21
may 2002
Umicore
acquires assets of Unaxis Materials and Arconium,
A new business unit for Advanced Materials
Umicore has acquired Unaxis Materials AG, based in Balzers, Liechtenstein, along with three of the four business lines of Arconium, based in Providence, Rhode Island (USA). Both acquisitions are subject to regulatory approval. These businesses will be added to Umicore existing Specialty materials business and complement one another. They will provide Umicore with increased downstream exposure in precious metals, indium and specialty metals. The acquisitions are compatible with Umicore's focus on value-added products, recycling and security of supply. They also provide additional growth opportunities in line with Umicore's objective of doubling the size of its Advanced Materials division by 2003.
Both acquisitions relate to 'thin layer' technology and materials - which involve depositing layers of high-quality metals or metal compounds on a substrate. Umicore's strategy is to develop businesses in this area through a combination of initiatives in selected substrate markets and thin layer products. Umicore has built world-class expertise in technologies related to germanium and cobalt and these acquisitions are important steps in extending this approach to other metals present in the company's portfolio. The acquisitions are a further step towards the development of a downstream business based on speciality and precious metals present in the various flow sheets of Umicore, particularly that of Umicore Precious Metals.
For more information:
n.v.Umicore s.a.:
Press:
Mrs Moniek DELVOU - Tel. +32 2 227 70 63 * +32 475 26 64 95 – moniek.delvou@umicore.com
PROFILE
Umicore is an international metals and materials group. Its activities are centred on four business areas: Advanced Materials, Copper, Precious Metals and Zinc. Each business area is divided into market-focused business units.
Umicore focuses on application areas where it knows its expertise in materials science and metallurgy can make a real difference, be it in products that are essential to everyday life or those at the cutting edge of exciting, new technological developments. Umicore's overriding goal of sustainable value creation is based on this ambition to develop, produce and recycle metals in a way the fulfils its mission: materials for a better life.
The Advanced Materials business group produces high-purity metals, alloys, compounds and engineered products for a wide range of applications, and is the world leader in cobalt compounds and germanium products. The business group is divided into two business units, Cobalt & Energy Products and Electro-Optic Materials, and also contains a specialist venture unit devoted to identifying and nurturing new business opportunities and projects.
The Umicore Group has industrial operations on all continents and serves a global customer base; it generated a turnover of EUR 3.5 billion in 2001 and currently employs some 9,000 people.