OpenGate Capital completes acquisition of amphoteric surfactant business from Solvay S.A.

OpenGate Capital, a global private equity firm, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of the North American and European amphoteric surfactant business from Solvay (Euronext: SOLB). As part of this transaction, the business has been renamed Verdant Specialty Solutions (“Verdant”), representing a new chapter of innovation and growth for the company. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Under the leadership of newly appointed Chief Executive Officer John Foley, Verdant will reenergize its commercial strategy and accelerate growth while continuing to focus on safety, compliance, and reliability. The company will expand its portfolio of sustainable solutions for the personal care, home and hygiene, industrial, and other markets by pursuing an accretive acquisition strategy in existing and adjacent technologies and markets. Mr. Foley is a proven executive in the specialty chemicals sector and brings more than 30 years of experience to Verdant.

OpenGate Capital’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Nikou stated, “There has been a notable increase in demand across the personal care, and home and hygiene markets particularly for natural-based products, which have accelerated over the last year in light of the ongoing pandemic. The potential for Verdant and the chemicals sector in terms of growth and innovation makes this acquisition appealing. One of the first steps in positioning Verdant for continued success was bringing in John Foley as the new leader for the business.”

John Foley, Chief Executive Officer of Verdant, stated, “OpenGate Capital’s deep operational expertise and collaborative approach will be critical as Verdant continues to create and deliver high quality, secondary surfactants and specialty chemicals that meet our customers’ evolving needs.”

Serving more than 100 customers in 30 countries, Verdant is an important supplier for some of the world’s most recognizable personal care, and home and hygiene brands. Verdant intends to further diversify its customer base by serving more small- and mid-size manufacturers in a wider range of market segments.

The company has approximately 175 employees across three main production sites in University Park, Illinois USA, Halifax, UK, Genthin, Germany, and a tolling business in Turkey. Verdant’s new headquarters will be in Houston, Texas.