Celanese acquires product lines from Ashland Inc.

Celanese Corporation is set to acquire certain assets from Ashland Inc., including two product lines, Vinac and Flexbond, which will support the growth of the Celanese Emulsion Polymers business. The transaction is expected to close within 60 days. Revenues of Vinac and Flexbond were approximately $45 million in 2010.

“This acquisition will accelerate the growth of the emulsion polymers business throughout the Americas in key segments such as adhesives, textiles, coatings and paper,” said Phillip McDivitt, general manager, Celanese Emulsion Polymers. “The addition of Vinac and Flexbond will expand our product portfolio while building upon Celanese’s emulsion process technology at our Enoree, S.C., and Boucherville, Quebec, Canada, manufacturing facilities.”

Vinac branded products are used to make a variety of adhesives for use in woodworking
and paper packaging and converting applications. These vinyl-based polymers can be
used to make water resistant wood glues and adhesives suitable for use with various kraft
and coated paperboards. Flexbond branded products are used to make interior and exterior architectural paints. These paints exhibit characteristics such as scrub and stain resistance in interior paints and weather resistance in exterior formulas.