.com
Established in 1925, Croda is the name behind high performance ingredients and technologies in some of the world’s biggest and most successful brands: creating, making and selling speciality chemicals that are relied on by industries and consumers everywhere.
Croda has a network of over 4,200 passionate and committed employees, working together as one global team across manufacturing sites and offices in 36 countries. Croda Polymer Additives is a global business offering speciality additives into a wide range of polymer applications to provide effects such as anti-fog, anti-static, anti-scratch, mold release, pigment dispersion, slip & anti-block, torque release, UV absorption and speciality plasticisers.
About IonPhasE – www.ionphase.fi
Established in 2001, Finnish technology company IonPhasE is a leading manufacturer of static dissipative polymer additives, commonly known as permanent antistatic additives. These additives are used to control static electricity in plastics, which is utilised in wide range of global markets including electronics and semiconductor, chemical, food, automotive and consumer appliances.
About Tesi
Tesi (Finnish Industry Investment Ltd) is a venture capital and private equity company that accelerates companies’ success stories by investing in them directly and via funds. Tesi always invests together with other investors, providing them with access to high quality deal-flow in Finland. Our investments under management total 1 billion euros and we have altogether 723 companies in portfolio.
www.tesi.fi | @TesiFII
