Henkel KGaA is in the process of selling to Lord Corporation its business with chemicals for bonding rubber to metal and other substrates. This Henkel Technologies business has so far been a non-core technology within the portfolio and should not be expanded. To date, Henkel has concentrated primarily on the European market with this activity. Since the automotive industry, the major customer in this segment, requires global service, Henkel decided to sell the business.

The sale and purchase agreement for the rubber-to-metal bonding chemicals business was signed by both parties on February 23. The transaction is still subject to outstanding closing conditions including the requisite antitrust approvals.

"The sale is the best strategic solution for all concerned", said Jochen Krautter, Executive Vice President Henkel Technologies. "The increasing globalization of customer operations demands a global presence in this highly specialized segment, and our current operating base cannot offer the kind of coverage required long-term."