Johnson Matthey buys Clariant’s energy storage

Specialty chemicals company Clariant has formally closed on the sale its energy storage business to Johnson Matthey, the companies announced on Monday.

The total consideration of the sale amounts to $75 million. The deal was first announced in October 2014.

The energy storage business of Clariant is the largest hydrothermal lithium iron phosphate (LFP) producer in the world. The lithium ion cathode material is used in electric vehicles and stationary battery applications. 

“This acquisition provides us with a strong position in LFP from which to develop a broad portfolio of battery materials," said Robert MacLeod, CEO of Johnson Matthey. "It further strengthens our battery technologies capability, which marks an important step in Johnson Matthey’s long term strategy to establish new business areas.”

The business employs around 100 employees, predominantly in Canada and Germany.

“The divestment of the Energy Storage business with its LFP technology is part of our focused portfolio management and reallocating capital towards our core areas care chemicals, catalysis and energy, natural resources, and plastics and coatings,” said Hariolf Kottmann, CEO of Clariant.