Dutch conglomerate Kendrion NV (HQ: NL-3704 HD Zeist; www.kendrion.com) has signed a preliminary agreement with an as yet undisclosed buyer on the sale of the remainder of its “Automotive Plastics” division. The deal is expected to be finalised in the third quarter of 2004. Kendrion recently sold the first part of the business – its subsidiary Van Niftrik (NL-4645 ZG Putte) – to Polynorm NV (NL-3750 GA Bunschoten; www.polynorm.com), part of voestalpine AG (A-4020 Linz; www.voestalpine.com) – See PIE 10, 2004). Although Kendrion said in November 2003 that only parts of its automotive plastics segment were for sale, it apparently has decided to quit the entire business. Annual turnover of the remaining assets totals EUR 240m, and the business employs around 1,800.

The package encompasses Kendrion Backhaus (D-58566 Kierspe; www.kendrion-backhaus.de), which produces plastic systems, including some in thermosets, up to a weight of 2.5 kg. The Kendrion RSL group (www.kendrion-rsl.com) with locations in Germany (D-57368 Lennestadt), Spain and Portugal produces filter housings for engine compartments as well as interior components such as headrests, door handles, handbrake cladding and a large number of functional parts.