DL Chemical Completes Acquisition of US-based Crayton... "Accelerating Global Management"

Enhancing R&D Capabilities... Leap to a Global Company
Plans Including Facility Investment at Yeosu Plant in the First Half

A view of Crayton's advanced material Styrene Block Copolymer (SBC) production plant in Belpre, Ohio, USA. (Photo by DL Chemical)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] DL Chemical has completed the acquisition of the US-based company Kraton and is embarking on full-scale global management. Kraton is a global biochemical company recognized as the number one leader in the advanced material styrene block copolymer (SBC) sector in the US and European markets.

DL Corporation announced on the 14th that Kraton has met all conditions necessary for the merger with its subsidiary DL Chemical, and the acquisition process is scheduled to be finalized on the 15th.

DL Chemical completed approval procedures from major countries including China and Germany following the US regulatory authorities' approval last November. Within six months of the acquisition announcement, DL Chemical has embraced Kraton, a key player in the SBC market, transforming itself into a global petrochemical company. A DL Chemical representative explained, "Kraton is a company with world-class technology, and through this acquisition, DL Chemical has not only enhanced its R&D capabilities but also evolved into a global petrochemical company."

DL Chemical plans to accelerate the expansion of the specialty market by utilizing Kraton's latest technologies. Kraton holds over 800 patents and operates five research and development (R&D) centers across the US and Europe.

They have introduced products such as Qler, which aids in the mixed recycling of plastics with different materials; BioAxam, capable of sterilizing microorganisms including viruses up to 99.99%; and memory foam mattress materials. These are eco-friendly technological products closely related to consumers' daily lives. DL Chemical intends to focus on developing premium products such as eco-friendly materials by collaborating with Kraton's global R&D centers and actively explore new markets.

Additionally, DL Chemical plans to enhance profitability by integrating Kraton's global production bases, sales networks, and logistics infrastructure with DL Chemical's petrochemical business operations. DL Chemical has prior experience increasing sales of Cariflex, acquired from Kraton in 2020, by 31% from 198.8 billion KRW to 260.9 billion KRW within one year.

This year, DL Chemical is also planning facility investments at its Yeosu plant in the first half. The company is actively considering new business ventures in low-cost regions such as the Middle East. A DL Chemical representative stated, "We will continue to grow as a leading company in the global market through ongoing domestic and international investments."

Exterior view of Donuimun D Tower in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where DL Chemical headquarters is located. (Photo by DL Chemical)

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