Arkema on Jan. 3 finalized the divestment of Febex, a company specialized in phosphorus-based chemistry, to Belgian group Prayon (GM Oct. 28, 2022).Febex is a global player in phosphorus derivatives (high purity phosphoric acid, sodium hypophosphite, and derivatives), used primarily in electronics and in the pharmaceuticals industry.
Arkema said Febex has been a part of the Performance Additives Business Line, with little integration within Arkema’s other activities.
Febex reported sales were around €30 million in 2021. It employs 59 people, and operates one site in Switzerland.
Prayon said the acquisition marks an important step in strengthening its position in phosphorus chemistry. Prayon will enter the electronics market, which it said has strong growth potential in Europe and the US. The acquisition will also enable Prayon to enter the pharmaceutical sector, gain access to the polyphosphoric acid market, and broaden the range of industrial solutions downstream of purified phosphoric acid production, in which Prayon already participates in Europe.
Prayon is jointly owned by OCP of Morocco and SRIW of Belgium.