In a move to expand its position in the Brazilian market, the Actega division of German specialty chemicals producer Altana has acquired two owner-operated companies, Premiata and Overlake, both based in the state of São Paulo.

Premiata's two facilities employing 140 people operate under the name of Premiata Tintas and Premiata Especialidades Químicas and specialize respectively in printing inks and coatings for the packaging industry. Overlake is an over-print varnishes specialist with 70 employees at one site.

"As both companies focus entirely on specialty chemicals and tailored customer solutions they are a perfect match for Altana," said Martin Babilas, member of the Wesel-based company's management board.

Going forward, all Brazilian businesses of Altana's Actega division will be concentrated in the newly established national entity Actega do Brasil.

"Taking over Premiata and Overlake means we can significantly expand our portfolio of solutions particularly for the Brazilian packaging industry," said Actega division president Roland Peter.

The company already has a production and research site in Brazil run by its Elantas division, which develops and distributes insulating materials for the electrical and electronics sectors.