Lubrizol acquires Dow's TPU business

06-Jan-09

In a bid to expand its engineering polymer business, the Lubrizol Corp has acquired the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) business from The Dow Chemical Company located in La Porte, TX. This acquisition, structured as a sale and purchase of assets was concluded on December 31, 2008. The agreement includes all commercial, production and research and development assets of the Dow TPU business. Lubrizol will be assuming approximately 40 full-time employees. All Dow TPU products will be transitioned immediately to Lubrizol. The Dow brand names will be retained and unified under the Estane Engineered Polymers business. With 50 years of industry experience, Lubrizol is a global leader in thermoplastic elastomers, marketing products under the Estane Thermoplastic Polyurethane brand name. Estane TPU is an engineered, highly versatile thermoplastic elastomer that is utilized in film extrusion, tubing, cable jacketing, injection molding, calendaring and solution processes for applications such as textiles, wire and cable, hose and tube, optical, industrial, agriculture and others. Dow's TPU product line ranges between elastomeric and rigid TPU properties. The two key brands representing the business are: o PELLETHANE™ Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers, used in a variety of high-value elastomer applications including footwear, medical tubing, automotive, film and industrial/engineering applications. o ISOPLAST™ Engineering Thermoplastic Polyurethane Resins, used in a variety of niche, specialty applications that require its unique combination of high-end engineering plastic properties that include clarity, impact strength and chemical resistance. Dow's strong TPU brand recognition in USA will further supports Lubrizol's strategy of growth through geographic expansion as it will allow us to introduce new products and technology to international markets where Dow's TPU business has had limited penetration. The acquisition will strengthen and expand Lubrizol's product portfolio and provide the company access into new end uses, such as niche medical applications, which we believe will benefit our customers worldwide."