The Experts below are selected from a list of 1425 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Nicolas Lyons - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Marc Reisch - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • SOLVAY TO BUY FRANCE’S Rhodia: SPECIALTY CHEMICALS: $4.8 billion acquisition will create a global powerhouse
    Chemical & Engineering News, 2011
    Co-Authors: Marc Reisch
    Abstract:

    BELGIAN CHEMICAL MAKER Solvay has made a cash tender offer to buy France’s Rhodia for $4.8 billion, a move that will accelerate Solvay’s expansion into fast-growing developing markets and nearly double its global sales. The acquisition of Rhodia will create “a major global chemicals platform under the banner of Solvay,” CEO Christian Jourquin says. In addition, the deal will allow Solvay to deploy cash it has been sitting on since selling its pharmaceuticals business to Abbott Laboratories for $7.6 billion more than a year ago. Coming on the heels of Clariant’s February agreement to buy Sud-Chemie for $2.6 billion (C&EN, Feb. 21, page 10), the purchase will continue consolidation in the European chemical industry. Rhodia’s board of directors has approved the combination, which would have ranked Solvay as the world’s 17th-largest chemical company in C&EN’s most recent Global Top 50 survey. The new firm will have $17 billion in annual sales, 40% of which ...

  • solvay to buy france s Rhodia specialty chemicals 4 8 billion acquisition will create a global powerhouse
    Chemical & Engineering News, 2011
    Co-Authors: Marc Reisch
    Abstract:

    BELGIAN CHEMICAL MAKER Solvay has made a cash tender offer to buy France’s Rhodia for $4.8 billion, a move that will accelerate Solvay’s expansion into fast-growing developing markets and nearly double its global sales. The acquisition of Rhodia will create “a major global chemicals platform under the banner of Solvay,” CEO Christian Jourquin says. In addition, the deal will allow Solvay to deploy cash it has been sitting on since selling its pharmaceuticals business to Abbott Laboratories for $7.6 billion more than a year ago. Coming on the heels of Clariant’s February agreement to buy Sud-Chemie for $2.6 billion (C&EN, Feb. 21, page 10), the purchase will continue consolidation in the European chemical industry. Rhodia’s board of directors has approved the combination, which would have ranked Solvay as the world’s 17th-largest chemical company in C&EN’s most recent Global Top 50 survey. The new firm will have $17 billion in annual sales, 40% of which ...

  • LEGAL CLASH DuPont and Invista are at loggerheads again over nylon
    Chemical & Engineering News, 2008
    Co-Authors: Marc Reisch
    Abstract:

    DuPont and Invista filed separate law-suits within a week, each alleging that the other violated nylon-related trade secrets and seeking unspecified monetary damages. On Nov. 6, Invista refiled a complaint in U.S. Federal Court for the Southern District of New York alleging that DuPont conspired with Rhodia to steal Invista’s Gen 1 technology to make the nylon 6,6 intermediate adiponitrile at a plant to be built in Asia by 2012. DuPont now buys adiponitrile at below-market prices from Invista to make nylon engineering resins, but Invista alleges DuPont is aiding Rhodia to assure itself of an advantage in obtaining supplies of the raw material when the Invista contract expires after 2012. The complaint drops Rhodia as a defendant because the court ruled last month that it did not have jurisdiction over the French firm’s activities (C&EN, Nov. 10, page 24). However, Invista hasn’t dropped the matter and late last week filed suit against Rhodia ...

  • Rhodia ups ante for albright wilson
    Chemical & Engineering News, 1999
    Co-Authors: Marc Reisch
    Abstract:

    It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Albright & Wilson. Rhodia has upped its offer to buy the British specialty chemical producer by $118 million to $856 million, trouncing two earlier bids of $657 million and then $808 million from Richmond, Va.-based Albemarle. Heads are spinning because A&W's board, which in late April had recommended that shareholders accept Albemarle's $808 million bid (C&EN, April 26, page 7), is now encouraging them to take Rhodia's sweetened offer, which was made through ISPG, a company backed by Rhodia. A&W's board says it "considers the terms of the increased offer to be fair and reasonable and in the best interests of shareholders." Albemarle could again counter in this fast-paced auction for A&W, which began in March, but that is by no means a certainty. At present, "we are in a holding pattern," says an Albemarle spokesman, who adds: 'We are looking at our options." ...

