Sigma-Aldrich acquires Epichem Group to expand SAFC Hitech capabilities

US-based Sigma-Aldrich Corporation has acquired Epichem Group, of Bromborough in the UK, for US$60m to expand its SAFC Hitech business offering.

Barry Leese - managing director of Epichem, its majority equity holder and one of the founders of the company - has been appointed president of the SAFC Hitech business segment. Epichem management and employees will remain in place.

Epichem, which focuses on supplying high-purity chemicals to the electronics and photovoltaic markets, will joins its proven expertise in the development of new molecules and innovative customer/partner collaborative processes for the semiconductor markets with SAFC's historic expertise in novel chemistry development and manufacturing to create a powerful new entity.

“Epichem's strong product portfolio and solid relationships with key end users and equipment suppliers brings important new global customer relationships to SAFC Hitech,” commented SAFC president Frank Wicks. “Its experienced team, capabilities and contacts combined with SAFC's industry-leading development, manufacturing, global footprint and financial strength will allow us to provide the electronics industry with even better specialised, high quality materials that meet customer demands.”

“The synergy created through this acquisition is a great fit for both organisations,” added Leese. “This venture pairs solid development and commercial manufacturing capabilities with a robust product portfolio and customer-centric collaborative R&D process, strongly positioning us to become a leading supplier and developer of new materials for the market.”