Arkema expands photocure resins with Lambson

French chemical firm Arkema’s acquisition of Lambson, a UK company specialising in photoinitiators for curing, a technology meeting the demands of cutting-edge markets such as electronics, 3D printing, digital ink, composites and high performance coatings, will complement the offering of its subsidiary Sartomer. The latter specialises in photocure resins. This deal, Arkema says, will further strengthen the share of specialties in Arkema’s product portfolio, in line with its long-term ambition.

Lambson develops and markets a wide range of photoinitiators for curing, a market with growth estimated at around 5% per year. The company reports sales of some EUR45 million.

These photoinitiators, used to initiate polymerisation reactions during the UV-curing process, complement Sartomer’s resin range.

The development of this integrated offering will enable Sartomer to better meet its customers’ challenges, in particular in the electronics, 3D printing, digital ink, composites and high performance coatings markets.

Closing of the deal is expected in fourth quarter 2019, subject to approval by the antitrust authorities in the relevant countries.