ICIS - Search Articles by Date : March 08 2004 - March 14 2004

Cefic forecasts ‘modest improvement’ in outlook
Anticipating a revival of economic and industrial activity this year, Cefic has raised its forecast for growth in the European Union chemical sector,.... more
(08 March 2004 10:46)

Borealis on track to deliver profit
With its nine-quarter transition programme completed and a strong fourth quarter performance continuing into 2004, Borealis says it is on track to.... more
(08 March 2004 10:48)

NPC Urges Balanced Approach to Energy Policy
In advance of the 29th annual International Petrochemical Conference, sponsored by the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association (NPRA) to.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Petrochemicals in Brief
BASF Corp. will increase its off-list selling price for glyoxal in the US by 4c. per pound effective April 1 or as contracts allow. BTX March.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Biotech Sector Enjoyed a Modest Recovery in 2003
After a rocky 2002, the health of the biotech sector began to show signs of improvement in 2003. Cash flow issues were alleviated for some.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Pharmaceuticals in Brief
Amersham Biosciences, the life sciences arm of Amersham, has launched AKTAxpress, the first fully integrated protein purification system to.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Top 10 Biotech Deals
Top 10 Biotech Deals in 2003 by Dollar Value Acquirer Target Deal Value ($ millions) Idec Pharmaceutical Corp .... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

IT in Brief
Oracle Trial Set for June A federal court judge has set a June 7 trial date for the US Department of Justice’s (DOJ) lawsuit against Oracle.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Strategy at Work: Crop Protection Companies Jockey for Top Position
For crop protection companies, whose strategy relies on traditional agrochemical and the evolving role on ag biotech, 2004 may turn out to be an.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

IBM Executive Joins CMR’s Editorial Advisory Board
James Kulbeda, who currently leads the strategic change practice for the chemicals and petroleum industries at IBM’s Business Consulting.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Lack of Job Growth, Trade Deficit Highlight US Economy
The US trade deficit and the lack of job growth are two major issues facing the US economy. Growing imports from China raised the US trade.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Arch Enhances Focus On Pool Chemicals
Earlier this month, Arch Chemicals Inc. agreed to acquire Avecia Ltd.’s biocides business for roughly $215 million, and, in the process,.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Flavor and Fragrance Corner
F&F Corner Lemon Oil 5 Fold (California type) $55 per pound Orange Oil ?5 Fold Florida $4.50 per pound Orange Oil ?5 Fold Israel .... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Specialties Pricing
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. implemented a North American price increase for higher and specialty select amine products on March 1..... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

FERC Urged To Check Prices
The Industrial Energy Consumers of America is calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to quickly require price reporting in.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

GE Lawsuit Against the EPA to Reopen
A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals has ordered a low-er court to reopen General Electric Com-pany’s (GE) lawsuit against the.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

FDA to Provide Help for Generics
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it will provide more information to help generic drug applicants determine if they are eligible for.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Repeal of Mexican HFCS Tax Urged
Senate Finance Committee Chair-man Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) is urging the White House to raise the issue of Mexico’s tax on soft drinks.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Administration Mulls Increase Of Methyl Bromide Production
The Bush administration is proposing to increase production of methyl bromide, a pesticide linked to ozone destruction that is being phased out.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

NPRA Exhorts Congress Not to Take Energy Supply for Granted
The petrochemical industry is urging Congress to focus on the supply side of the energy equation and not to take adequate energy supply for.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Total European Chemicals Production Could Decline
The performance of the European chemical industry could deteriorate so badly over the next 10 years that its output could start declining. A.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Aventis to Refund Bayer $402 Million
Aventis has agreed to refund €327 million ($402 million) of €7.25 billion it received last year from Bayer for the sale of Aventis CropScience. .... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Degussa to Shift Pharma Production to China
Degussa plans to shift a large proportion of its pharmaceutical chemicals production from Europe to China in order to take advantage of low-cost.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

UK Allows Cultivation of GM Crops
The chances of genetically modified crops being grown throughout the European Union (EU) have been boosted by the UK government’s decision to.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

OMV Reports Strong Earnings Increase
OMV’s basic petrochemicals operation increased its earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) by 76 percent to €14 million ($17 million) in the.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

