Arkema Announces Sale of PMMA Business to Trinseo, Strengthening Trinseo’s Performance Plastics Portfolio

Arkema, headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, has confirmed its intention to divest its longstanding Plexiglas PMMA business to Trinseo, the former Dow Styrenics unit based in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. The transaction aligns with Arkema’s strategic shift toward becoming a pure specialty‑materials company by 2024, focused exclusively on adhesive solutions, advanced materials, and coating technologies.

The deal is contingent upon approval from relevant antitrust authorities and an information‑and‑consultation process with Arkema’s employee representative bodies. Once cleared, the transaction is expected to close in mid‑2021 and is projected to unlock new growth opportunities for the PMMA segment over the long term.

Trinseo’s acquisition will complement its existing portfolio of performance plastics—including ABS, PC, and blends—enhancing its presence in automotive, construction, and lighting markets. The PMMA operation, which operates seven production sites across North America and Europe and employs approximately 860 people, will continue to supply products under the well‑recognised Plexiglas brand in the Americas and Altuglas worldwide.

Arkema’s PMMA activity covers the entire value chain, from methyl methacrylate synthesis to the production of polymethyl methacrylate. This integrated approach positions the company as a market leader in applications such as automotive interiors, architectural facades, signage, and sanitary ware.