Strategic acquisition: ALTANA expands its global presence in
the effect pigments business
• Acquisition of Silberline, a leading international manufacturer of aluminum
effect pigments
• Strengthening of ALTANA’s ECKART division with the addition of new
research and production facilities, particularly in North America and Asia
The specialty chemicals group ALTANA has acquired the Silberline Group.
The U.S. company specializes in developing and manufacturing effect
pigments utilized in various applications, ranging from automotive
coatings and printing inks to plastics, protective coatings, and
packaged consumer goods.
“The acquisition is further proof that we are sustainably implementing our
strategy of generating value-creating growth through targeted acquisitions,”
says Martin Babilas, CEO ALTANA AG. With the move, ALTANA is strategically
expanding its ECKART division and strengthening its regional presence,
particularly in North America and Asia.
“The local research and production capacities of Silberline and ECKART
complement each other perfectly. The merger will enhance our ability to
respond flexibly to regional customer needs and further optimize our service
quality,” explains Dr. Christian Przybyla, President of ECKART.
Gary Karnish, CEO of Silberline, said: “The acquisition of Silberline by
ECKART creates new potential. Together, we can more intensively drive the
development of sustainable product innovations, benefiting both customers
and employees.”
Silberline, headquartered in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1945
and currently employs over 450 people globally. In 2022, the company
achieved sales of approximately 80 million U.S. dollars.
About ALTANA:
ALTANA is a global leader in true specialty chemicals. The Group offers
innovative, environmentally compatible solutions for coating manufacturers,
paint and plastics processors, the printing and packaging industries, the
cosmetics sector, and the electrical and electronics industry. The product
range includes additives, specialty coatings and adhesives, effect pigments,
sealants, and compounds, impregnating resins and varnishes, and testing and
measuring instruments. ALTANA’s four divisions, BYK, ECKART, ELANTAS, and
ACTEGA, all occupy a leading position in their target markets with respect to
quality, product solution expertise, innovation, and service.
Headquartered in Wesel, Germany, the ALTANA Group has more than 50
production facilities and more than 60 service and research laboratories
worldwide. Throughout the Group, about 8,000 people work to ensure the
worldwide success of ALTANA. In 2022, ALTANA achieved sales of more than
€ 3 billion. About 7 percent of the total sales is invested in research and
development each year. Its high earning power and high growth rate make
ALTANA one of the world’s most innovative, fastest growing, and most
profitable chemical companies.
About ECKART:
The ECKART Group, a company of ALTANA AG, is one of the world’s leading
manufacturers of effect pigments. With 1,750 employees worldwide, the group
develops, produces, and distributes metallic effect and pearlescent pigments
in powder, paste and pellet form as well as concentrates, dispersions and
printing inks. ECKART products are used in the coatings and printing
industries, the plastics, and autoclaved aerated concrete industries as well
as in cosmetic products. In the future, ECKART will also drive the
optimization and development of metal powders for 3D printing, thus opening
up new areas of application. ECKART is present in over 70 countries.
