Speciality chemicals manufacturer Rockwood Holdings (Princeton, New Jersey / USA; www.rocksp.com) is to purchase Holliday Pigments (Kingston upon Hull / UK; www.holliday-pigments.com), the leading global manufacturer of ultramarine and manganese violet pigments, for approximately EUR 46m, after reaching agreement with Holliday’s parent company Yule Catto (Harlow, Essex / UK; www.yulecatto.com). In 2007, Holliday Pigments reported operating profits of EUR 6m on sales of EUR 34.7m. In the same year Rockwood’s sales were USD 3.14 bn (EUR 2 bn).

Rockwood chairman and CEO Seifi Ghasemi said the purchase was an excellent bolt-on acquisition for the company, adding, “It is a business with strong technical leadership and excellent growth prospects.” When the deal is completed, Holliday’s manufacturing and research and development headquarters in Comines / France will become part of Rockwood Color Pigments. Holliday closed its UK production plant in Kingston upon Hull with the loss of some 95 jobs in 2007.