Celanese Corporation to Acquire Italian Thermoplastic Compounder Group

Italy: Celanese Corporation (C.E), a global specialty materials company has signed an agreement for the acquisition of Italy based, world’s largest independent thermoplastic compounder company, that is SO.F.TER Group. The company is set to acquire SO.F.TER Group’s product portfolio of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) and engineering thermoplastics(ETPs), in addition to the group’s customer agreements as well as manufacturing, commercial and technology facilities. This acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of the fourth quarter of 2016. The deal will almost double the engineered materials product platforms of the Celanese Corporation, globally.

TechSci Research depicts that this acquisition of SO.F.TER Group with availability of the diverse product portfolio will help the Celanese Corporation to extend its footprint in the thermoplastic elastomers market on account of the surge in demand for light weight automotive and consumer durable products, globally. Furthermore, strengthening global presence of Celanese Corporation would enable the company to address the growing demand for thermoplastic elastomers in India.

According to the recently published report by TechSci Research, “India Thermoplastic Elastomers Market  By Type (Styrenic Block Copolymers, Thermoplastic Olefins, Thermoplastic Polyurethanes, etc.), By End Use Application (Automotive, Consumer Durables, etc.), Competition Forecast and Opportunities, 2011 – 2025”, the market of thermoplastic elastomers in India is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of around 7% during 2016 – 2025. Styrenic Block Copolymers dominated India thermoplastic elastomers market in 2015, and the segment is expected to continue dominating the market through 2025 owing to its wide range of applications in various industries, ranging from automotive to consumer durables. During the forecast period, automotive industry is expected to emerge as the largest end user of TPEs in India, on account of increasing consumer preference for high performance and lightweight automobiles in the country. A major share in the demand for thermoplastic elastomers emanates from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, National Capital Region (NCR), Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, among others.