Dow to divest its Acetone Derivatives business

“This divestiture illustrates Dow’s disciplined approach to portfolio management with a best owner mindset,” said Jim Fitterling, CEO of Dow. “It is beneficial to both parties and, in the case of Dow, is directly aligned with our more focused portfolio and goal of driving a higher return on invested capital.”

The divestiture includes production assets located in Institute, West Virginia, in addition to the site infrastructure, land and utilities. Dow will remain a tenant on the Institute site, retaining ownership of certain manufacturing assets.

The transaction enables the acetone derivatives business to continue reliably and safely serving its customers. Additionally, it allows the Institute site to continue providing site infrastructure services to partners at the site. Both companies are working together on a seamless transition plan for all stakeholders. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2019, subject to customary closing conditions.

Acetone derivatives are widely used as solvents and as chemical intermediates. They are used in the coatings industry as solvents for nitrocellulose and other cellulose ethers and for vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate and other resins. They are also used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, plastics, fibres and films.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/petrochemicals/14082019/dow-to-divest-its-acetone-derivatives-business/