Trinseo completes purchase of Synthomer's VP latex unit

Berwyn, Pennsylvania – Trinseo SA has acquired Synthomer plc’s vinyl pyridine latex unit in a bid to expand its latex binder and tire businesses.

"This acquisition aligns well with our strategy to grow our latex binders business in coatings and CASE applications, and also reinforces our position as a solutions provider to the high-performance tire segment," said Trinseo CEO and president Frank Bozich 1 May.

Synthomer sold its VP latex operations to Trinseo to meet European Commission conditions for the acquisition of Ohio-based polymer group Omnova Solutions.

Representing less than 0.5% of the company's €1.7 billion annual sales, Synthomer’s Pyratex business manufactures VP latex which is primarily used by tire manufacturers to improve safety and performance.

VP latex, according to Trinseo, is “an essential ingredient” in binders for coating tire cord fabrics, ensuring a strong bond between the tire cord and rubber during the tire manufacturing process.

The transaction includes product recipes, customer lists and associated intellectual property related to the tire cord binders business; while no physical assets or employees are transferred to Trinseo.  

As per the contract, Trinseo will manufacture the products at Synthomer’s production facility at Marl, Germany.