“Fairly Gloomy” Markets Cut Tessenderlo Profits
Tessenderlo Group blames high raw material prices, lackluster European markets and poor conditions in the PVC and feed phosphates sectors for a.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Castor Oil Price on the Rise in a Volatile Market
Bullish price sentiment in the global edible oils sector has allowed speculative activity in the Indian castor market to run, pushing castor oil.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

API Focus: Tapping Growth in the Rapidly Growing and Changing Diabetes Market
GLP-1 agonists and PPAR agonists represent the next wave in the growing diabetes market, and the pharma majors target improved delivery of insulin.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Opportunities Emerge for Engineering Resins
DuPont Engineering Polymers is emphasizing the development of engineering resins that deliver “performance and beauty” to enable customers to.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Drug Import Measure Draws Debate
Bipartisan support for a drug importation measure is building in the Senate this year, more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Jockeying for Position Among APIs
Only a handful of blockbuster contenders are expected to receive approval this year, but US prescription drug sales are still expected to reach.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Chemical Prices for week ending March 12, 2004
These chemical prices are list, unless otherwise specified. These listings are based on pricing information obtained from suppliers. Posted prices do.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

ACC Projects Continued Economic Strength
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) continues to project strong economic growth in 2004 although high energy costs remain a concern..... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Aventis Sells Asthma Drug to Kos
In line with the company’s strategy to streamline its product portfolio, Aventis is divesting the global rights to its asthma drug, Azmacort.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Business In Brief
Atrix, Genpharm in Pact Atrix Laboratories Inc. has signed an exclusive marketing pact with Genpharm Inc., an affiliate of Merck Generics.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Breaking News Roundup
American Vanguard’s Profits Jump American Vanguard Corp. posted a 34 percent gain in fourth quarter 2003 earnings to $4.5 million, or 72.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

News In Brief
GEO’s Rating Falls Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services has lowered its senior secured bank debt rating on GEO Specialty Chemicals Inc..... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Novopharm to Invest in Facility
Novopharm Ltd., the wholly owned Canadian subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., plans to invest C$20 million to expand its Hood Road.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Jobs and People
Eric H. Bjerkholt Eric H. Bjerkholt has been elected to the board of directors of StemCells Inc. He brings several years of experience and.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Ruger Targets Pharma and Nutritional and Cosmetics Markets
Ruger Chemical Company Inc., a privately held distributor of pharmaceutical actives, excipients, personal care and cosmetic ingredients, and.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Thomas Reilly is SCI Medal Recipient
Thomas E. Reilly, retired chairman of Reilly Industries Inc., has been awarded the 2004 Chemical Industry Medal by the Society of Chemical.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Saudis Sign Three Gas Exploration Deals
Following its decision to call off the Saudi Gas Initiative (SGI), Saudi Arabia has signed gas exploration deals worth an estimated $800 million.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Tokai Carbon and Sumitomo Plan to Build A Carbon Black Joint Venture Plant in China
Tokai Carbon Company Ltd. and Sumitomo Corp. are forming Tokai Carbon (Tianjin) Company Ltd., an 80-20 joint venture to manufacture carbon black.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Lipitor Continues to Outperform
The battle for market share in the highly lucrative anticholesterol arena heated up last week at the American College of Cardiology’s 53rd Annual.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Georgia Gulf Delays Plant Turnaround
Georgia Gulf Corp. will delay an outage it planned for the first quarter at its vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) and chlorine/caustic soda plants in.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

A Closer Look at Nation’s Critical Infrastructure Is Urged
Citing the dangers chemical plants, seaports and nuclear power facilities face from potential terrorist attacks, Senator Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) is.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Rhodia Raises Equity Target And Finalizes Danisco Deal
Embattled French specialty chemicals firm Rhodia concedes it may need to raise more than the previously announced €300 million from a rights.... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Financial Chart-Debt Snapshot
Debt Snapshot Net debt figures in millions of dollars Company Year End 2002 Year End 2003 % Change Dow Chemical 11,552 10,717 .... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Financial Chart-Debt Snapshot part 2
Debt Snapshot (continued) Net debt figures in millions of dollars Company Year End 2002 Year End 2003 % Change Hercules 1,507 .... more
(12 March 2004 18:47)

Honam bid for KP emerges
HONAM Petrochemical and KC Holdings – a consortium comprising an American financial institution, a Chinese company and a South Korean company – are.... more
(08 March 2004 10:57)