COLOMBES - Adhesive specialist Bostik, part of the Arkema Group, is acquiring Prochimir SAS, a French company specialising in high performance thermobonding adhesive films.

The acquisition is in line with Bostik's strategy to broaden its solvent-free thermobonding solutions business, which is finding increasing traction in the automotive, construction, textile and medical markets. These environmentally sound solutions ensure excellent adhesion on materials, therefore addressing many bonding issues.

The transaction, details of which were not disclosed, is expected to close in the fourth quarter, subject to approvals by antitrust authorities.

Prochimir is a renowned supplier of thermobond films and breathable membranes with strong commercial positions with its customers, leaders in their markets. The company operates two leading production facilities, in France

(Vendée) and in the United States (Virginia), employs 85 people, and currently reports €30 million sales, with steady growth in the last 5 years.

Prochimir’s products are sold around the world, and exports account for 75% of sales.

"This activity perfectly complements Bostik’s offering in specialty thermobonding solutions, and offers plenty of strong technological and commercial synergies that will speed up Bostik’s development in the fast-growing markets of adhesive bonding," the company said in a statement.