Ashland to acquire Hercules

In a move that will create a combined paper chemical and water treatment business with an annual revenue of over USD 2 bn, Ashland announced it will acquire Hercules in a total transaction worth approximately USD 3.3 bn. Ashland had previously boosted their involvement in paper chemicals by acquiring the Degussa-Stockhausen business and some Air Products business.

The deal is expected to be completed by year end and would result in Ashland having a combined pro forma revenue of USD 10 bn.

This move will put Ashland among the leading suppliers of paper chemicals which includes - Kemira Pulp & Paper, Ciba Specialty Chemicals, BASF and Nalco.