Hoechst Technical Polymers (HQ: D-65926 Frankfurt) and Amoco Polymers (Alpharetta, Georgia / USA) announced they have signed an agreement which they believe will significantly increase the markets and applications for liquid crystal polymers (LCP) worldwide. Under its terms, Hoechst will have the right to buy LCP polymer from Amoco, market it on a non-exclusive basis worldwide, except for Japan, and use the polymer to develop new LCP products. Hoechst may distribute specific LCP compounds under the "Xydar" trademark in North America and Europe. Hoechst will continue to market its own types of LCPs worldwide under its "Vectra" trademark.

Amoco will continue to market "Xydar" LCP products in North America, Asia and Europe. Nippon Petrochemical, Amoco's Xydar partner since 1988, will continue to market Xydar LCP exclusively in Japan and non-exclusively in Asia. "This agreement expands our portfolio of LCP products targeted for the electronics industry to include high temperature LCPs typically used as replaycements for metals or ceramics in niche markets," said Steve Mullins, Vectra global business director. "Rather than develop similar LCPs, it frees our resources to focus on developing new LCP markets and applications. This strategy supports our goal to remain the leading LCP producer with the broadest portfolio of products available from a single supplier," Mullins pointed out.

Hoechst is world's leading supplier of LCPs with a share of 75% including its jv with Polyplastics in Japan, Amoco's market share is around 9%.