Corporate strategy

The business of ALTANA stands out for its consistent, above-average growth. In addition to operative growth, some 40 acquisitions since 1988 have made a significant contribution to our success. Targeted acquisitions, large investments in research and development, and our concentration on growth-intensive specialty markets have sustainably increased the value of our company.

Research and development (R&D) are a particularly high priority at ALTANA. Our high R&D investments secure our innovative power and technological edge. In 2011, our expenditures in this area were about € 87 million or five percent of our revenue, while the industry average is about three percent. In late 2011, more than 800 employees – approximately 16 percent of ALTANA’s workforce – worked in research and development worldwide. ALTANA has filed over 200 patent families.
We generally perform our research and development projects in-house with our own employees. The focus of our R&D activities is currently on the consistent advancement of products and technologies for existing markets, with sustainable optimization of products and manufacturing processes as the top objective. Beyond that, it is our goal to open up new application markets and to expand our business with existing and new customers. We cooperate closely with universities, research institutes, and suppliers in this area.

The decentralized business model of ALTANA with relatively independent local subsidiaries means maximum flexibility, speed, and efficiency. In addition, we practice active portfolio management with selective acquisitions and divestments to operate all Divisions profitably and with added value and to establish new areas of business.
During the reporting period, we acquired three companies or parts thereof and divested one business unit. Specifically, we acquired parts of the U.S.-based Quadrant Chemicals Corporation and the polyurethane casting resins business of the Swiss company ABB Micafil for the ELANTAS Electrical Insulation Division. We also acquired the coatings business of Aquaprint GmbH in Oyten, Germany, as part of an asset deal and integrated this business into the ACTEGA Coatings & Sealants Division. The polyurethane foam stabilizer business of the BYK Additives & Instruments Division has been sold. We also gave up an ECKART production facility in Italy in 2009 and instead expanded the capacity at the German headquarters in Güntersthal.

The environmentally sound products of the acquired companies contribute to the sustainability strategy of ALTANA. In addition, acquisitions always include specific measures to protect the environment since the purchase of new companies is always preceded by the so-called environmental due diligence process, which includes a review of compliance with the law, such as the European chemicals law REACH and physical checks for soil and groundwater contamination. Overall, ALTANA is aware of soil contamination at ten sites. In all cases, the restoration is either complete or in progress.