Rockwood announced that its Frankfurt-based German subsidiary Chemetall has completed the formal legal split of its operations into two independent legal entities. Chemetall will remain the legal entity and brand name for the surface treatment business. The lithium and special metals business will be renamed Rockwood Lithium. The unit is already doing business under the brand name Rockwood Lithium.

Commenting on this, Rockwood Chairman and CEO Seifi Ghasemi said, "By splitting these two different businesses into independent companies we are better positioned to focus on their individual strengths. With the rapidly expanding markets for lithium ion batteries and metal organic chemicals, and on the other hand for advanced metal surface treatment chemicals, we will better be able to successfully focus in these markets. Both companies will lead their industries in sophisticated products, high level customer service and sustainable production to satisfy customer needs."

Rockwood Lithium is a global leader in lithium compounds and one of the largest lithium raw material producers. The company is also a leading provider of special metal compounds based on cesium, barium or zirconium.

Chemetall is a global leader in all facets of surface treatment products and technology. The company focuses its activities on the development and implementation of customized technology and system solutions for the treatment of surfaces with products for cleaning, giving corrosion protection, sealing, improving paint adhesion, and facilitating the forming and treatment of metals.