US materials firm DuPont says it is exploring strategic alternatives for its Performance Chemicals segment, in line with its transformation to a higher growth. The firm says its consideration of strategic alternatives may include a full or partial separation of each of these businesses from the company through a spin-off, sale or other transaction. The segment includes Titanium Technologies and Chemicals & Fluoroproducts businesses, which generated total sales of US$7.2 billion in 2012. DuPont may pursue a different strategic alternative for each business.

DuPont’s decision to explore strategic alternatives for its Performance Chemicals businesses reflects its on-going portfolio review to determine how best integrated science can contribute to growth and the optimal mix of businesses for maximising shareholder value. This follows DuPont’s sale of its Performance Coatings business earlier this year and the acquisition of Danisco in 2011.

Furthermore, it also expects to place more focus on high earning sectors of agriculture and nutrition, industrial biosciences and advanced materials markets.