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UK company Croda International has acquired a 65% equity interest in Sichuan Sipo Chemical Co Ltd, a non-listed natural speciality chemicals manufacturer based in Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, China. Completion of the transaction followed receipt of regulatory approval from the Chinese authorities. The transaction increases Croda's presence in emerging markets and strengthens its Performance Technologies business. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Speciality chemicals group Lanxess is responding to the strong rise in worldwide demand for iron oxide pigments by launching an investment programme. This year it plans to invest about €20 million in expanding capacities at its three production sites for these products – in Germany (Krefeld-Uerdingen), China (Jinshan) and Brazil (Porto Feliz). The company currently has global synthesis capacities of more than 350 000 tonnes/year for the production of Bayferrox products, which are used as colorants for concrete, roof tiles, plastics, coatings and paper, as well as special applications such as toners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]