LEVERKUSEN, Germany – LANXESS is expanding its activities in Latin America. The company’s wholly owned subsidiary Rhein Chemie has acquired Argentina-based Darmex S.A., a leading manufacturer of release agents and curing bladders for the tire industry.

As a result of the acquisition, Rhein Chemie will become one of the world’s leading providers of release agents for rubber products in a highly fragmented market. It will also acquire Darmex’s bladder technology in Latin America, which is a key production hub for leading tire manufacturers. Darmex’s production sites are located near Brazil, one of the booming BRIC nations, in which LANXESS has significantly expanded its presence in the last few years.

In the coming years, Rhein Chemie plans to expand its bladder production. The release agents and bladders belonging to Darmex will be branded under Rhein Chemie product names.

“This acquisition enhances Rhein Chemie’s position as an innovative technology provider to the tire industry and strengthens LANXESS’ standing as the world’s leading synthetic rubber company,” said Rainier van Roessel, Board Member of LANXESS. “Darmex’s portfolio of highly reliable products fits perfectly into our strategy of focusing on tailor-made solutions for our customers in growth markets.”