Masterbatches were the only one of six business units of Clariant International Ltd. (CH-4132 Muttenz) to improve earnings in 1999, the group revealed at a media conference in Basel, Switzerland. Operating income rose 21% to CHF 125m, as sales increased 9% to CHF 1.1bn. The EBIT margin was nearly 12%, in line with the group average. World´s largest masterbatch producer, Clariant reported “pleasing development” in all regions, thanks to a number of strategic factors, including acquisition of the “Hydrocerol” business from Boehringer Ingelheim and the joint venture established in Korea with Song Ho.

Group president Rolf Schweizer also attributed the enchanced performance to restructuring and improvement of business and locations, as well as to the launch of two new PES-black masterbatches for spin dyeing and a strategic cooperation in the packaging sector. Left to tackle in 2000 are the turnaround of the compounding business and the introduction of a new production process for standard brands. Clariant also plans to expand its position in packaging, while developing coloured batches and eyeing “strategic cooperation” in office and household machinery as well as electrical goods.

Overall, Schweizer said the Swiss speciality chemicals group has set its sights on further internal and external growth. Asked if Clariant is seeking further acquisitions in masterbatches, he said the group routinely looks at businesses up for sale, but declined comment on whether the activities the BASF group (D-67057 Ludwigshafen) has put on the market are of interest.