Chem-Trend is up for sale

AKRON (Sept. 14)—Chem-Trend Inc. has been placed on the market by BP Amoco P.L.C. While explaining that Chem-Trend officials can´t discuss the impending sale in detail, a spokesman acknowledged that it has been in discussions with a number of suitors. The decision to sell the global chemicals business came after Chem-Trend´s former parent, Burmah Castrol P.L.C., was acquired by BP Amoco four months ago. "We don´t really fit with BP, which is why we´re on the block," the spokesman said at the International Tire Exhibition and Conference, held Sept. 12-14 in Akron. Several companies are rumored to be courting Chem-Trend, but neither the spokesman nor the company would acknowledge which firms are involved in discussions. Chem-Trend, formed in 1960, is a worldwide maker of specialty release agents and lubricants for molders of rubber and plastic. It has manufacturing facilities on four continents, with sales offices in every tire-producing country, the company said. The Howell, Mich.-based firm offers testing and analysis, research and development, and production and delivery, the spokesman said.