This transaction could soon create a serious competitor for Kuraray (Tokyo; www.kuraray.co.jp) and its subsidiary MonoSol in water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films: US investment firm SK Capital Partners (New York, New York; www.skcapitalpartners.com) is acquiring a majority stake in MonoSol rival Ecopol (Chiesina Uzzanese, Italy; www.ecopol.com). The previous owners – CEO Mauro Carbone and financial investor Tikehau Capital – remain minority shareholders. The companies did not disclose the purchase price. 

SK Capital wants to accelerate Ecopol’s growth in the coming years, according to a statement. The advisors to the investor include former Versalis CEO Daniele Ferrari, who has experience in biodegradable polymers.

Related: SK Capital acquires majority stake in US specialities producer Deltech

Ecopol said it was founded in 2009 and has invested more than EUR 70 mn in the expansion of production capacity in recent years with the help of Tikehau Capital. Among other things, the company set up a second production facility in Italy in 2020. Last year, it added a US plant in Griffin, Georgia, for USD 38 mn (EUR 34.5 mn) to serve the North American market.

Its PVA films and packaging solutions are used for detergents, dishwashing tabs, and agricultural chemicals.