Modified and synthetic acids are used widely across a range of industries, including water treatment, energy and petroleum, mining, industrial, consumer, and food & beverage. The business had a turnover of about C$80 million in 2022.

"This strategic divestment aligns with the future development and repositioning of the Fluid Energy Group into a leading sustainable chemistry supplier," said Fluid Energy’s chairman and CEO Clay Purdy. "We will continue our journey bringing new technologically advanced and innovative sustainable chemistries across the biofuels, fine chemistry, cellulosic ethanol and life sciences markets through our SixRing and SciencePak subsidiaries.

Subodh Menon, founder and director of business and operations at Dorf Ketal Chemicals India, added: "This acquisition will bring additional strategic assets, innovative new technology, talented people and strong customer relationships into Dorf Ketal. It will enable our continued sustainable global growth, aligning with our global focus on improving the environmental impact of our business and our customers operations and commitment to providing innovative services across a wide range of industries."

Dorf Ketal Chemicals is a privately owned global specialty chemicals and services company based in Mumbai, with operations in Asia-Pacific, China, Europe, the Middle East, South America and North America.

Last October, the firm agreed to buy Clariant’s North American land oil business. The transaction, which is expected to close during the 2023 first quarter, will give Dorf Ketal manufacturing facilities in California and Texas, producing more than 2,000 formulations for drilling, production and stimulation, along with 170 staff and a technology portfolio of more than 40 patent families.  

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist