Natrium Capital Limited is pleased to announce it has advised Blackstone on its recently announced acquisition of Solvay’s cellulose acetate tow business, for an enterprise value of about €1bn.
Blackstone announces that Solvay has reached an agreement to sell its cellulose acetate tow business, Acetow, to private equity funds managed by Blackstone (“Blackstone”).
Acetow is a leading global producer of cellulose acetate tow predominantly used in cigarette filters. The business is the 4th largest filter tow player globally and benefits from market leading positions where it has a manufacturing presence. Headquartered in Germany, the business has a recognised global footprint with over 1,300 employees worldwide operating across 5 production sites in Germany, France, Russia, the US and Brazil. The experienced management team will continue to be led by Chief Executive Officer, Philippe Rosier, who has over 25 years’ experience with Solvay and has served as CEO since 2015.
Lionel Assant, Head of European Private Equity at Blackstone, said: “Acetow presents a great opportunity to invest in a highly cash generative, market-leading global player, set to benefit considerably from the resilience of underlying tow demand across all the markets in which it operates. Acetow’s competitive positioning will continue to be supported by long term relationships with leading cigarette manufacturers, and together with a best-in-class management team, we look forward to developing the business in the years ahead.”
Philippe Rosier, Chief Executive Officer of Acetow, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with Blackstone who, with its international experience and expertise, will provide invaluable support and investment as we enter this next phase of the company’s development. Together, we can achieve significant growth for the business.”
Completion of the transaction is expected in the first half of 2017 and is subject to the customary social procedures and approval by the relevant antitrust authorities.
Blackstone was advised by Rothschild & Co as lead advisor and by Natrium Capital and UBS.
Blackstone is one of the world’s leading investment firms. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies in which we invest, and the communities in which we work. We do this by using extraordinary people and flexible capital to help companies solve problems. Our asset management businesses, with over $360 billion in assets under management, include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds, all on a global basis. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow Blackstone on Twitter @Blackstone.
An international chemical and advanced materials company, Solvay assists its customers in innovating, developing and delivering high-value, sustainable products and solutions which consume less energy and reduce CO2 emissions, optimise the use of resources and improve the quality of life. Solvay serves diversified global end markets, including automotive and aerospace, consumer goods and healthcare, energy and environment, electricity and electronics, building and construction as well as industrial applications. Solvay is headquartered in Brussels with about 30,900 employees spread across 53 countries. It generated pro forma net sales of € 12.4 bn in 2015, with 90% made from activities where it ranks among the world’s top 3 players. Solvay SA (SOLB.BE) is listed on Euronext in Brussels and Paris (Bloomberg: SOLB:BB – Reuters: SOLB.BR).
Natrium Capital is a corporate finance boutique specialising in the chemical, material, biotechnology and clean technology industries. Natrium Capital offers high level strategic and M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) execution advice and has a wealth of experience in investment banking and corporate finance. Natrium Capital advises clients in Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia, especially India. Natrium Capital was set up by Alasdair Nisbet in 2012.
