The Dutch industrial group DSM (HQ: PO Box 6500, NL-6401 JH Heerlen) is to purchase Rubbermaid Inc's 40% interest in Curver Rubbermaid Group (An der Trift 63, D-63303 Dreieich) with effect from 1 June 1994. This will give DSM a 100% interest in this company, which is the European market leader in plastic housewares and garden furniture. The move fits in with DSM's strategy to achieve and strengthen leadership positions. Curver Rubbermaid Group was formed in 1990 as a result of the combination of the activities of Curver BV (which was already the market leader in Europe) with Rubbermaid Inc's European activities in plastic housewares. DSM's stake in the joint venture was 60% and that of Rubbermaid Inc 40%. The joining of activities resulted in a company with an even stronger position on the European market. DSM intends to further develop this position in the coming years.

"With this take-over we emphasize that Curver's business is one of DSM's core activities", says S.D. de Bree, Chairman of DSM's Managing Board of Directors. "We are confident that our Curver people can further strengthen their market position. High-quality and creative product development will remain a top priority. The main challenge to Curver will be to meet their costumers' wishes by making attractive products at an attractive price. In taking up this challenge, the Curver organization can be assured of the full support of the DSM Group."

Thanks to the high quality achieved in its design, marketing and logistics functions, Curver Rubbermaid Group has expanded its sales in Europe. The turnover 1993 was DM 600m (see Plasteurope.com No 10). By gaining full control, DSM attains the desired leadership position in the field of plastic housewares.