Disposal

RNS Number : 2605R

Johnson Matthey PLC

25 June 2015

 



For release at 2.30 pm on Thursday 25^th June 2015

Johnson Matthey agrees sale of Research Chemicals Business (Alfa Aesar)
for £256 million

Johnson Matthey announces that it has agreed to divest its Alfa Aesar Research Chemicals business to Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, for £256 million in cash, subject to typical post-closing adjustments.  The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the 2015 calendar year, subject to satisfaction of typical pre-closing conditions.   

Johnson Matthey's Research Chemicals business, which operates globally under the Alfa Aesar brand, is a supplier of over 45,000 speciality chemicals into both industry and academic institutions in small scale research quantities via its catalogue.  It has a global network of operations with eight core sites supported by five stand-alone sales offices.  In total, the business employs approximately 480 people and is part of Johnson Matthey's Fine Chemicals Division.

In the financial year ended 31^st March 2015 the Research Chemicals business had sales excluding the value of precious metals (sales) of £77 million.   

Commenting on the transaction, Robert MacLeod, Chief Executive of Johnson Matthey said: "The divestment of the Research Chemicals business is a further step in delivering our long term strategy to focus the group on growth areas where we can apply our expertise in complex chemistry to create long term value for our shareholders."

About Johnson Matthey

Johnson Matthey is a global speciality chemicals company underpinned by science, technology and its people.  A leader in sustainable technologies, many of the group's products enhance the quality of life of millions through their beneficial impact on the environment, human health and wellbeing.  The group focuses on clean air, clean energy and low carbon technologies and is an expert in the application and recycling of precious metals.  Johnson Matthey has operations in over 30 countries and employs around 13,000 people. Its products and services are sold across the world to a wide range of advanced technology industries.  For further information, please visit www.matthey.com.  

Enquiries:

Sally Jones	Director, IR and Corporate Communications	020 7269 8407
David Allchurch / Tom Buchanan	Tulchan Communications	020 7353 4200
www.matthey.com

 

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