Speciality chemical firms Ashland and Clariant have completed the sale of ASK Chemicals, a foundry chemicals manufacturer, to investment funds affiliated with Rhône for €257 million.

After adjusting for debt and assumed liabilities, Ashland and Clariant received €128 million in cash and a €21 million buyer note. The proceeds will be equally divided among the companies under the terms of the 50/50 joint-venture (JV). An agreement to the transaction was signed in April 2014.

ASK Chemicals offers a range of foundry resources, such as binders, coatings, feeders, filters and release agents, as well as metallurgical products, including inoculants, inoculation wires and master alloys for iron casting.

In 2013, the company reported €513 million in revenues.

“The sale of Ashland’s equity interest in ASK Chemicals will allow us to focus on our core speciality chemicals business as we reposition the company for sustained sales and profit growth.”

Ashland chairman and CEO James J O’Brien said at the time: “The sale of Ashland’s equity interest in ASK Chemicals will allow us to focus on our core speciality chemicals business as we reposition the company for sustained sales and profit growth.”

“At the same time, the divestiture will give ASK Chemicals an opportunity for new investment as it works to build on its position as a leading foundry chemicals manufacturer.”

Rhône said: “We are excited to be partnering with ASK Chemicals’ management team and look forward to working with them to further develop the business in this new phase of ASK’s expansion, leveraging on its leading technology platform, long-standing customer relationships, global manufacturing base and talented personnel.”

Rhône is a global private equity firm with investments in various industries, including chemicals, consumer products, food, industrial, materials, mining and shipping.

New Chief Executive Officer
ASK Chemicals has also announced the appointment of Frank Coenen as its Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Stefan Sommer in the role. Mr. Coenen most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Tessenderlo Group, a global, Belgian-listed speciality chemicals group.

For further details contact Applied Casting Solutions on TEL: 011 922 1701 or visit the website www.chemsystems.co.za or www.ask-chemicals.com