BASF has signed an agreement to acquire the styrene catalyst business of Shell subsidiary CRI / Criterion for an undisclosed fee.
CRI / Criterion manufacturers chemical catalysts that are used in the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene, a vital ingredient in the manufacture of plastics, rubber and resins.
The acquisition will complement BASF’s existing styrene catalysts business and offer growth opportunities in emerging regions such as the Middle East and China, where CRI / Criterion already has a strong position.
