British Vita plc (Oldham Road, Middleton, GB-Manchester M24 2DB) is expanding its compounding business segment through the acquisition of leading French colours manufacturer Elian S.A. (ZI Sud Plastics Valley - B59 - Bellignat, F-01117 Oyonnax Cedex). In 1997, the UK group added to its masterbatch portfolio with the takeover of Silvergate Plastics Ltd (Wrexham, BG-Clwyd LL13 9XN). Elian, which employs 100, had output of 4,500 t and sales of around EUR 20m in 1998. The French company, which places special emphasis on R&D, claims to have more than 100,000 different colours in its palette.

Elian will be absorbed by the industrial division of British Vita, a company best known as a foams producer, and will complement the division´s existing thermoplastic sheet and compound activities. British Vita is among the top ten PVC compounders in Europe and also has substantial capacity for PA, TPEs and masterbatches. In 1998 this segment had sales of around EUR 373m, nearly 30% of overall group turnover. Results for H1 1998 show a 40% rise in sales to EUR 245m, lending credence to ceo Jim Mercer´s recent assertion that British Vita is broadening its strategic portfolio to stress high performance, e.g. higher priced, plastics.