In a deal whose financial terms were not disclosed, Teknor Apex (Pawtucket, Rhode Island / USA; www.teknorapex.com) has acquired the “Sarlink” thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) business of DSM (Herleen / The Netherlands; www.dsm.com). The unit has operations in Leominster, Massachusetts / USA and Genk / Belgium. Last year, “Sarlink” generated sales of about EUR 50m. The deal is expected to close in Q4, after which about 90 employees will transfer to Teknor Apex, which maintains the right to the “Sarlink” brand name.

Commenting on the transaction, Bertram Lederer, executive vice president Teknor Apex, said that, “The addition of the Sarlink TPV business strengthens the position of Teknor Apex as the world’s most diversified independent compounder of TPEs and expands our portfolio at the high-performance end, particularly for automotive plastics.” Sarlink TPVs predominantly are used in the automotive sector, in “soft touch” surfaces and seals as well as in the frame, undercarriage and engine.

The sale is part of DSM’s efforts to focus on life and materials sciences. As part of this reorientation, the Dutch group currently is in negotiations to sell its “Keltan” (EPDM) business as well.