On Nov. 27, 2019, the CHT Group, a leading supplier of specialty chemicals, acquired keimadditec surface (KAS), which was previously part of the Keim Group.

Keimadditec surface is a leading supplier of high-performance wax additives, with a strong global position in the field of printing inks. The portfolio is enhanced with water-based specialty additives of the Silcona brand. Approximately €42 million will be added to the business volume of the CHT Group.

“We are delighted that Mr. Keim, the owner and founder of the Keim Group, is placing his trust in us and that CHT Group was the chosen partner for the successful development of KAS with its long-established brands keimadditec surface and Silcona,” CHT Group CEO Dr. Frank Naumann said. “The acquisition results in a significant expansion to our current business with additives for industrial applications and positions the CHT Group as a leading supplier of wax additives in the paints and coatings industry worldwide. We are pleased to be able to continue the successful business development and combine the strengths of technical innovation and customer service of both companies.”

Keim additec surface GmbH, founded in 1988 and located in Kirchberg/Germany, is focused on the development and production of environmentally friendly water-based ULTRALUBE wax additives to improve or modify surface properties of resulting coatings. With a current production capacity of about 40,000 t/a, keim additec surface GmbH is among the global market leaders of such wax additives. In 2001, the manufacture of non-wax-based coating additives began with the foundation of silcona GmbH & Co. KG at the same place.

Keim Additec Surface USA LLC was not sold as part of the acquisition, and KAS USA will continue to offer products from all four product groups.

“The CHT Group is committed to its focus on values and a sense of responsibility,” said Helmut Keim, owner of the Group. “Consequently, for me CHT is the ideal successor who can offer my employees and our customers quality and continuity. The acquisition provides advantages for both companies. The CHT Group gains a strong presence in the field of wax additives and in the printing ink industry. The two companies remaining in the Keim Group, Euroceras and Ceronas, get a strong, reliable and strategic partner.”

CHT Group CFO Axel Breitling deems the successful transaction a “strategically and commercially meaningful acquisition which provides the CHT Group with solid added potential for the future.”

“The additives from KAS together with their strong distribution partners will significantly enhance and strengthen our worldwide portfolio for the paints and coatings industry,” said Dr. Bernd Schenzle, head of the business area Construction & Assembly for the CHT Group. “With this transaction, CHT Additives will gain greater presence internationally. With the wax additives we shall be creating significant added value for our customers in a variety of industry segments.”

Dr. Bernhard Hettich, CTO of the CHT Group, noted that the expansion of the CHT business to include wax additives does not only constitute technological enhancement. “With this sustainable class of products, CHT is in a position to serve attractive market segments,” Dr. Hettich said. “Adding to our product portfolio with sustainable wax additives underpins and supports our vision of being the leading international benchmark for sustainable chemistry.”

The parties to the contract have agreed to keep the contractual details of the transaction confidential.