Solvay Chemicals, Inc. Announces The Sale Of Its Catalyzed Sodium Sulfite Business

Solvay Chemicals announces the sale of its Catalyzed Sodium Sulfite business to Esseco USA, effective March 15, 2012.

The sale will include Solvay's product portfolio of Custom Blended Sodium Sulfite Products. Solvay Chemicals has been active in the development, manufacture, and sale of these products for many years. "This important strategic step allows us to concentrate our product portfolio on our rapidly growing core sodium sulfite anhydrous business; Esseco USA has been supplying a variety of sulfite products to the US market for years and we are confident they will serve our Blended customers well," said Mike Wood, Senior Business Manager Sulfite Products. Solvay Chemicals will continue to produce the custom blends until Esseco USA is in full operation and is qualified as a supplier to all customers.

About SOLVAY
SOLVAY is an international chemical Group committed to sustainable development with a clear focus on innovation and operational excellence. Its recent acquisition of specialty chemicals company Rhodia created a much larger player, which is realizing over 90% of its sales in markets where it is among the top 3 global leaders. Solvay offers a broad range of products that contribute to improving the quality of life and the performance of its customers in markets such as consumer goods, construction, automotive, energy, water and environment, and electronics. The Group is headquartered in Brussels. Its companies employ about 29,000 people in 55 countries and generated EUR 12.7 billion in net sales in 2011 (pro forma).

SOURCE: Solvay Chemicals, Inc.