Clariant buys U.S.-based masterbatch supplier

Switzerland-based Clariant International Ltd. has purchased the combined companies of Rite Systems, Inc. and Ricon Colors Inc., leading U.S. masterbatches suppliers.

According to Clariant, the purchase strengthens Clariant Masterbatches’ market position in North America. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Founded in 1987, Rite Systems and Ricon Colors have yearly sales of nearly US$50 million and employ approximately 150 people. They operate from three plants in U.S. and one in Vienna, Austria. The company’s portfolio comprises about two-thirds liquid and one-third solid masterbatches.

“Rite Systems/Ricon Colors is an excellent partner to expand our product and service offering in North America, especially for our customers in the packaging and consumer goods market segments,” said Dominik von Bertrab, head of Clariant Masterbatches. “In particular the excellent knowledge of Rite Systems in the field of liquid masterbatches is a perfect addition to Clariant’s current capabilities.”

The company said that Rite’s reputation in liquid colour will allow Clariant to leverage the new competence in regions where Clariant enjoys strong market positions, such as Europe, Asia and Latin America.

“Combining Rite’s strong technology base in liquid with Clariant’s extensive geographic reach will make this acquisition a truly winning combination for our customers,” said von Bertrab.

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