MUTTENZ, SWITZERLAND: Clariant SA said that it has closed the acquisition of the remaining 50 percent shares of Companhia Brasileira de Bentonita (CBB) from joint venture partner Geosol, a company in analytical services for mineral exploration, on 1 July. Financial details of the acquisition are not being disclosed.
Through the JV with Geosol, Clariant already owned 50 percent of the shares of CBB. The company’s decision to increase its participation in CBB to 100 percent ownership comes as part of Clariant’s strategy to invest in emerging markets and, more specifically, its intention to strengthen its presence in Brazil’s iron ore pelletizing (IOP) industry. Bentonite is a clay mineral used in the binding of iron ore for export.
In addition to the IOP segment, the company will also be able to strengthen its participation in the foundry and civil engineering markets, in which there is high demand bentonite-derived products, as well as open up new fronts in the detergents and paper industries.
CBB is located in the city of Vitoria da Conquista in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The unit includes an important bentonite mine, bentonite processing facility, and state-of-the-art production plant, in addition to laboratories, storage facilities and an office building.
“This acquisition demonstrates our commitment to the growing bentonite business in Latin America and represents a further important step for Clariant towards becoming a leading bentonite company by strengthening our global position,” said Sven Schultheis, head, business unit functional minerals, Clariant.
“This deal secures improved access to our raw clays and a portfolio expansion for the benefit of our customers in Latin America. This is a strategic initiative aimed at meeting the growing demand of our customers and supporting their development in both Brazil’s domestic and export markets,” said Solon Ramos, head of BU functional minerals for South America, Clariant.
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