LUXEMBOURG—Orion Engineered Carbons S.A., a supplier of specialty and high-performance carbon black, has agreed to acquire Societe du Noir d'Acetylene de l'Aubette S.A.S. (SN2A), with the transaction closing Oct. 31.
The details of the acquisition of SN2A, an acetylene carbon black manufacturer based in Berre l'Etang, France, were not disclosed, according to an Orion news release. Acetylene black is a specialty carbon black distinguished by its high electrical and thermal conductivity, and lithium-ion batteries and high-end electrical cables are key applications for the material.
Orion is acquiring SN2A from LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V. and its French affiliate. The agreement includes provisions for a secured long-term feedstock supply. Orion plans to strengthen production capabilities at the Berre l'Etang facility.
The bolt-on acquisition brings a skilled team, technology and an operating plant, and will significantly strengthen Orion's capabilities in the lithium-ion battery market, said Orion CEO Corning Painter.
Orion runs 13 global production sites and four applied technology centers. It has about 1,409 employees worldwide.