Bayer MaterialScience (BMS, Leverkusen / Germany; www.bayerbms.com) has completed the acquisition of 100% of its former 50:50 polyurethanes systems house joint venture Baulé (Romans sur Isère / France; www.baule.com) for an undisclosed sum – see Plasteurope.com of 11.01.2012. The jv was established in 2008. The French PU specialist with subsidiaries in the US, the UK, France and China focuses on development, formulation and processing of cast elastomers. BMS will retain all 139 employees.

The takeover will allow the Bayer sub-group to expand its potential for cast elastomers and also provide it “with even greater access to this attractive market,” said Wilhelm Lamberts, managing director of the BMS systems house in Oldenburg / Germany and designated new CEO of Baulé. The deal also “emphasises Bayer MaterialScience’s strategic orientation on growth markets," Lamberts added.