New adhesives plant in Sweden and acquisition of Dutch firm Den Braven

French speciality chemicals firm Arkema is investing in its adhesives and sealants arm, Bostik, by building a new manufacturing plant in Sweden, and agreeing to buy Dutch firm Den Braven for €485 million (£405 million).

Acquiring Den Braven will boost Bostik’s position in Europe, as well as giving it access to Den Braven’s product portfolio and eight manufacturing plants worldwide.

The new plant in Helsingborg will produce cement-based construction products including tile adhesives, mortars and flooring products.

These moves are part of Arkema’s strategy for 2020 to derive 50% of its sales from its high performance materials segment (which includes Bostik as well as technical polymers and performance additives).