PPG Industries has signed an agreement with ZaCh System S.p.A., the fine chemicals subsidiary of Zambon Company S.p.A., Milan, Italy, under which PPG would divest its fine chemicals business for appro…
PPG Industries has signed an agreement with ZaCh System S.p.A., the fine chemicals subsidiary of Zambon Company S.p.A., Milan, Italy, under which PPG would divest its fine chemicals business for approximately USD 65 million. The transaction would include a book charge to income of less than USD 0.15 per share. Completion of the transaction is expected in the 4Q 2007 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including discussions with employee representative bodies in Europe and receipt of required regulatory approvals. “Following last week“s announcement of our potential divestiture of our auto glass businesses, this transaction is yet another step toward achieving PPG“s vision of continuing to be the leading coatings and specialty products and services company”, said Charles E. Bunch, PPG chairman and chief executive officer. “The acquisition of PPG“s fine chemicals business is consistent with Zambon Company“s continuing desire to expand its global presence”, said Gianni Marini, ZaCh System board chairman and Zambon Company board member. “We are quite pleased to acquire a PPG business that is recognized as a technology leader, with manufacturing locations in Europe and the United States, reinforcing our custom synthesis business strategy and the value of Zambon research competence”. PPG facilities included in the agreement are a pharmaceutical fine chemicals plant in LaPorte, Texas, and the PPG-Sipsy facility in Avrille, France. The fine chemicals business employs approximately 360 people.