DuPont acquire surface protection unit
16 July 2002
As part of their strategy for sustainable growth, DuPont Chemical Solutions Enterprise have reached a business agreement with French oil/energy conglomerate TotalFinaElf to acquire their fluorotelomer surface protection and speciality surfactants business assets from Atofina, the chemicals branch of TotalFinaElf. The agreement is subject to consultation with the French workers council, a union body, and the approval of relevant authorities. Financial terms were not disclosed. DuPont manufacture and market surface protection finishes and speciality surfactants under the DuPont Teflon and DuPont Zonyl brands. TotalFinaElf manufactures and markets surface protection products under the Forafac and Foraperle brands. These families of protection agents are used as oil, water and grease repellents. 'We see this acquisition as an excellent opportunity to further enhance services to our customers, and to strengthen our manufacturing and technical service presence in Europe', said William F Weber, DuPont Surface Protection Solutions global business manager. 'This addition to our business will complement our existing position in carpet and textile protection by adding strengths in paper, leather protectants, and fire fighting foams.' During 2002, DuPont will be celebrating their 200th year of scientific achievement and innovation - providing products and services that improve the lives of people everywhere.
