Dow explores divestiture of certain businesses

12-Sep-08

In a move that will alleviate any prospective antitrust issues allied with its acquisition of Rohm and Haas Dow Chemical Co, Dow is delving divestiture of certain businesses. In July, Dow announced a deal to acquire rival Rohm and Haas for US$15.3 bln to expand its product range in higher-margin markets such as paints, coatings and electronic materials. To be included in the sale are acrylic acid and esters operations at Clear Lake, Texas, and UCAR Emulsion Systems specialty latex business in North America. Dow has been requested by the US Federal Trade Commission for additional information vis-à-vis its proposed acquisition of Rohm and Haas.