Johnson Matthey to divest Alfa Aesar Research Chemicals business to Thermo Fisher for £256 million

Johnson Matthey has agreed to divest its Alfa Aesar Research Chemicals business to Thermo Fisher Scientific for £256 million in cash, subject to typical post-closing adjustments.

The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the 2015 calendar year, subject to satisfaction of typical pre-closing conditions. Johnson Matthey’s Research Chemicals business, which operates globally under the Alfa Aesar brand, is a supplier of over 45,000 speciality chemicals into both industry and academic institutions in small scale research quantities via its catalogue.

It has a global network of operations with eight core sites supported by five stand-alone sales offices. In total, the business employs approximately 480 people and is part of Johnson Matthey’s Fine Chemicals Division. In the financial year ended 31st March 2015 the Research Chemicals business had sales excluding the value of precious metals (sales) of £77 million. Commenting on the transaction, Robert MacLeod, Chief Executive of Johnson Matthey said: "The divestment of the Research Chemicals business is a further step in delivering our long term strategy to focus the group on growth areas where we can apply our expertise in complex chemistry to create long term value for our shareholders."

Virtual Event

Digitalization in the Chemical Industry
CHEManager Spotlight

Digitalization in the Chemical Industry

Save the Date: October 22, 2025
The event will be promoted to a combined audience of over 100,000 professionals across Europe through the CHEManager and CITplus networks.

Free Expert Insights

Dual‑Targeting Breakthroughs
Advancements in Bispecific Antibody Development

Dual‑Targeting Breakthroughs

Unlock the latest breakthroughs in bispecific antibody development! Download Wiley’s free Expert Insights eBook to explore cutting-edge dual-targeting strategies, advanced purification methods, and bioanalytical technologies transforming immunotherapy and cancer treatment.

most read

Photo
28.07.2025 • NewsChemistry

VCI Welcomes US-EU Customs Deal

The German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) welcomes the fact that Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and US President Donald Trump have averted the danger of a trade war for the time being.