  • Rhodia ups ante for Albright & Wilson
    Chemical & Engineering News, 1999
    Co-Authors: Marc Reisch
    Abstract:

    It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Albright & Wilson. Rhodia has upped its offer to buy the British specialty chemical producer by $118 million to $856 million, trouncing two earlier bids of $657 million and then $808 million from Richmond, Va.-based Albemarle. Heads are spinning because A&W's board, which in late April had recommended that shareholders accept Albemarle's $808 million bid (C&EN, April 26, page 7), is now encouraging them to take Rhodia's sweetened offer, which was made through ISPG, a company backed by Rhodia. A&W's board says it "considers the terms of the increased offer to be fair and reasonable and in the best interests of shareholders." Albemarle could again counter in this fast-paced auction for A&W, which began in March, but that is by no means a certainty. At present, "we are in a holding pattern," says an Albemarle spokesman, who adds: 'We are looking at our options." ...

J C Conesa - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • chloride induced modifications of the properties of Rhodia ceria catalysts
    Topics in Catalysis, 2000
    Co-Authors: J Soria, A Martinezarias, Juan M Coronado, J C Conesa
    Abstract:

    A RhOx/CeO2 catalyst, prepared using RhCl3, is studied by EPR and IR spectroscopies, comparing the results with those obtained for Cl-free RhOx/CeO2. The substitution of basic hydroxyls by chlorides produces an extensive modification of the ceria surface, describable as formation of a cerium oxychloride surface layer, which improves the dispersion of Rhodia. The more covalent character of Ce4+–O 2 − bonds formed on the surface, the absence of ceria–Rhodia electron transfer and the stability of the surface against reoxidation are interpreted in terms of a Cl-induced lowering of the cerium electron energy levels.

  • Chloride-induced modifications of the properties of Rhodia/ceria catalysts
    Topics in Catalysis, 2000
    Co-Authors: J Soria, Juan M Coronado, Arturo Martínez-arias, J C Conesa
    Abstract:

    A RhOx/CeO2 catalyst, prepared using RhCl3, is studied by EPR and IR spectroscopies, comparing the results with those obtained for Cl-free RhOx/CeO2. The substitution of basic hydroxyls by chlorides produces an extensive modification of the ceria surface, describable as formation of a cerium oxychloride surface layer, which improves the dispersion of Rhodia. The more covalent character of Ce4+–O 2 − bonds formed on the surface, the absence of ceria–Rhodia electron transfer and the stability of the surface against reoxidation are interpreted in terms of a Cl-induced lowering of the cerium electron energy levels.

  • Spectroscopic Study of Active Phase-Support Interactions on a RhOx/CeO2Catalyst: Evidence for Electronic Interactions
    Journal of Catalysis, 1997
    Co-Authors: Arturo Martínez-arias, Javier Soria, J C Conesa
    Abstract:

    The effects of thermal treatments under vacuum, used as a way to generate reduced centers on Rh2O3and RhOx/CeO2, have been studied by ESR and FTIR, using respectively oxygen and carbon monoxide as probe molecules. The results obtained for the outgassed samples reveal the presence of ceria–Rhodia interactions favoring the stabilization of paramagnetic Rh2+cations in rhodium oxide clusters on the ceria surface. Subsequent O2adsorption leads to the formation of different oxygen-related paramagnetic species located on ceria, on rhodium oxide clusters and at the boundary between both oxides; their contribution to the spectra depends on outgassing conditions and O2adsorption temperature. The unexpected absence of O2−–Ce4+species after O2contact at 77 K with RhOx/CeO2outgassed above 573 K evidences the existence of electronic interactions between the RhOxand CeO2phases, being explained on the basis of electron transfer to the mixed valence RhOxphase from the surface-reduced ceria, leading to electron depletion of the latter. This effect is inhibited by CO adsorption, showing the dependence between the electron-accepting properties of the Rhodia clusters and the presence of vacant coordination sites at the surface Rh ions. An effect of similar kind may be responsible for shifts observed in the IR bands of rhodium dicarbonyls formed in the RhOx/CeO2system. The latter results suggest the possibility that thermal enhancement of surface reactions in complex systems could depend on electron transfer between adjacent phases and that adsorption on one phase may influence the surface reactivity of another phase by affecting to the electron transfer between them.

