BASF (Ludwigshafen / Germany; www.basf.com) has paid EUR 38.2m to acquire the Recticel (Brussels / Belgium; www.recticel.com ) worldwide PU compounding business for glass encapsulation used mostly in car windows. The products also are seeing increasing application in the solar energy sector. The deal clinched on 24 October 2008 is subject to approval by the relevant cartel authorities.

Employing eight specialists, business comprises the compounds business of Recticel’s Exteriors division in Europe, the US and Asia. BASF is taking over the aromatic polyurethane compounds activities as well as Recticel’s patented aliphatic light stable compounds, sold under the “Colofast” brand name. The Exteriors division’s two production plants in Wetteren / Belgium and Auburn Hills, Michigan / USA, which manufacture mainly PU-based products for automotive interiors, will remain with Recticel. The Belgian group said it is selling the business to focus on its core activities.