Smart Molding International 3-2021

materials 49 www.smart-molding.com inks, plastics and specialty applications, by creating a world-class pigments sup - plier that offers customers an even wid - er range of versatile solutions. “BCE is a strategic partner who aims for high growth and high added value by expanding functional pigments into niche applications. Due to the comple - mentary regional footprint and product portfolio, the acquisition of BCE is ideal within the DIC pigments business,” said Yoshinari Akiyama, DIC Managing Executive Officer and General Manager of the Color Material Products Divi - sion. “Closing this deal enables us to combine the technological capabilities of both companies so we continue to create new value and provide it to the market as a leading company in the pigment business.” “We’re pleased to welcome the val - ued and trusted expertise and engage - ment of BASF’s employees in the pig - ments business,” said Myron Petruch, DIC Executive Officer and President and CEO of Sun Chemical, a subsidiary of DIC Corporation. “This deal allows us to compete in the global marketplace more effectively going forward, while strengthening our pigment footprint in Europe. It underscores our commit - ment to delivering solutions tailored to meet the needs of our customers.” Customers will benefit as the acqui - sition offers a unique opportunity to combine complementary know-how and best practices to develop ground- breaking innovative solutions for the marketplace. As a company that strives for Color & Comfort, DIC believes that it can contribute to its customers by providing colors to society and life. With over 30 pigment production fa - cilities worldwide between DIC and BCE, the company’s pigment portfolio will be able to offer broader product categories related to effect pigments, inorganic pigments, organic pigments, specialty dyes, and pigment preparations. “This deal combines the comple - mentary resources and expertise of two recognized leaders in innova - tion, product stewardship, regulatory leadership, application support and manufacturing,” said Mehran Yazdani, President, Performance Pigments and Advanced Materials, Sun Chemical. “We’re looking forward to offering our customers the absolute best support and continued innovation in the pig - ments space.” For Dr. Alexander Haunschild, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at BASF’s pigment-focused subsidiary BASF Colors & Effects, the agreement will help continue the growth path started in 2016. “The investments of DIC prove its commitment to innova - tions and interest in the longer term success of the business. We’re excited to see BCE continue down a path of growth and success.” A transition team continues to work to ensure a smooth transition for cus - tomers and employees. White & Case LLP served as legal counsel and Morgan Stanley served as financial advisor to DIC. DIC is a fine chemicals company with a top share in printing inks, organic pigments and PPS compounds in the global market. Established in 1908 as a manufacturer of printing inks, DIC has capitalized on its capabilities in organic pigments and synthetic resins to build a broad portfolio to markets such as automotive, electronics, foods and housing. DIC operates in more than 60 countries and territories around the world today. DIC has capitalized on its capabili - ties in organic pigments and synthetic resins, the principal material for print - ing inks, to build a broad portfolio. To - day, DIC classifies its products in three business groups: Packaging & Graphic, Color & Display, and Functional Products. Through these business groups, the DIC group works to provide products and services that respond to the needs of society and its customers. DIC is also working to create new busi - nesses addressing local and global and social challenges. DIC www.dic-global.com