Albemarle completes Rhodia polyurethane deal

RICHMOND, Va. (July 24)—Albemarle Corp. has completed the purchase of Rhodia S.A.'s phosphorus-based polyurethane flame retardants business, broadening its ability to compete in the market for flame resistant furniture foams. The business unit, which supplies additives for flexible and rigid foam applications, is expected to generate sales of about $65 million in its first year under Albermarle's ownership. Under the deal, Albemarle gains Rhodia's associated production site in Avonmouth, England, and the French group will supply Albemarle with flame retardants and intermediates from its sites in Charleston, S.C., and Oldbury and Widnes, England. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.