To add critical mass in the important North American market, Clariant (Muttenz / Switzerland; www.clariant.com) has acquired affiliated US masterbatch producers Rite Systems (www.ritesystems.com) and Ricon Colors (www.riconcolors.com) for an undisclosed sum. The two companies headquartered at West Chicago, Illinois, also have production facilities at Mooresville, North Carolina, and Chino, California, along with a European base at Schwechat / Austria.

Rite Systems, founded in 1987, and Ricon Colors (1990) together employ 150 people and have annual sales of USD 50m. The portfolio is made up to around two-thirds of liquid (Rite) and one-third solid (Ricon) masterbatch products. The acquisition will add competence in particular in the liquid segment, where Rite’s technology position will complement Clariant’s extensive geographical reach,” said business head Dominik von Bertrab. He added that the deal will especially benefit customers in the packaging and consumer goods segments

World’s largest producer of colour and additive masterbatches, the Swiss group is number two in North America, where it sees the “technologically demanding” customer base for masterbatches as offering “important growth opportunities.” With the takeover, Clariant will employ more than 700 people and have 13 full-service manufacturing facilities in the region.