Kentucky environmental attorney Sanders says Baskem acquires Sunoco’s polypropylene business on the way to becoming global player in plastics business.

Baskem, a Brazilin company and a leading resin producer in the Americas, announced that it has signed an agreement with Sunoco, Inc. (“Sunoco”), a U.S.-based oil company, for the acquisition Sunoco’s polypropylene (PP) business.  Sunoco Chemicals, Inc. (“Sunoco Chemicals”). Sunoco will receive US$350 million for the shares in Sunoco Chemicals (only PP assets), upon closing, within 60 days.

This transaction represents an important step in Braskem’s international expansion process.  Sunoco Chemicals has annual production capacity of 950,000 tons of polypropylene.

Sunoco Chemical’s headquarters are located in Philadelphia, PA, and Sunoco Chemicals has three plants located in La Porte, TX, Marcus Hook, PA, and Neal, WV, which account for approximately 13% of installed U.S. polypropylene production capacity.

In addition to Sunoco’s industrial units, the acquisition also includes a technology and development center in Pittsburgh, PA, which will play an essential role for Braskem in continuing to provide support for clients in product and market development and technical assistance services.

Braskem expects to leverage this industrial and commercial base to complete potential acquisitions or strategic alliances in the future and expand its presence in the U.S. market and its leadership role as the largest resin producer in the Americas, aiming to achieve its objective to become one of the five largest petrochemical companies worldwide.