Ashland to Acquire ISP for $3.2B

Specialty chemical company Ashland plans to acquire chemical manufacturer International Specialty Products in a $3.2 billion all-cash deal.

Ashland Inc and International Specialty Products Inc (ISP) announced Tuesday that Ashland will acquire privately owned ISP. The $3.2bn business will be an all-cash transaction. This transaction is expected to close prior to the end of the September quarter and is subject to customary US and EU regulatory approval.

Ashland says the advanced ISP product portfolio will enhance its position in high-growth markets such as personal care, pharmaceuticals and energy. ISP will add high-value water soluble polymers and other advanced technologies to Ashland's functional ingredients business, and Ashland believes the acquisition will significantly strengthen its functional ingredients active patent portfolio and its team of R&D scientists. The acquisition also adds complementary additives for Ashland’s