…and Bayer shopping Hennecke

Plastics and chemicals supplier Bayer (Leverkusen, Germany) seeks a strategic partner for its Hennecke subsidiary, which manufacturers polyurethane processing machinery. Hennecke is based in Sankt Augustine, Germany.

Bayer acquired 100% of Hennecke in 1975. Hennecke GmbH employs about 400 in Germany, with another 150 employees at Hennecke subsidiaries in Asia (Japan and China) and in Pittsburgh, PA. Bayer Press Spokesman Frank Rothbarth says the supplier cannot reveal Hennecke sales figures prior to the March 15 finance press conference but adds that Hennecke’s sales and profits “grew noticeably” from 2005 to 2006. Hennecke officials directed questions to Bayer’s Rothbarth. Citing its own sources, German newspaper General Anzeiger says sales grew from €60 million to €72 million.

Upon request Bayer provided a statement, dated Jan. 30, 2007, offering background on the planned divestment. In the statement, Bayer states it seeks a suitable new owner for Hennecke that can offer the company growth opportunities. The new owner is expected to continue Bayer’s close relationship with Hennecke, says Rothbarth.

Hennecke is one of the global leaders in polyurethane machinery and processing equipment serving a wide range of customers including those processing slabstock, refrigeration appliances, sandwich panels, and automotive components. The news of its impending sale comes after an 18-month period in which one of its leading competitors, Krauss-Maffei Plastics Machinery (Munich, Germany), has invested heavily in its PUR processing machinery business, acquiring toolmakers and opening a new sales, service, and testing facility in the U.S.

In related news, engineering polymer producer Bayer MaterialScience (Leverkusen, Germany) has just combined its global polyurethane (PUR) systems business under the umbrella brand of BaySystems in a move that affects both existing product brands and its network of PUR systems houses. “By separating our PUR activities into a raw materials and a systems business, we can provide customers with more individual attention and deliver the levels of service they want,” says Peter Vanacker, head of the PUR business unit at the company.—[email protected]