Asahi Kasei Fibers Corp. (AKF), Japan, may soon buy Germany-based Lanxess Corp.’s Dorlastan® fibers
business under terms of a recently signed memorandum of understanding. The companies, which have
agreed not to disclose the purchase price, are expected to sign a sale and purchase agreement for
the business in the near future, at which point the transaction will be subject to the approval of
antitrust authorities.
The Dorlastan sale — including production facilities in Dormagen, Germany, and Bushy Park,
S.C. — will mark Lanxess’ first portfolio adjustment. A plan to make the Dormagen site competitive
calls for the gradual reduction of employees, with about 170 of the business’ 280 employees being
transferred to AKF. Additionally, AKF plans to retain 160 of the approximately 190 Bushy Park
employees.
The deal enables Lanxess to avoid closing the Dormagen site, which has been unprofitable for
years, according to Axel C. Heitmann, Ph.D., Lanxess Management Board chairman. “This solution
offers future perspectives for a substantial proportion of the workforce,” he said. “Acquiring the
Dorlastan business will enable AKF to strengthen its position as a major manufacturer of synthetic
elastic fibers and expand its geographical presence.”
January/February 2006