On April 1, 2021, Covestro completed the acquisition of the RFM (Resins & Functional Materials) business from the Dutch company DSM. The transaction received regulatory approval after Covestro and DSM signed an acquisition agreement in late September 2020. The transaction substantially expands Covestro’s portfolio of sustainable coating resins, making the Group one of the world’s leading providers in this growth market. The integration of RFM will expand the Group’s revenues by around 1 billion euros and will add more than 20 sites to its global production network.

“The acquisition of RFM significantly contributes to the implementation of our new Group strategy. With this transaction, we are taking another important step towards sustainability, while at the same time generating sustainable growth”, said Markus Steilemann, CEO of Covestro. “We are looking forward to meeting our new colleagues and warmly welcoming them to Covestro”.

With the transaction, Covestro is expanding its business in several areas. The Group is already one of the leading global providers of water-based polyurethane dispersions. The acquisition of RFM adds a complete range of water-based polyacrylate resins, as well as strong brands in terms of sustainability such as Niaga, solutions for additive manufacturing, and an advanced solar coatings business. In addition, Covestro is enhancing its technology portfolio to include water-based hybrid technologies, powder coating resins as well as radiation curing resins.

Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer at Covestro: “With this transaction, we are strengthening our extensive portfolio with further innovative products and technologies that will enable us to meet our customers’ needs in optimal fashion. Now our focus is on integrating the teams, leveraging talent and providing the best possible support for our new and existing customers”.

Following a comprehensive analysis, Covestro expects permanent synergy effects to build-up to about 120 million euros per annum from full integration by 2025. These consist of approximately two-thirds of cost and one-third of revenue synergies.