Huntsman now has its sights on Clariant ........ and perhaps bits of Ciba

Following our earlier report on the 13th June questioning where Clariant is heading, it now appears that Huntsman is in the hunt. The US chemicals maker has indicated its interest in acquiring Clariant or Ciba, or at least some of their divisions.

In February 2006 Ciba sold its Textile effects unit to Huntsman for CHF 332 mio cash. Since then, it has been well known that the Textile activities of Clariant are struggling and attempts are being made to overhaul the business, so perhaps Huntsman could bring a solution.

What effect this activity would have on Clariant's paper business is unknown but it can only add to their uncertainty. The Ciba paper chemicals business is yet to pull though its acquisition of Raisio and changes in their senior management.