Arkema acquires Dow's flexible packaging adhesives business

Arkema acquires Dow's flexible packaging laminating adhesives business to expand its portfolio in this sector. Arkema has acquired Dow's flexible packaging laminating adhesives business, which is one of the leading adhesive manufacturers in the flexible packaging market and generates approximately USD 250 million in annual sales. Through this acquisition, Arkema aims to substantially expand its flexible packaging solutions portfolio and become one of the leading companies in this important market. Dow's flexible packaging laminating adhesives business offers a broad range of high-quality solutions for food and medical applications where flexible packaging is the most efficient solution, as well as for industrial lamination (window films, photovoltaic backsheets, etc.). With advanced technologies, recognized brands such as ADCOTE™ and MOR-FREE™, and five state-of-the-art production facilities in Italy, the United States and Mexico, Dow's laminating adhesives business is known as one of the primary solution providers for the packaging industry with its presence in North America and Europe. This acquisition represents an important milestone and unique opportunity that, given Bostik's existing commercial presence, product range and technological scope in flexible packaging, will ideally complement the company's current operations and position Bostik as one of the key global partners for customers in the packaging industry. Thierry Le Hénaff, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Arkema, stated: "We are delighted to announce this major acquisition, which aligns perfectly with Arkema's strategy to continue supplying innovative products with high technological content to our customers and to pursue growth in the adhesives segment, which offers attractive opportunities. This acquisition will enable our group and Bostik to expand their commercial and geographic scope in the packaging field and to complete their product range in this rapidly evolving market, which presents challenges particularly in terms of sustainable development. We are very pleased to welcome Dow's teams in this new development phase." The transaction, which is subject to approval by competition authorities, is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2024. Source