Specialty chemical manufacturer Albemarle Corp of Baton Rouge, LA, USA has expanded its presence in the electronic materials market by acquiring UK-based Cambridge Chemical Company Ltd, which produces high-purity metal-organic (MO) chemicals used in the laser market. Albemarle plans to continue producing these specialty products at Cambridge Chemical's existing facilities in the UK.
Albemarle established its Electronic Materials business unit in January 2012. Since then, it has launched four products within its PureGrowth portfolio, which are used in metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD).
Cambridge Chemical's technology and products are intended to strengthen Albemarle's offerings in the electronic materials market, which include the light-emitting diode (LED), semiconductor, organic light-emitting diode (OLEDs) and now laser segments. Albemarle reckons that it will also benefit from R&D and distribution synergies resulting from the acquisition.
"By adding Cambridge Chemical's DEOX technology to our existing PureGrowth portfolio, Albemarle will now provide an even broader array of solutions to customers in the fast-growing electronics market," says Jenny S. Hebert, global business manager for Albemarle's Electronic Materials business. "The expanded portfolio not only strengthens our current offerings, it also allows us to expand into the laser segment. The combined synergies will allow Albemarle to provide best-in-class products and services," she adds.
"Our Electronic Materials business is a critical growth platform for us, built upon our extensive expertise in organometallic chemistry, our effectiveness in backward integration of key raw materials, and our reputation for quality," says Raphael Crawford, global VP for Albemarle's Performance Catalyst and Specialty Chemicals division. "The acquisition of Cambridge Chemical adds unique technological capabilities, distribution channels, and expertise to our list of existing assets."
