SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, May 8, 2013 — Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (MCI) has announced that it will purchase the Heraeus Kulzer dental division of Heraeus Holding, the German-based precious metal and technology company. The transaction, which is expected to be approved by the German Trade authorities by late June, calls for Japanese-based MCI to keep Heraeus Kulzer’s current management structure in place. Heraeus Kulzer management believes the new ownership umbrella will provide excellent opportunities for consolidating its leading position in the dental market.
The decision by Heraeus Holding to sell has been brought about by the company’s conclusion that the dental business is not an ideal strategic fit with its other business sectors. In contrast, MCI management has strategically targeted the emerging healthcare market and intends to have Heraeus Kulzer serve as the cornerstone of its efforts in the international dental business. Heraeus Kulzer’s future owner, which was established in the 19th century, is an internationally listed chemicals company with 13,000 employees worldwide. MCI focuses mainly on the manufacture and sales of petrochemicals and inorganic chemical products.
MCI will take over the entire Heraeus Kulzer dental division with its 1,400 employees in 20 locations around the world. The company will continue to be called Heraeus Kulzer and be run by its current management team, with global headquarters remaining in Hanau, Germany. Jan Rinnert, the responsible Board Member for Heraeus Kulzer at the Heraeus Holding, explained, “We see excellent opportunities under Mitsui Chemicals’ ownership for the further long term development of Heraeus Kulzer. This was the deciding factor for our decision to sell.”
Dr. Martin Haase, who will continue to head Heraeus Kulzer as Managing Director, views the change in ownership with optimism. “Mitsui is strengthening its position outside Japan. It’s about the long term commitment of a successful industrialist. Heraeus Kulzer will play a key role in Mitsui’s expanding business concept, which provides us with good long term growth opportunities.”
According to Christopher Holden, president of Heraeus Kulzer North America, Mitsui Chemicals brings rich R&D resources and is a leader in the development and manufacture of polymer technology. “The combination of Mitsui Chemicals’ polymer expertise and our product development capabilities can only augment and accelerate our ability to deliver the innovative dental materials and services that our customers need and deserve,” he said. “Beyond that, of course, we are thrilled that our new owner is so committed to the growth of our company and our employees.”
Mr. Holden stressed that nothing will change for Heraeus Kulzer customers. “We will be using the same dedicated sales representatives and distributors to sell the same innovative products manufactured in the same state-of-the-art-factories,” he said. “Our main focus will continue to be on customer orientation, reliability and service, and we will be poised for more growth than ever before.”
