Solenis has agreed to acquire the paper process chemicals business of Kolb Distribution, a unit of KLK Kolb. Terms were not disclosed.The deal includes a long-term supply agreement, in which KLK Kolb will manufacture paper process chemicals exclusively for Solenis.

This is the fourth acquisition made by Solenis since Platinum Equity acquired it last year. The two firms will operate independently until closing, which is expected to be by the end of Q1 2023, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.

As rumoured last month, BASF and private equity investor Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) have exited their joint ownership of paper and water treatment chemicals company Solenis, by selling it to Platinum Equity. Solenis will be merged with Platinum’s existing subsidiary Sigura, creating a player in water treatment with $3.5 billion/year in sales.

According to a report on Bloomberg that cited unnamed people involved, BASF and its private equity partner, Clayton Dubilier & Rice  (CD&R), are considering an exit from water treatment specialist Solenis and have been in talks with several special purpose acquisition companies. A price in the region of $5 billion is reportedly being sought. Neither party has commented on this speculation.