BASF headquarters Ludwigshafen. Image copyright BASF.
BASF, Arsenal and Foosung have announced BASF’s acquisition of Novolyte Technologies, based in Cleveland, Ohio (USA). Novolyte is a manufacturer of electrolyte formulations for lithium-ion batteries, as well as specialty chemicals for several key market segments. With 167 employees, Novolyte operates sites in the United States and China. BASF has purchased Novolyte from Arsenal Capital Partners, a U.S.-based private equity firm. The companies have agreed not to disclose financial details of the transaction.
The acquisition comprises Novolyte’s Energy Storage activities, focused on developing, producing, and marketing performance electrolyte formulations for lithium-ion batteries. BASF has also bought Novolyte’s performance materials business, in which the company is among the leading manufacturers of speciality chemicals in North America. The portfolio includes aryl phosphines, high-performance solvents, and custom-made specialties. The acquisition includes 10 patent families in the fields of electrolyte formulation and performance chemicals held by Novolyte. Additionally within the framework of the acquisition, BASF will continue a joint venture between Novolyte an their Korean partner Foosung Co., Ltd., a global producer of the high-purity specialty salt lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), a key material for manufacturing lithium-ion battery electrolytes. These electrolytes are key performance components in the fast-growing market of lithium-ion batteries for automotive, consumer and industrial markets.
Novolyte operates production sites in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and in Suzhou, China. An additional site for LiPF6 production is currently under construction in Nantong, China, to be operated by the Foosung/BASF joint venture. Both Chinese sites are located in the greater Shanghai area.
“With this recent acquisition, BASF is now positioned as a global supplier of lithium battery electrolytes with production sites in Europe, the United States and Asia Pacific region“, said Dr. Andreas Kreimeyer, Member of the Board of Executive Directors and BASF’s Research Executive Director. “The acquisition also complements our current offering of Amines, Diols, Organic Acids, Polyalcohols, and Specialties and strengthens our footprint in the North American market.”
“Our acquisition of Novolyte Technologies further positions BASF to achieve its long-term objective of becoming the leading provider of functional materials and components to serve cell and battery manufacturers worldwide,” said Ralf Meixner, Senior Vice President of BASF’s Global Battery Materials Business. “This is the latest in a series of strategic steps we have taken to strengthen our technology position while building a broad portfolio of battery materials technologies that will help us drive the future of electromobility.”
“Foosung is very excited to work with the world-renowned chemical company BASF in this fast-growing battery materials market,” said Hanjoo Song, Chief Executive Director of Foosung. “Through this newly established joint venture company, Foosung can retain its position as a high-quality lithium hexafluorophosphate manufacturer while pursuing further opportunities to support the development of the global battery market.”
“We are delighted to see Novolyte find a great home. We have enjoyed a great partnership with Foosung and are pleased that this platform and its employees will be part of the world’s leading chemical company with a great commitment to electromobility,” said John Televantos, Partner, Arsenal Capital Partners, New York.
