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Saint-Gobain makes chemicals acquisitions in Canada, Italy and Peru

| By Mary Bailey

Saint-Gobain S.A. (Courbevoie, France)is reinforcing its construction chemicals portfolio with three new acquisitions: Interstar Materials in North America; Isoltech in Italy; and Soquimic in Peru. 

Interstar Materials is a leading North American manufacturer of high-performance pigments for all segments of concrete including ready-mix and precast concrete. Established in 1987, it operates two facilities in Canada (Quebec and Alberta) and one in the United States (Illinois). Concrete coloring has become popular amongst architects and contractors, with granular pigments having many advantages over liquid or powder pigments: they yield more vibrant colors, are simple to transport and store, easy to handle without temperature constraints and more environmentally friendly. Interstar will enrich Saint-Gobain’s range of solutions for the growing demand in decorative concrete solutions for façade, flooring and architectural elements and benefit from the Group’s strong presence in construction chemicals in North America. 

Isoltech is an Italian manufacturer of additives specialized in cellular concrete technology used in the production of lightweight concrete. Established in 1987, it operates a production facility in Verdellino, northern Italy. Its solutions are widely recognized for their excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, as well as their fire resistance, recyclability, vapor and water permeability. Isoltech serves the ready-mix concrete, precast and screed markets.

Soquimic is a leading manufacturer of concrete admixtures in Peru. Established in 2013, the company has two plants located in Lurin, near Lima, and in Arequipa, in southern Peru. This transaction will enrich Saint-Gobain’s range of solutions and accelerate its growth in Peru, following the acquisition of Z Aditivos in 2021, offering cement additives, and will complement the offering of Weber tile adhesives and facade renders.

Interstar, Isoltech and Soquimic generate revenues of around €25 million. They will benefit from Chryso’s expertise, innovation and R&D capabilities to support customers in the development of low-carbon materials and from Saint-Gobain’s global geographical footprint to expand their portfolio and value proposition in the market.

These acquisitions are in line with Saint-Gobain’s strategic plan, “Grow & Impact” which aims to both strengthen the Group’s worldwide leadership and accelerate its growth by enriching its range of solutions for light and sustainable construction.