Rhodia and Sibur agree surfactants joint venture in CIS
Letter of intent signed for 50:50 partnership
International chemical company Rhodia and Russian petrochemical company Sibur have signed a letter of intent to create a joint venture in speciality surfactants with a view to creating a leader in the CIS market where speciality surfactants are used particularly in the home and personal care and oil & gas industries.
The surfactants sector here is growing at over 6% a year, fuelled in part by the evolution of consumer demand for more sophisticated and segmented products such as shampoos, conditioners and shower gels.
The alliance will see Rhodia contribute its expertise in surfactant technologies, its knowledge of formulations and market applications and its customer network, including global key accounts with a strong presence in this region. Sibur meanwhile will contribute raw materials and production and logistics capabilities.
The new 50:50 joint venture is expected to site local production in Russia at Dzerzhinsk, 400km east of Moscow and close to Sibur’s petrochemicals operations. This is expected to be operational in 2013.
“This strategic partnership is a key step in our development in the dynamic surfactants market in the CIS and eastern Europe,” commented Christophe Clemente, Rhodia Novecare’s vp Europe.
Emmanuel Butstraen, president of Rhodia Novecare added: “This alliance will reinforce our leading position worldwide in speciality surfactants and is fully aligned with our growth strategy. It demonstrates our commitment to become the preferred partner of our customers as they expand in fast growing countries.”
“Sibur and Rhodia have strong complementary activities and expertise. The association with a worldwide leader in speciality surfactants will allow us to provide value added products to meet the fast growing demand for more sophisticated and complex solutions”, commented Sergey Merzlyakov, vp - head of the plastics and organic synthesis business unit of Sibur.
“Collaboration with Rhodia is in line with our strategy of expanding into carefully chosen specialty chemicals business segments”, concluded Dmitry Konov, ceo of Sibur.