J Soria - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • chloride induced modifications of the properties of Rhodia ceria catalysts
    Topics in Catalysis, 2000
    Co-Authors: J Soria, A Martinezarias, Juan M Coronado, J C Conesa
    Abstract:

    A RhOx/CeO2 catalyst, prepared using RhCl3, is studied by EPR and IR spectroscopies, comparing the results with those obtained for Cl-free RhOx/CeO2. The substitution of basic hydroxyls by chlorides produces an extensive modification of the ceria surface, describable as formation of a cerium oxychloride surface layer, which improves the dispersion of Rhodia. The more covalent character of Ce4+–O 2 − bonds formed on the surface, the absence of ceria–Rhodia electron transfer and the stability of the surface against reoxidation are interpreted in terms of a Cl-induced lowering of the cerium electron energy levels.

  • Chloride-induced modifications of the properties of Rhodia/ceria catalysts
    Topics in Catalysis, 2000
    Co-Authors: J Soria, Juan M Coronado, Arturo Martínez-arias, J C Conesa
    Abstract:

    A RhOx/CeO2 catalyst, prepared using RhCl3, is studied by EPR and IR spectroscopies, comparing the results with those obtained for Cl-free RhOx/CeO2. The substitution of basic hydroxyls by chlorides produces an extensive modification of the ceria surface, describable as formation of a cerium oxychloride surface layer, which improves the dispersion of Rhodia. The more covalent character of Ce4+–O 2 − bonds formed on the surface, the absence of ceria–Rhodia electron transfer and the stability of the surface against reoxidation are interpreted in terms of a Cl-induced lowering of the cerium electron energy levels.

  • Interfacial RhOx/CeO2 sites as locations for low temperature N2O dissociation
    Studies in Surface Science and Catalysis, 1996
    Co-Authors: Joseph Cunningham, J Soria, J.n. Hickey, R. Cataluna, J-c Conesa, Arturo Martínez-arias
    Abstract:

    Summary Temperatures required for extensive N 2 O dissociation to N 2 , or to N 2 plus O 2 , over 0.5% RhO x /CeO 2 materials, and over polycrystalline Rh 2 O 3 or CeO 2 , are compared for preoxidised and for prereduced samples on the basis of conversions achieved in pulsed-reactant, continuous-flow and recirculatory microcatalytic reactors. Influences of sample prereduction or preoxidation upon those measurements and upon results from parallel ESR and FTIR studies of N 2 O interactions with such materials are presented and compared. Over partially reduced 0.5% RhO x /CeO 2 materials complete dissociation of N 2 O pulses to N 2 plus O 2 is obtained at temperatures 50–100° lower than those required for extensive dissociation over prereduced Rh 2 O 3 . Furthermore, N 2 was the sole product from the latter. Higher ongoing N 2 O conversions to N 2 plus O 2 at 623 K over 0.5% Rh/CeO 2 in pulsed-reactant than in continuous-flow mode point to regeneration of active sites under helium flushing between pulses. The TPD profile for dioxygen release from Rhodia containing samples at temperatures 350–550 K is presented. ESR measurements reveal complementary effects of outgassings at temperatures, T v , ≥573 K upon the availability at RhO x /CeO 2 surfaces of electron-excess sites reactive towards N 2 O. Differences from observations over Rh 2 O 3 and CeO 2 can be understood by attributing the low-temperature activity of RhO x /CeO 2 to electron excess sites at microinterfaces between the dispersed Rhodia component and the Ceria support.

Patricia Short - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • EUROPEANS RING UP ‘UNUSUAL’ 2007
    Chemical & Engineering News, 2008
    Co-Authors: Patricia Short
    Abstract:

    FOR EUROPEAN chemical producers, year-end financial reports indicate no “typical” result for the industry players in 2007. Significant ups or downs, reflecting the spate of acquisitions and divestitures that occurred last year, influenced many companies’ earnings performance. Rhodia, unlike some of its European peers, didn’t benefit from one-off earnings boosts that came from buying or shedding businesses. However, the French firm did reap a sizeable profit from businesses it has classified as “discontinued.” Thus, Rhodia’s 2007 net earnings more than doubled compared to 2006, but once the discontinued operations were stripped out, the company was left with a 34.2% decline in earnings to $100 million for the year. Despite that drop, the company’s chief executive officer, Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, said he is encouraged by the results and confident that Rhodia has turned the corner from its severe financial problems of the past few years. In fact, he said the company’s “solid performance together with [its] co...

