2nd Sep, 2010

H.C. Starck GmbH, headquartered in Goslar, Germany, has signed a contract to sell its global “Conductive Polymers” Business Unit to Heraeus, Hanau, Germany. The Business Unit, which is based in Leverkusen, sells liquid polymer chemicals under the brand name “Clevios.” Due to their highly conductive nature, these chemicals are used in a wide range of applications, primarily in the electronics industry. The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2010.

With the sale of its Clevios business, H.C. Starck has completed a further step towards focusing on the company’s core areas of business, namely “Refractory Metals” and “Advanced Ceramics”. The company is one of the world’s leading suppliers in both areas which offer above-average growth potential in high-tech industries such as telecommunications, medical engineering, power engineering, aerospace and automotive engineering.

“By selling our Clevios business, we shift the focus of our resources to our core areas of expertise, which will allow us to realize above average growth in these markets. As a market leader in both technology and quality with a global manufacturing structure, we are extremely well-positioned for the future,” says Dr. Andreas Meier, CEO of the H.C. Starck Group. “In Heraeus, we have found a reliable new owner for Clevios, who will not only take on the  global Clevios staff of almost 80 employees and continue the facility in Leverkusen, but will also support the long-term development of the business,” he continues.

With its Precious Metals Business Group, Heraeus has seen many decades of success with metallic materials in the fields of electronics and semiconductor technology. By purchasing Clevios, Heraeus makes a targeted addition to its product portfolio and further expands its position as a leading global supplier of high-quality coating materials used in the electronics industry, among others.

“By incorporating the conducting polymers of Clevios into our range of products, we open up completely new approaches in the important growth markets of the electronics industry. Heraeus plans to make continuous advancements to its product portfolio and provide innovative and unique metallic and non-metallic materials to the market. Clevios represents an essential component in the long-term expansion of Heraeus’ leading technological position in the market,” explains Dr. Roland Gerner, CEO of Heraeus’ Precious Metals Business Group.

www.hcstarck.com

www.heraeus.com