Consolidation ahead for chemicals

26 March 1999

Consolidation ahead for chemicals

SUITORS are lining up to woo the UKs chemicals companies, reports the Financial Times in a wide-ranging review of the sector.

One analyst quoted believes there may be just half a dozen groups left in a quoted sector that now numbers 20.

The article says cyclical downturn and structural issues are the reason for the consolidation.

This has meant several companies, notably BTP and Laporte, have been forced to focus on speciality areas like agrochemicals, claims the Financial Times.

• Financial Times 26/03/99 page 25