BASF SE, Germany, will sell its hydrophilic melt additives business, including intellectual properties and technical information, to Clinton, Tenn.-based colors and additives manufacturer Techmer PM LLC. BASF markets the additives under the trademark Irgasurf® HL, which is not included in the transaction.

"In the course of the integration of the former Ciba Plastic Additives business we have analyzed our combined offering to the plastics industry and have decided that the Irgasurf HL products do not fit our strategic scope," said Soeren Hildebrandt, vice president, global strategic management and new business development, Performance Chemicals, BASF.

"We are excited about the acquisition of BASF's hydrophilic melt additives business and are in a unique position to successfully grow this business because it complements our existing product line and strong presence in the markets of fibers and nonwovens," said John R. Manuck, president and CEO, Techmer PM.

July/August 2010