  • Rhodia woes mount as activist shareholders demand changes at the top
    Chemical & Engineering News, 2005
    Co-Authors: Patricia Short
    Abstract:

    As its share price sinks almost to penny-stock levels, France's Rhodia has received several hostile shareholder proposals for its annual meeting next month. The company is also facing the threat of class-action lawsuits from irate U.S. shareholders. Last month, France's stock market regulatory authority accused Rhodia of improper financial disclosures from 2000 through roughly the end of 2003 (C& amp;EN, April 4, page 12). Since then, a number of law firms in the U.S. have filed complaints that may develop into class-action suits. The first such complaint was filed on April 7, and at least six more have been lodged since. Meanwhile in France, minority shareholders, led by French shareholder rights activist Colette Neuville, are trying to force Rhodia's top directors out. They have sent two proposed resolutions to Rhodia's board calling for the ouster of Yves-Rene Nanot, the company's chairman, and Hubertus Sulkowski, the former head of its risk committee. ...

  • EUROPEANS BASK IN PROFITS' SUN: Sales, earnings rebound following rough 2003, but currencies and prices play limiting role
    Chemical & Engineering News, 2005
    Co-Authors: Patricia Short
    Abstract:

    FOR MOST OF THE MAJOR EUROpean chemical companies that have reported their year-end financial results, 2004 was a decidedly good year. In fact, a sense of optimism radiated through the plethora of annual press conferences held by companies in February and March, because, for a change, the news was mostly good. For example, even financially beleaguered Rhodia was able to more than halve its net loss, with Chief Executive Officer Jean-Pierre Clamadieu confirming that the company expects to return to net profit in 2006. A restructuring of the company's debt—which fell in 2004 to just above $3 billion—and tight cost controls, augmented by income from divestitures, helped the company strengthen its balance sheet, Clamadieu said. And Rhodia was able to pass on some higher raw material costs to its customers, as were other European chemicals suppliers. Ironically, it was in Germany—where the national economy has been sputtering along fitfully—that chemical companies seemed to do best. ...

  • Rhodia stands fast despite loss for 2001 company is not looking for merger partners remains confident
    Chemical & Engineering News, 2002
    Co-Authors: Patricia Short
    Abstract:

    EMERGING FROM "AN EXTREMELY depressed" year and an aborted merger bid, the top managers at French specialty chemicals producer Rhodia were remarkably sanguine in presenting their 2001 results at the end of January. The company posted a net loss of $183 million, compared with a profit of $186 million in 2000. The loss, though, reflected heavy restructuring charges; excluding nonrecurring charges, the firm had a net profit of $59 million. Sales were down by 2% from the preceding year to $6.3 billion. And the company knocked $425 million off its corporate debt of roughly $2.6 billion at the end of 2000, in large part with the proceeds from asset sales. The strategic sale of assets is expected to continue this year: In a bid to reduce debt by at least $430 million, the company has hired consultants to advise it on the sale of noncore businesses. According to Pierre Prot, chief financial officer, Rhodia expects ...

  • Rhodia expedites integration of albright wilson
    Chemical & Engineering News, 2000
    Co-Authors: Patricia Short
    Abstract:

    Aiming to be the world's leading specialty phosphates company, French chemical company Rhodia is moving fast on integrating its operations with those of recently acquired Albright & Wilson. Anti-trust approval of the acquisition, which was announced last year, came this spring. "We have made substantial progress in the last three months in combining the cultures of the two companies, realigning our phosphates manufacturing strategy, and streamlining the business portfolio," said David Eckert, president of Rhodia's consumer specialties division, during a whirlwind series of briefings with the financial communities in Paris, London, and New York City. According to Eckert, the first positive impact of synergies from the acquisition are beginning to be seen and will accelerate rapidly, achieving cost savings of roughly $90 million per year in two years' time, up from the $50 million originally predicted. Among other moves, Rhodia has decided to close, by the end of the year, ...