M&As: Covestro acquires Pontacol to expand in specialty films; Brenntag acquires German mixing/blending company
German materials firm Covestro says it has signed an agreement to acquire Pontacol, a Swiss manufacturer of multilayer adhesive films. With this acquisition, Covestro strategically expands its specialty films portfolio, it adds. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. The financing will be through cash and is thus aligned with Covestro's goal of maintaining a solid investment-grade rating. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025.
Through the acquisition, Covestro complements its film business with highly specialised flat and blown films – a complementary portfolio that enables further growth in attractive application areas. The film segment is growing continuously worldwide, primarily driven by increasing demand in key future markets such as medical technology, mobility, and the textile industry.
Additionally, Covestro is acquiring two specialised production sites in Switzerland and Germany, focusing on different film technologies. This not only strengthens the company's global manufacturing network but also improves the regional availability of adhesive films. The acquisition also opens up additional value creation potential through complementary technologies, an expanded customer and product portfolio, as well as synergies in central functions and procurement.
"This acquisition is an important milestone in our Specialty Films growth strategy," says Aukje Doornbos, Head of Business Entity Specialty Films at Covestro. “In recent years, we have already made large investments in expanding our global capacities. With Pontacol, we can strengthen our product development and expand our global offering for our customers. We are particularly looking forward to the approximately 100 experienced employees who will make a valuable contribution to our further growth with their expertise.”
In other news, chemicals and ingredients distributor Brenntag has announced the acquisition of Gefahrstoffzentrum (GSZ) Kaiserslautern GmbH, a toll manufacturing service provider for mixing and blending, filling, storage and logistics of chemical products in South-West Germany. Financial details of the deal are not being disclosed. Signing and closing of the transaction occurred simultaneously.
The facility in Kaiserslautern, founded in 2008, will increase Brenntag’s local capacity and capabilities for value-added services to regional customers, including mixing and blending, as well as handling and storage of hazardous materials.
Benjamin Deister, Regional President Brenntag Essential EMEA Central, commented: “With the facility’s state of the art and future-proof capabilities as well as the expertise of the GSZ team we are gaining significant capabilities and services to strengthen our last mile service operations in Germany. We look forward to expanding our product offerings and value-added services to our customers in the region even further with this acquisition.”
Dietmar Straub, CEO of Gefahrstoffzentrum Kaiserslautern, added: “Brenntag recognises what we have built here over the past 15 years. Striving for safety, excellence and customer service are the key to our past success and align with what Brenntag offers on a global scale. Joining the world leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution, our team in Kaiserslautern will expand the company’s horizon and add significant value to Brenntag in Germany.”
The company reported sales of approx. EUR10 million in 2024.
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