LyondellBasell and A. Schulman announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which LyondellBasell will acquire A. Schulman for a total consideration of 2.25 billion dollars. The acquisition builds upon LyondellBasell's existing platform in this space to create a premier Advanced Polymer Solutions business with broad geographic reach, leading technologies and a diverse product portfolio.

"The acquisition of A. Schulman is a natural extension of our current platform. This combination will allow us to provide our customers with a wider range of innovative solutions while adding the ability to serve high-growth end markets beyond the automotive sector, such as packaging and consumer products, electronics and appliances, building and construction, and agriculture", said Bob Patel, CEO of LyondellBasell. "By leveraging our proven approach to operational, commercial and business excellence, the combined business will create significant value for our shareholders and customers".

"This transaction, which provides our shareholders with a compelling, immediate cash premium, represents the culmination of a robust assessment of strategic alternatives undertaken by our board of directors", said Joseph M. Gingo, chairman, president and CEO of A. Schulman. "We are delighted to join forces with LyondellBasell, an industry leader we have admired for many years. LyondellBasell not only shares our commitment to meeting customers' demanding requirements, but with its scale and resources, the combined business will be better positioned to address a broader range of customer needs by integrating across applications and offering customers a wider range of solutions in attractive and growing markets. We also expect this combination to create significant opportunities for A. Schulman employees, whose professionalism and expertise will be integral to advancing LyondellBasell's vision, values and commitment to making a positive global impact".

The combined businesses had revenues of 4.6 billion dollars and the acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2018.