Luther advises Solvay on EPIC Polymers takeover

Chemicals group acquires innovative technology: high-performance plastics for the automotive and transport sectors

Luther has advised chemicals company Solvay on its acquisition of EPIC Polymers GmbH, headquartered in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

This is not the first time Solvay has called in this major law firm: in September 2014, Luther advised Solvay on its acquisition of Flux Schweiß - und Lötstoffe GmbH. In February 2015, Luther assisted the company with the sale of its German refrigerant business.

By acquiring EPIC Polymers, Solvay secures its long fibre thermoplastic (LFT) technology. This expands Solvay's portfolio of weight-saving, high-performance materials and gives it access to the market for metal replacement in automotive components. The new technology will be integrated into Solvay's Speciality Polymers business unit, which already manufactures plastics for metal replacement used in vehicle engine bays (including in hot air ducts, in the drive train, in engine control units, etc.). New products made of long fibre thermoplastic will primarily be used in the production of semi-mounted bodywork and interior components.

About Solvay

The chemicals company, headquartered in Brussels, is one of the ten biggest chemicals companies worldwide. It operates in a wide range of markets – from consumer goods to energy. The international Solvay Group employs around 26,000 staff in 52 countries, and turned over 10.2 billion euros in 2014.

German Solvay businesses produced a domestic and overseas turnover of around 1.1 billion euros in 2014. Around 3,000 employees work across its ten sites in Germany.

On behalf of Solvay

Luther, Mergers & Acquisitions: Prof Dr Hans-Georg Hahn (Lead Partner), Dr Andreas Blunk, MLE (Of Counsel), Dennis Bertog (all Hanover)

Luther, Employment Law: Dr Gunnar Straube (Partner, Hanover)

Luther, IP and Copyright Law: Dr Wulff-Axel Schmidt (Partner), Dirk von Diringshofen, Christian Hufen (all Frankfurt am Main)

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