WESEL, Germany/ SÃO PAULO, Brazil – The specialty chemicals group ALTANA has acquired two companies in Brazil. As a result, the ACTEGA division now has its own sites in South America's largest country. Both of the acquired companies are owner operated and headquartered in the state of São Paulo. Premiata, which operates two facilities under the name of Premiata Tintas and Premiata Especialidades Químicas, specializes, respectively, in printing inks and coatings for the packaging industry. Overlake is an over-print varnishes specialist with 70 employees.

"Through these acquisitions, we are systematically expanding our business in the growing Brazilian market," explains Martin Babilas, member of the management board of ALTANA AG. "As both companies focus entirely on specialty chemicals and tailored customer solutions, they are a perfect match for ALTANA."

The ACTEGA division's entire Brazilian operations will be concentrated in the new ACTEGA do Brasil company with immediate effect. "Taking over Premiata and Overlake means we can significantly expand our portfolio of solutions particularly for the Brazilian packaging industry," said Dr. Roland Peter, ACTEGA Division President. "I'm convinced that our many years of expertise in printing inks and overprint varnishes combined with our new production facilities will swiftly make ACTEGA the preferred supplier in Brazil."

In addition to the newly acquired facilities, ALTANA already has a production and research site in Brazil run by its ELANTAS division that develops and distributes insulating materials for the electrical and electronics industry.