Solvay intends to acquire Norfluor S.A. and Chemtech Products Inc. to strengthen its Fluor business in the Nafta market

The SOLVAY GROUP (Belgium) announced today that letters of intent have been signed with NORFLUOR S.A., Ciudad Juárez (Mexico), and CHEMTECH PRODUCTS Inc., St. Louis (USA), in regard of the acquisition of both enterprises by the Solvay Group. Norfluor S.A., situated near the US border, is a producer of hydrofluoric acid, the most important raw material for fluorine products. Chemtech Products Inc. manufactures various inorganic fluorides - complementary to Solvay´s product range - and has established an efficient distribution network for fluorine products, resulting in a leading position in this market segment.

Hydrofluoric acid is the starting point for the production of organic and inorganic fluorides including freezing and blowing agents without any ozone depletion potential, the insulating gas sulphur hexafluoride, as well as ammoniumbifluoride (ABF), used particularly for surface treatment of glass and metals. The Solvay Group is among the leading worldwide suppliers of these products.

The acquisitions will increase the Solvay Group´s competitiveness and in particular strengthen its position especially in the Nafta market (USA, Canada, Mexico) for fluorine products. More than 80% of Solvay´s Fluor business in the Nafta area currently is based on imports from Europe. With the planned acquisitions, the Solvay Group will be able to provide its Nafta customers with even better service.

The Solvay Group expects that the acquisitions will further promote the growth of the Fluor business. Combining organization structures, optimizing product flows and taking over production plants in the Nafta area will contribute to this development.

SOLVAY is an international chemical and pharmaceutical group headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. It employs about 33,000 people in 46 countries. In 1998 its consolidated sales amounted to EUR 7.5 billion generated by its four sectors of activity: Chemicals, Plastics, Processing and Pharmaceuticals.

For further information please contact :

Lori Muratta ,
SOLVAY America, Inc.
Tel: +1 713 525 6073
Fax: +1 713 525 7887