The world’s biggest manufacturer of drug ingredients, Lonza Group AG, Basel, Switzerland has come into an agreement to buy Arch Chemicals Inc. for approximately $1.2 billion creating a global leader in the bacteria and fungi killing business. 

Arch Chemicals’ products are used for disinfecting swimming pools, protecting wood from fungus, preventing the growth of molds and mildew in paints and dandruff treatment. This deal with Norwalk, Connecticut based Arch Chemicals will make Lonza Group the leader in the $10 billion market which is exhibiting growth of as much as six percent per year and it will also reduce its dependence on manufacturing pharmaceutical ingredients for drug makers said the company. 

Lonza Microbial Control, a new business sector formed by the acquisition and led by Jeanne Thoma as previously announced, will offer a complete portfolio of microbial control solutions. Lonza will offer this complementary range of products and actives to a broader range of customers in both established and emerging markets.