ICI Acrylics (London) has acquired Klöckner Pentatec GmbH (D-04808 Nischwitz), producer of extruded acrylic and polycarbonate sheet. The ICI division, which claims to be world's leading manufacturer of methyl methacrylate (MMA), a key component in resins and surface coatings, continues to expand the business. It recently took over parts of Du Pont's acrylics business in the US, as part of an assets swap. A deal with BASF AG failed.

The Nischwitz facility, formerly a subsidiary of Klöckner Pentaplast GmbH (D-56410 Montabaur), employs around 80 people and has state-of-the-art extrusion lines, started up as recently as May 1993. It manufactures acrylic and polycarbonate sheet for advertising signs, displays and glazing. According to Scott Davidson, ceo of ICI Acrylics, Klöckner Pentatec is an excellent fit with the UK group's European activities. He said the purchase "will enable ICI Acrylics to enhance its customer service by providing a strengthened product range and improved service across Europe, particularly in Germany and Eastern Europe." Although an acquisition price was not revealed, Davidson said the business was purchased for a "competitive price." He estimated that annual sales could rise to £ 30m (DM 73m) within the next three years.

ICI's acrylics business employs 2,200 at 14 sites worldwide. It has manufacturing facilities in Europe in the UK, The Netherlands and France. In North America, it produces polymer and extruded sheet in four plants. In Asia, the group has two MMA production facilities in Taiwan and an acrylic composites plant in Japan.