WILMINGTON, Del., – Today, DuPont Performance Polymers and DENKA (Denki Kagaku Kogyo K.K. TSE:4061) announced they have signed a definitive agreement to sell DuPont™ Neoprene polychloroprene to Denka Performance Elastomer LLC, a new joint venture company owned 70 percent by DENKA and 30 percent by Mitsui (Mitsui & Co., Ltd. TSE:8031). The sale is expected to close in the first half of 2015 pending receipt of customary regulatory approvals. Financial terms of the deal are not being disclosed.
Neoprene, invented by DuPont in 1931, is a synthetic rubber used for many chemical and weather-resistant products such as wet suits and orthopedic braces. It also is used as a base resin in adhesives, electrical insulation and coatings. DuPont is a leading producer of Neoprene polychloroprene in North America through manufacturing operations at its Pontchartrain Works site in La Place, La. Approximately 235 employees in the United States will be included in the transaction.
“Neoprene has been an important product line within DuPont Performance Polymers and we believe it will truly thrive as part of the Denka Performance Elastomer portfolio,” said Patrick E. Lindner, president of DuPont Performance Polymers. “This agreement further enables the DuPont Performance Polymers business to focus on innovative new offerings that drive profitable growth both today and over the long term.”
“We are excited to welcome Neoprene and the employees who manage this product,” said Shinsuke Yoshitaka, DENKA president & CEO. “Chloroprene rubber is our core business and the acquisition from DuPont will largely contribute to our further sustainable growth. Also, DENKA can establish a flexible supply structure with high-quality products. Furthermore, we expect to enjoy synergies with our Research & Development and technical services, which are our strengths. I believe that these positive effects will enable us to serve the market and the customers much better.”
DENKA was founded in 1915 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. DENKA manufactures and distributes a wide range of chemical products, encompassing organic and inorganic materials, polymer processing, electronic materials and pharmaceuticals. Since 1962, DENKA has been manufacturing polychloroprene in its plant in Omi, Japan, using the acetylene method of polychloroprene production.
DuPont has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.
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