Victrex (GB-Lancashire FY5 4QD; www.victrex.com), the world´s leading supplier of high performance polymer PEEK, has acquired the benzophenone difluoride (BDF) oxidation facilities at Seal Sands in the UK owned by its former feedstock supplier, speciality chemicals group Degussa (D-40402 Düsseldorf; www.degussa.com). The GBP 16.3m (EUR 23.8m) deal includes assets from a site at Rotherham / UK, where fluoroboric acid, used in the primary manufacturing stage of BDF, is produced.

The cancellation of the supply agreement follows a decision by Victrex to produce its own feedstock and Degussa ´s decision to make PEEK in China. Under the arrangement with Victrex, which it inherited with the acquisition of fine chemicals producer LaPorte, Degussa received 50% of profit from the manufacture of BDF, the key starting material for PEEK polymer.

Up to now, Victrex has held a virtual monopoly on production of PEEK, and is now studying plans to expand capacity at its Thornton Cleveley site in the UK by 1,000 t/y to 2,800 t/y. In late 2004 (see PIE 26, 2004), Degussa revealed plans to make PEEK in China through the acquisition of 80% of high performance polymers start-up Jida New Material. The deal is expected to be finalised during this year´s second quarter. The Chinese company produces 500 t/y of PEEK and 300 t/y of polyether sulphone (PES), but has potential for expansion, Degussa managing board member Alfred Oberholz told Plasteurope.com recently.