Bayer MaterialScience (BMS) has concluded the takeover of Thermoplast Composite GmbH (TCG) in Langenfeld, near Nuremberg, which specializes in production of lightweight continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastics.

Neither an acquisition price nor sales figures for TCG were revealed.

The world market leader for polycarbonate, due to be a standalone company by mid-2016, if the Bayer holding has its way, said it will use the acquisition to expand its range of products for important industries.

BMS said the acquisition of TCG gives it access to innovative technology know-how as well as key patents and facilities. All employees are to be retained.

In a first step, the Bayer sub-group plans to expand TCG's production capacity in the headquarters region. Capacities in other regions will be added subsequently.

Already active in the development and marketing of polyurethane-based composite solutions, BMS is "seeing significant demand and growth opportunities for composites made from thermoplastic materials such as polycarbonate," said Markus Steilemann, member of the company's Executive Committee and head of the Polycarbonates business Unit.

Steilmann said he expects "promising opportunities" in the IT, automotive and transportation industries, as well as in consumer goods.

Bayer MaterialScience itself has been working on the development of polycarbonate composites. "By acquiring TCG, we have now filled the last gaps in our processing technology know-how," said Olaf Zöllner, head of Polycarbonate Applications Development for Europe.

Calling the takeover by BMS "the next logical step in TCG's successful development," Herbert Börger and Ingolf Knaup, managing partners of the composites maker, said they believe the company will now be able to "more quickly and comprehensively realize the industrial manufacturing and broad-based market introduction of unidirectional thermoplastic advanced composites based on the innovative and patented proprietary technology platform."

Established in 2007, Thermoplast Composite currently employs 12 people. In addition to performance fiber composites with a thermoplastic matrix, the company also specializes in ultra-lightweight foams, including PESU, and engineering services.