(BASF) -- GEO Specialty Chemicals, Inc. has entered into an agreement with BASF to acquire the Bisomer monomer business (hydroxy methacrylates, multifunctional methacrylates (MFM) and specialty adducts) and conventional contact lens business of Cognis UK. The transaction includes a manufacturing facility in Hythe, England that produces hydroxy methacrylates, multifunctional methacrylates (MFM) and specialty adducts, polyalkylene glycols (PAG) and PAG-based lubricants. As a part of the transaction, approximately 140 employees are expected to transfer to the new owner, GEO Specialty Chemicals UK Limited.
BASF and GEO have agreed not to announce the terms of the transaction. The divestiture is subject to approval by the EU Commission. Closing of the transaction is expected in the third quarter of 2011.
GEO Specialty Chemicals, Inc., a privately owned company founded in 1993, is a producer of specialty chemicals, targeting niche markets. The Company has three divisions, which include Water Treatment, Paints & Coatings and Construction & Industrial, and operates eighteen manufacturing facilities.