THE WORLD THIS WEEK

28 August 2006 00:00  [Source: ICB]

FlexSys flexes its ­patent muscle again

A patent infringement action pursued by Flexsys America has been reopened by the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Flexsys is seeking $20m in damages against Sinorgchem, Korea Kumho Petrochemical Company (KKPC), Kumho Tire USA and Kumho Tire Company. It alleges that Sinorgchem and KKPC infringed Flexsys process patents for producing 4-­aminodiphenylamine (4-ADPA), and that its PPD derivatives and that the Kumho companies are importing tyres into the US that include those products.

Brazil exports 16% more chems in 2006

Brazilian chemicals exports increased 16% during the first seven months of 2006 to $4.8bn compared with the same period of 2005, reports national chemicals association Abiquim. Imports climbed just 5% to $8.8bn for January-July. Exports soared 37% in July compared with June, buoyed by strong exports of aluminium oxide, Abiquim notes.

Amur River worries on new Chinese leak

Rosprirodnadzor, the Russian environmental watchdog, is watching contamination levels in the Amur River. This follows reports of another chemical leak into the Songhua River in China's Jilin Province, according to deputy head Oleg Mitvol. In November 2005, an explosion at China's Jilin Petrochemical plant resulted in benzene contamination of the Songhua and Amur.

>> For more environment stories see page 36

Dishman buys Eu research business

India's Dishman Pharmaceuticals & Chemicals Limited (DPCL) has bought Solutia's Switzerland-based pharmaceuticals research business, Carbogen Amcis, for over $75m. The deal was carried out through Dishman's Belgian subisidiary Dishman Pharma Solutions in Brussels and took effect from 1 August.

Camillo Eitzen places shares, raises money

Norway-based bulk and chemical tanker operator Camillo Eitzen & Co has completed the private placement of 3.5m ordinary shares, raising gross proceeds of about NKr229m ($36.4m/€28.5m).

>> For more on the firm's plans see page 34

Cathay buys iron oxide pigments from ISK

Cathay Pigments has completed its purchase of US-based ISK Magnetics. Once part of Pfizer, ISK Magnetics is the world's largest producer and supplier of magnetic iron oxides for audio and data applications. Financial terms were not disclosed.

UK drags heels in HCFC replacement says BOC

BOC last week warned that adoption rates for HCFC alternatives in air conditioning plants needs to increase by 10% year-on-year for the UK to phase them out by the proposed European ban in 2010.

Cognis not for sale after Q2 numbers

Cognis, the German specialty chemicals group, reported a 36% year-on-year rise to €840m in operating profits for the ­second quarter in late August. Cognis said its owners PermiraGoldman Sachs and SV Life ­Sciences had looked at a number of options for the company, but had decided not to pursue any of them. They will continue holding their investment for at least the next ­two years because that is the better option. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) were up to €101m from €95m in the second quarter of last year. Sales were 2.2% higher at €840m.

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