Orion Engineered Carbons, formerly Evonik’s carbon black business, has bought French acetylene black manufacturer Société du Noir d’Acétylène de l’Aubette (SN2A) from LyondellBasell Industries as of Oct. 31. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“SN2A brings us a skilled team, proven technology and an operating plant. With this platform we are going to significantly strengthen our capabilities in the lithium-ion battery market and broaden our position in other attractive markets,” said Corning Painter, Orion’s CEO, adding that the bolt-on acquisition is a perfect fit with the company’s focus on specialty carbon blacks.

The deal with LyondellBasell includes a long-term agreement for supplying feedstock. Orion said it plans to strengthen production capabilities at SN2A’s plant in Berre l’Etang, near Marseille.

Orion is also expanding capacity for specialty carbon blacks in Ravenna, Italy, with the addition of another line to supply the growing coatings, polymers, printing and specialty markets. The new line is expected to begin production in the fourth quarter of 2019. The company said the investment was a continuation of its portfolio realignment toward higher value-added products.

Headquartered in Luxembourg, Orion was formed in July 2011 following Evonik’s divestment of its carbon black activities to private equity groups Rhone Capital and Triton Partners. Orion went public on the New York Stock Exchange in July 2014.