Milliken & Company Announces Acquisition of Zebra-chem

Milliken & Company, a globally diversified manufacturer with more than 150 years of materials science expertise, has officially acquired Zebra-chem GmbH, a global chemistry company known for its peroxide and blowing agent masterbatches (Masterbatch is a solid additive for plastics used to color plastics or impart other properties to plastic). As more brands and governments set targets to increase the use of recycled materials globally, plastic manufacturers face challenges in effectively utilizing recycled plastics. Peroxide masterbatches supplied by Zebra-chem and Milliken enable the incorporation of up to 100% recycled content into these new plastics. Halsey Cook, President and Chief Executive Officer of Milliken & Company, said: "Milliken's long-term focus on innovation and sustainability drives us to think about how we can contribute to some of today's leading challenges, such as how to effectively incorporate recycled plastics into production. I am excited to welcome the extraordinary talent at Zebra-chem, which joins our passionate team at Milliken in driving sustainable innovation." Based in Bad Bentheim, Germany, Zebra-chem possesses a respected portfolio of chemical blowing agents and peroxide masterbatches for use in most thermoplastics and engineering plastics. Wim Van de Velde, Vice President for Africa, Europe, Middle East and Middle East for Milliken's Chemistry Division, said: "Zebra-chem's leading position in Europe enables Milliken to leverage complementary innovation platforms, global presence and commercial expertise to accelerate market solutions that improve and increase production with recycled plastics. Our combined skill sets will facilitate faster and more customized solutions that help our customers achieve their sustainability goals." Combining the strengths of Milliken and Zebra-chem opens new potential to expand solutions that accelerate and improve plastic recycling. Customers will benefit from advanced research and development capabilities, shared knowledge and an expanded product portfolio from reliable, leading manufacturers. As Zebra-chem integrates into Milliken, daily operations will continue uninterrupted, including relationships with existing suppliers and customers. Jones Day represented Milliken in the transaction, and BDO served as Milliken's financial advisor.