Private equity firm Advent International has sold Oxea, one of the largest global manufacturers of Oxo chemicals. Oman Oil Company (OOC), a commercial company wholly owned by the Government of the Sultanate of Oman, will acquire Oxea to strengthen its position in the global chemicals sector. The acquisition is subject to antitrust approvals and satisfaction of other conditions. The purchase price was not disclosed.

OOC supports the Sultanate’s economic development programme “Vision 2020” which is aimed at diversifying the economy across a variety of industrial and commercial activities in Oman and abroad while decreasing dependence on oil. With the acquisition of OXEA, OOC aims to become a vertically integrated global chemical leader in the downstream industry.

“Oxea is an impressive company with a strong track record, highly diversified product portfolio, multistep value chain and strong customer base. With its international presence in Europe and North America, leading technology, efficient platform and longstanding experience in the Oxo segment, Oxea will support our further expansion into the chemical sector,” said H.E. Nasser bin Khamis Al Jashmi, Chairman of Oman Oil Company.

Philippe de Fitte, Vice President Downstream Strategic Business Unit of OOC, added: “Oman Oil Company’s approach is to develop the downstream industry value chain by identifying new opportunities that address the business needs of globalization. There is a unique opportunity to build an integrated chemical platform in Oman from our current investment base. We see our acquisition of Oxea as the corner stone for this platform by bringing its technology and expertise to Oman and connecting it to feedstock from our investments in Duqm. This will also contribute to Oxea’s expansion strategy, especially in the Asian growth markets while Oman Oil Company benefits from Oxea’s reach into European and North American markets.”

With 1.3 million tonnes of Oxo chemicals and derivatives each year, Oxea generated sales of around EUR1.5 billion (2012). The company was formed by merging two separate business units which Advent acquired in 2007 from Celanese and Degussa (now Evonik). Advent brought in comprehensive sector and market expertise which it gained through more than 25 investments in the chemicals industry over the past 25 years. Under Advent’s ownership Oxea’s management developed a resilient business with strong earnings growth.

Today Oxea’s portfolio comprises more than 70 Oxo-based products for a highly diversified customer base and various end market applications. For example, products from Oxea are used in coatings, lacquers, paints, lubricants, flavors and fragrances and produced for customers from the construction, automotive and pharmaceutical sector, as well as the electronics industry.

Martina Flöel, Managing Director of Oxea on behalf of the management board, said that firm looks forward to working together with OOC which will provide additional access to growth markets in Asia and the Middle East.