Solvay, a multi-specialty chemical company, has completed the process of acquiring European Carbon Fiber GmbH (ECF). This will help Solvay to lead the adoption of composites in automotive applications, to serve selected industrial markets, and to support the potential adoption of large-tow fibres in aerospace. The cost of acquisition has not been disclosed.

ECF is a German producer of high-quality ‘precursor’ for large-tow (50K) polyacrylonitrile (PAN) - based carbon fibres. Vertical integration into large-tow carbon fibre technology will position Solvay to ensure cost effective long-term security of supply to its customers.

Dolan Holding GmbH, a company owned by funds managed by Alpina Partners (Alpina) and Dr. Jan Verdenhalven, sold the ECF to Solvay. In April 2015, Alpina and Dr. Jan Verdenhalven acquired ECF from Lenzing Group via a holding company together with Dolan Holding, a leading producer of spun-dyed acrylic fibres. Dolan is not part of the transaction.

“It is important for ECF that Solvay is a long-standing world leader with tremendous industrial experience in the carbon fibre and composite business. The company now has very promising growth perspectives,” said Dr. Jan Verdenhalven, managing director and co-owner of Dolan Holding.

“The strategic acquisition of ECF enables Solvay to develop a portfolio of large-tow carbon fibres to complement our existing range of pitch and PAN aerospace grade carbon fibres. This comprehensive portfolio will place Solvay as a key supplier to the aerospace, automotive and industrial markets going forward. Thanks to this acquisition, Solvay will leverage its polymers and materials science competencies to drive breakthrough innovation in large-tow carbon fibres,” said Carmelo Lo Faro, president of Solvay’s composite materials global business unit (GBU). (VM)