Dutch group Stahl has acquired US flame retardant specialist Eagle Performance Products for an undisclosed sum. The addition of water-based flame retardants opens up endless opportunities for both technical textiles and leather products, particularly in its key market segments such as automotive, aeronautics and home interiors, Stahl said. The Waalwijk-based company manufactures process chemicals for leather products, performance coatings and polymer dispersions.

Huub van Beijeren, Stahl’s CEO, said it has been cooperating closely with Eagle Performance Products for many years. “As the synergy advantages are numerous, we have decided the time was right to combine our forces,” he said, adding that the deal expands Stahl’s product coverage, innovation power and sustainability expertise in flame retardant technology.

Eagle Performance Products has specialized in flame retardant technologies since it started up in 1974 under the name Chem-Cast. The Calhoun, Georgia-based company has focused on the North American market, strengthening its portfolio with a series of acquisitions from 1996 to 2013. It has offices in Delaware and Atlanta.

CEO of Eagle Performance Products, John Friddle, said Stahl offers the opportunity to grow beyond North America, expanding the technology to a global market.  Friddle will take up a new role as business manager, Eagle Flame Retardants of Stahl.