Robert Smith of Pricefx looks at how a sector that is not traditionally price-driven can cope in a world of price volatility

Flush with funds from its IPO, Indian speciality chemicals manufacturer Rossari is to make its second acquisition of in as many months. Following on from the $57.7 million acquisition of Unitop Chemicals in June, it has agreed to acquire Tristar Intermediates in two tranches of 76% now and 24% in three years’ time. The total enterprise value of the transaction is $16 million. Tristar’s current management will stay on for at least three years.

Following press speculation, it has been confirmed that Innospec made an offer to acquire Elementis for £1.60/share on 31 March and that this was rejected on 9 April. Innospec is no longer pursuing the matter.

Elementis said that its board, together with its management and advisers, assessed the offer against its own valuation framework concluded that it “fell meaningfully short of the value creation potential” of the current strategy, particularly in view of “the strong momentum in the business” after a strong start to the year. They therefore unanimously rejected it.

Lanxess has signed a binding agreement to acquire Emerald Kalama Chemical from private equity firm American Securities for €867 million. The deal, which will be financed from existing liquidity, should be completed in Q2, subject to approval by the relevant authorities.