The SGL Group has acquired a majority stake in Fisipe – Fibras Sintéticas de Portugal, an acrylic fiber producer, for approximately €25 million. Apart from the 86% stake, the SGL Group has launched a mandatory public offer to acquire the rest of the stake. Negofor had been the previous principal shareholder of Fisipe.
The acquisition expands the company’s production network for carbon fiber raw material supply with a manufacturing facility for precursors. The development of new applications using carbon fiber technology and the increase in efficiency and quality criteria has led the SGL Group to acquire its own raw materials supply. The Head of Business Unit Carbon Fibers & Composite Materials at SGL Group, Dr. Jürgen Köhler, stated that Fisipe had the knowledge, the latest research and production infrastructure, and own energy supply, which has led to the acquisition.
The SGL Group manufactures precursors in joint ventures with Mitsubishi Rayon in Japan and Lenzing in Kelheim. Industrial grade carbon fibers of the 50K type are manufactured here. In the collaboration with Fisipe, the company intends to produce raw materials for 3K – 24K low-tow carbon fibers. Fisipe’s production lines for textile fibers will be modified and allowed to include precursor production.
The top management of Fisipe will continue in their roles after completion of the transaction. The acquisition transaction is expected to close by the end of April 2012.
Source: http://www.sglgroup.com/