BASF acquires CRI/Criterion’s global styrene catalysts business

In a move intended to complement its existing styrene catalysts business, chemical supplier BASF has signed a purchase agreement to acquire the styrene catalysts business of CRI/Criterion, a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell based in Houston, Tex. 

Financial details of the transaction are not being disclosed. 

CRI/Criterion is a global manufacturer of chemical catalysts used in the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene, a vital ingredient in the manufacture of plastics, rubber and resins.

“As a leading provider in the styrene catalysts market, the CRI/Criterion assets offer a very attractive fit with BASF’s existing solutions portfolio,” said Dr. Hans-Peter Neumann, senior vice president of BASF’s Process Catalysts and Technologies business. “The acquisition will improve BASF’s position in this important market segment while opening the door to attractive growth opportunities in emerging regions such as the Middle East and China, where CRI/Criterion already has a strong position.”