North American Atofina branches debut

PHILADELPHIA (June 19)—Two North American chemical companies are debuting under new names, following the merger of their European parents. Philadelphia´s Elf Atochem and Houston´s Fina Oil & Chemical Co. will be known as Atofina Chemicals Inc. and Atofina Petrochemicals Inc., respectively, the firms announced. The creation of the two operations follow the February birth of Paris-based parent Atofina, the product of a merger between Elf Aquitaine and TotalFina. With combined sales of $17 billion following the merger, the Atofina Group reports being the fifth largest chemical firm in world, employing 70,000 people throughout its global operations.