Starck rethinks fused alumina strategy

摘要

Differences have arisen in connection with the proposed formation of a joint venture between H. C. Starck GmbH & Co. KG, Germany, and the Wienerberger Group, parent company of Treibacher Schleifmittel AG, Austria. Further information on the nature of these differences has not been revealed. The jv had initially been announced in March this year, after gaining approval from the European Commission (see IM March '96, p.15). Under the terms of the agreement unveiled at that date, the Abrasives and Refractories Business Group of H.C. Starck, owned by Bayer AG, and all the activities of the Treibacher group were to be merged to form a jv. This was to include all the company's units at Villach, Austria; Domodossola in Italy; Ruse in Slovenia; and Niagara Falls, USA. Starck would have held 25 percent of the venture, with Wienerberger holding the remaining 75 percent.