OpenGate Capital Signs Agreement to Acquire North American and European Amphoteric Surfactant Manufacturing Business from Solvay S.A.

Industry Veteran John Foley to be Appointed as Chief Executive Officer

LOS ANGELES & BRUSSELS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--OpenGate Capital, a global private equity firm, announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire the amphoteric surfactant manufacturing business (“Business”) from Solvay (Euronext: SOLB). The acquisition is subject to the satisfaction of works council consultations and regulatory approvals.

The Business is a key player in surfactants, with a focus on the production of amphoterics primarily utilized in body care, hair care, and home care products. Approximately 175 employees are part of the Business and it also includes three main production sites located in University Park, Illinois USA, Halifax, UK, Genthin, Germany, and a tolling business in Turkey.

Commenting on the acquisition agreement, OpenGate Capital’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Nikou stated, “We are incredibly proud to have been chosen by Solvay to guide their amphoteric surfactant business in its next stage of growth. We look forward to collaborating closely with the Business’ management team to help them reach their strategic objectives and drive continued success.”

Upon the completion of the acquisition, John Foley will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Business. Foley is a tenured, industry veteran and has held the roles of Chief Executive Officer at ORG Chemical Holdings, and Vice President & General Manager of Novecare, North America. Foley stated, “I am looking forward to working alongside the existing team and continuing their great work, as well as with the OpenGate team, which is an operationally focused, collaborative investor. There is a bright future ahead for the Business and I am excited to begin the work.”

“This agreement represents another critical step in the execution of our strategic plan as we further focus our home & personal care portfolio on growing specialty formulations and custom solutions,” commented Michael Radossich, president of Solvay's Novecare global business unit.

About OpenGate Capital

OpenGate Capital is a global private equity firm specializing in the acquisition and operation of businesses to create new value through operational improvements, innovation, and growth. Established in 2005, OpenGate Capital is headquartered in Los Angeles, California with a European office in Paris, France. OpenGate’s professionals possess the critical skills needed to acquire, transition, operate, build, and scale successful businesses. To date, OpenGate Capital, through its legacy and fund investments, has executed more than 30 acquisitions including corporate carve-outs, management buyouts, special situations, and transactions with private sellers across North America and Europe. To learn more about OpenGate, please visit www.opengatecapital.com.