Materials technology firm Inhance Technologies LLC has acquired Advance Research Chemicals Inc. for an undisclosed price.
ARC makes fluorine-based chemicals that are used in medical batteries, semiconductors, 3D printing and pharmaceuticals. The firm was founded in 1987 and operates a 200,000-square-foot manufacturing site in Catoosa, Okla., as well as a production site in Mexico. ARC can provide research and development, pilot and commercial-scale production, officials said in a Dec. 14 news release.
Houston-based Inhance is a global provider of polymer technology, including fluorination barrier and surface technologies for industries such as health care, consumer products and transportation.
"ARC is a pioneer in their markets, and their highly complementary suite of solutions will add to our existing offerings as well as expand our geographic and industry reach," President and CEO Andrew Thompson said in the release.
"Together, we will be a global leader in sustainable specialty chemicals and materials technologies with unmatched R&D capabilities, technical know-how and geographic breadth," he added.
ARC founder and Chairman Dayal Meshri said that the transaction "combines two true industry leaders, uniquely positioning the combined company to capitalize on its existing technologies and deliver a broader suite of innovative solutions."
Inhance has been owned by investment firm Aurora Capital Partners of Los Angeles since 2018. Under Aurora, Inhance has made "significant investments" to support its growth, including the opening of a new headquarters and R&D center in Houston and expanding its facility in St. Louis.
The ARC deal is Inhance's second under Aurora. In 2019, Inhance acquired Lauterbach, Germany-based Fluor Technik System GmbH, which provides post-mold fluorination technology.
In addition to automotive and packaging, Inhance's end markets include health care, consumer products, crop protection, fuel systems and industrial. It has 20 facilities, including its Houston headquarters and regional offices in Mexico, Germany, Brazil and Australia.