The rheology business was successfully integrated into the BYK division, making BYK one of the world’s leading suppliers
of rheology additives. With the help of these additives, the flow behavior of all kinds of materials can be optimized.
businesses and technologies and financed them all from our cash
flow. In the case of bigger acquisitions, we rely on medium-
term financing instruments such as credit facilities and prom-
issory loans.
What about non-financial aspects?
Oliver König: The most important thing about an acquisition is
the employees. We have to ensure that the top performers stay
on board and are ready for integration. Because we can’t be suc-
cessful without them. And that has to do with the corporate
culture. In the due diligence process, when the pros and cons of
a transaction are examined, non-financial parameters are also
important, especially when it comes to environment, safety, and
health. We check to see exactly how our non-financial targets
are influenced by an acquisition.
Dialog with our Stakeholders 27
EXPANDING OUR RHEOLOGY BUSINESS
SECOND-LARGEST ALTANA ACQUISITION
By acquiring the rheology business of Rock-
wood Industries, the ALTANA Group pushed
ahead its consistent orientation to growing
specialty chemical markets, strengthened
its additive portfolio, and opened up new
growth fields.
635 MILLION U.S. $
INVESTMENT
Alongside employees, there are other stakeholders such as
suppliers, customers, and neighbors …
Frank Wright: … exactly. Their needs should not be underes-
timated. Some stakeholders didn’t know who ALTANA was. So we
described ALTANA in more detail to people locally, its tradition,
values, working conditions, and plans for the future. It is extreme-
ly important to explain to local decision-makers what improvements
there will be for them.
Oliver König: Ultimately, it is important that we can create value
at relevant stakeholder levels. It is essential to know that
ALTANA has a long-term orientation. We want our business to
continue to grow in the future and thus create value for the
different stakeholder groups. When ALTANA comes aboard as
the new owner, this should give the important stakeholders a
good feeling.