Evonik (Essen / Germany; www.evonik.com), the world’s second largest producer of carbon black with a capacity of 1.4m t/y, has decided to sell the EUR 1 bn business as it streamlines its portfolio and focuses “even more clearly on key growth markets.” Operations already have been carved out in preparation. The market has rebounded after a sharp downturn in 2009, so that the opportunity for a sale is favourable, said CEO Klaus Engel. He said the business will have “better perspectives” under a new owner, as the industry consolidates and growth is concentrated in Asia.

The German group’s carbon black segment employs some 1,700 workers at 20 sites worldwide. About two-thirds of output is consumed by the rubber industry, primarily for automotive tyres. Approximately 10% go into the plastics industry, where it is used for the most part in masterbatches and in UV stabilisers. The number one and three players are both US-based – Cabot (Boston, Massachusetts; www.cabot-corp.com) and Columbian Chemicals (Marietta, Georgia; www.columbianchemicals.com).