12/18/2009 - Süd-Chemie and US technology licensor GTC Technology agree on strategic alliance

Süd-Chemie AG, a leading worldwide manufacturer of industrial catalysts based in Munich, Germany and GTC Technology Inc., Houston, Texas/USA, a global technology licensing and engineering company for chemical and petrochemical applications, have reached agreement on a strategic alliance. As part of this alliance agreement, Süd-Chemie has acquired a 25% share in GTC.

The partnership significantly strengthens Süd-Chemie‘s position in the market for catalysts used in the aromatic complexes. Aromatics are key intermediates for many fast growing applications. Prime example is para-Xylene – a compound which is the key intermediate for polyester. The demand for para-Xylene is projected to grow significantly especially in China, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Within the scope of this co-operation, Süd-Chemie will develop and supply catalysts and absorbents for GTC‘s processes. The two companies have also agreed to co-operate closely in promoting research and development, expanding the product portfolio and providing mutual technical support.

GTC Technology, a technology and process equipment supplier focused company with an overwhelming expertise in the areas they are serving, has been growing very fast over the last couple of years. They currently employ more than one hundred people worldwide and run production and sales sites in the US, Korea, China, Mexico, Singapore and the Czech Republic.

Dr. Hans-Joachim Müller, member of the Managing Board at Süd-Chemie AG, said: "By forming this alliance, both GTC and Süd-Chemie will enjoy tremendously benefits from aligning development capabilities and from exploiting synergies related to our current service offerings. This partnership will not only focus on growing the existing portfolio but is also determined to expand its role as a technology and service provider. By combining Süd-Chemie‘s catalyst know-how with GTC‘s process expertise and technical support capabilities we will make a difference to the industry we are serving."

Munich, 18 December 2009

About Süd-Chemie

Süd-Chemie (www.sud-chemie.com) is a publicly quoted (Security Identification Number ISIN: DE0007292005; WKN: 729200) specialty chemicals company headquartered in Munich, Germany and operating on a worldwide scale. Key markets served by its Adsorbents Division include the consumer goods, packaging and foundry industries, as well water treatment. Products manufactured by the Catalysts Division offer solutions for the chemical, petrochemical and refinery industries, for energy storage and hydrogen production, as well as off-gas purification. The common denominator of all Süd-Chemie products and services is the efficient and sparing use of natural resources to enhance the quality of life for humans and the environment. The Süd-Chemie Group generated sales of EUR 1.191 billion in 2008, approx. 80% of these outside Germany. At the end of September 2009, the group employed some 6,700 people in its 80 sales and production companies worldwide.